5 South African dishes that are a must-try

South African cuisine exploits a diverse range of culinary traditions. South African cuisine has been influenced by the French, Dutch, Malaysian, and other indigenous cultures due to the settlement, colonisation, and location on the coast. When you taste the food of South Africa, you can attain a cultural experience. Many of the dishes of South Africa are relished in countries like Australia. So, you can purchase some traditional dishes like droewors from online stores. If you want to know more about the dishes in South African cuisine, you can read this article further and learn all about them.

  1. Bobotie: Bobotie is a South African dish that consists of egg-based topping and spiced minced meat. It has its influences from the Indian population of Cape Malay. In the past, bobotie was documented by the ancient Roman writer Apicius, which consisted of pine nuts, layers of cooked meat, celery seeds, and seasoned with pepper. This dish was cooked until the flavours were blended and milk and egg were added. According to a South African writer, this dish was well-known in Europe in the seventeenth century. Some claim the origin is from “boemboe,” a Malayan word for curry spices, while others claim it originated from the Indonesian dish called bobotok. Whatever the origins may be, it was brought into South Africa and made with a mixture of pork and mutton. Plus, it is also served with sambal. This dish is not particularly spicy and adds a lot of complexity when incorporated with different flavours.
  2. Koeksisters: Koeksisters is another popular and traditional South African delicacy or confectionery. Generally, you require hot oil to fry the plaited dough strips to prepare the koeksisters. After getting it fried, you can either dip it in honey or ice-cold sugar syrup. The name “Koeksisters” comes from the Dutch word koek, a wheat flour confectionery, and “sister”, which includes the tradition of two sisters plating the doughnuts and dipping them into the syrup. Also, the sizzling sound called “sis” is made when the dough is put in the hot oil. You must not get baffled by “koe’sister” the Cape Malay version. The South African version is different because it contains a liquid syrup centre and a golden crunchy crust.
  3. Chakalaka: Chakalaka is a vegetable relish of South Africa and is generally spicy. Traditionally, it is served with curries, stews, pap, bread, and samp. This dish might have originated in the gold mines or in the townships of Johannesburg. You will find a plethora of variations of this dish, which entirely depends upon the family tradition and region. A few versions of Chakalaka include butternut, beans, and cabbage. This dish is usually made with garlic, onion, canned baked beans, curry paste, and canned tomatoes. It can either be served at room temperature or served cold.
  4. Droewors: This dish is a snack food of South Africa, which means dry sausage. It is usually made as a thin sausage, which is less likely to spoil. You can also finddroewors in the thick form. It can be made with veal, pork, or beef, making it high in protein and less in carbs. This dish can be found in various online stores in Australia. If you want to taste one of the best South African delicacies, you must definitely try this dish. It is an excellent snack and a post-workout treat. You can also carry it in your workout bag or when you go for long hikes.
  5. Vetkoek: Vetkoek is a traditional fried dough bread of South Africa, which means “fat cake.” It is in the shape of a doughnut with a curry mince stuffed inside. It is a popular meal in South Africa and is attainable with many vendors.

South African foods have become an essentially healthy choice and a delicacy favoured by many.