Top 5: Foods to Try in South Africa

South African cuisine is comprised of a blend of flavors from the country’s indigenous people and cooking practices from various periods of colonization and immigration. On your next visit to South Africa (https://www.southafrica.net/us/en/), be sure to sample these dishes.

Biltong

This popular snack consists of dried, cured and spiced meat. Similar to American beef jerky, this preparation is typically made using venison, though diners can expect to see other options including ostrich or antelope meat.

Bobotie

The hearty dish consists of curry-spiced ground meat and dried fruit, like raisins topped with an egg-based mixture then baked. Bobotie is thought to have come from the Cape Malay community of Asian descent.

Chakalaka

The preparation of this vegetarian dish varies by region. Typical vegetables include peppers, onions, carrots, tomatoes and spices. The spicy dish resembles a relish and is often served alongside other traditional South African foods like pap, a type of cornmeal porridge similar to polenta.

Malva pudding

The sweet dish has Dutch origins. The sticky sponge pudding is topped with apricot jam and finished with a cream sauce while it’s still hot from baking. Visitors will find this at many South African restaurants.

Vetkoek

Also known as “fat cake,” these deep-fried dough balls can be prepared with sweet or savory toppings and fillings. Popular options include ground meat, chutney, honey or jam.