South Africa Food and Drink
Food
The cuisine of South Africa is often referred to as ‘Rainbow cuisine’ as it reflects the various cultural influences that have existed in the country since colonial times. The impact of Dutch, Malay, British, German, Indian and Portuguese people, as well as local indigenous tribes, can be experienced in dishes from around the country. South African cities are quite cosmopolitan and modern, as the such, international fare is readily available, and is, in some cases, easier to sample than indigenous South African food!
Popular dishes include:
Braaivleis: This dish consists of meat that is roasted over an open wood or charcoal fire. The ‘braai’ as it is commonly known is more than just a meal; it is a social event and a staple of South African culture regardless of race or ethnicity.
Biltong: This is seasoned meat or sausage that has been dried. Beef, game and ostrich meat are commonly used. The meat is left to dry anywhere from five days to two weeks. Biltong is a very popular snack for native South Africans and visitors alike.
Bunny chows: A South African fast food dish, Bunny chows are dishes that contain a hollowed-out loaf of bread that is filled with curry. Originating in Durban, this meal came from the Indian community living there. Bunny chows come in quarter, half and full loaves.
Bobotie: The South African version of shepherd’s pie, Bobotie is the result of Malay influences felt in the country. It is a curried mince stew with various additions including raisins and almonds, served with a baked egg on top.
Boerewors: This is a traditional Afrikaner dish of farmer’s sausage, made from a mixture of beef and pork, flavoured with coriander and other spices.
Drink
South Africans love beer and the local market is dominated by SABMiller which produces Castle, Castle Milk Stout and Black Label. Other popular international brands include Stella Artois, Heineken and Grolsch. South African wine is well known around the world with Cape Town housing major vineyards and production centres at Paarl, Stellenbosch and Worcester. Indigenous drinks include umqombothi which is a home-brewed sorghum beer, rooibos tea which is a red-leafed tea grown in the Western Cape and Amarula cream, a sweet creamy liqueur made from the fruit of the Marula tree.
Things to Know:
Tipping is widely practiced in South Africa with 10-15% being standard practice for good service in restaurants and bars. (For airport porters, R5-R10 per piece of luggage, hotel porters, R10-R20 per service).
Drinking age:
18
South Africa Travel Information
At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to South Africa.
Learn about the history and culture of South Africa, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about South Africa's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering South Africa for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our South Africa tours today!
Extend Your Stay
After your South Africa vacation, why not consider one of Goway's Europe tours or Egypt tours en route from South Africa or perhaps a stopover in Dubai on one of our United Arab Emirates tours.
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