Braai
Often eaten: During family and friend gatherings
Known for: All over South Africa
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4 dishes to discover
Food of South Africa
Get ready to explore the yummy world of South African food! Imagine sharing a sizzling braai with friends, where tasty meats are grilled to perfection. And don't forget the delightful melktert, a creamy and sweet dessert that melts in your mouth. These dishes are just a taste of the exciting flavors and stories that make South African meals so special.
Featured Dishes
Meal Culture
In South Africa, meals are a time for family and friends to come together. Food is a big part of celebrations and every day life. People love to share their favorite dishes and stories at the table.
Eating Etiquette
It's polite to wait for everyone to be served before you start eating. Using your hands is common, especially when eating bread or some delicious grilled meats!
When People Eat It
Melktert
Often eaten: As a dessert
Known for: All over South Africa
DessertCelebration
Bunny Chow
Often eaten: Lunch or dinner
Known for: Indian communities in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Street FoodSchool Lunch
Bobotie
Often eaten: For dinner with family
Known for: Cape Malay community, Cape Town
Family DinnerTraditional Meal
Make It Yourself
👩🍳 Cook together! Always ask a grown-up to help with hot or sharp steps.
BraaiBraai
Makes 6 servingsIngredients
- 2 lb (900 g)Boerewors sausage
- 1 lb (450 g)Chicken pieces
- to tasteSalt and pepper
- 1 lemonLemon
- to servePap or bread
How to Make It
- 1Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.
- 2Ask a grown-up to build a fire and let it burn down to glowing coals.
- 3Lay the boerewors in a coil and the chicken on the grill.
- 4Cook slowly over the coals, turning often, until browned and cooked through.
- 5Let the meat rest for a few minutes.
- 6Serve with pap (maize porridge) — a South African barbecue gathering.
MelktertMelktert
Makes 8 servingsIngredients
- 1 crustPie crust
- 3 cups (710 ml)Milk
- 1/2 cup (100 g)Sugar
- 2 eggsEggs
- 1/4 cup totalFlour and cornstarch
- for dustingCinnamon
How to Make It
- 1Ask a grown-up to bake the pie crust until lightly golden.
- 2Heat the milk in a pot until warm.
- 3Whisk the eggs, sugar, flour, and cornstarch together until smooth.
- 4Slowly stir the egg mix into the warm milk and cook until thick and creamy.
- 5Pour the custard into the crust.
- 6Dust with cinnamon and chill — a beloved South African milk tart.
Bunny ChowBunny Chow
Makes 4 servingsIngredients
- 1 loafLoaf of bread, unsliced
- 1 lb (450 g)Chicken or beef
- 1 eachOnion and tomato
- 2 tbspCurry powder
- 2 potatoesPotatoes, cubed
- 1 tbsp eachGarlic and ginger
How to Make It
- 1Ask a grown-up to cook the onion, garlic, ginger, and curry powder until fragrant.
- 2Add the meat, tomato, and potatoes with a cup of water.
- 3Simmer for about 40 minutes, until the curry is thick and the meat is tender.
- 4Cut a loaf of bread in half and hollow out the middle to make a bread bowl.
- 5Spoon the hot curry into the hollow.
- 6Pop the scooped-out bread on top for dipping — a Durban street food.
BobotieBobotie
Makes 6 servingsIngredients
- 1.5 lb (680 g)Ground beef or lamb
- 1 onionOnion, chopped
- 1 tbspCurry powder
- 2 slicesBread soaked in milk
- 1/4 cup eachRaisins and chutney
- 2 eggs, 1 cupEggs and milk (topping)
How to Make It
- 1Ask a grown-up to cook the onion and meat with curry powder until browned.
- 2Stir in the soaked bread, raisins, and chutney.
- 3Spoon the mixture into a baking dish and press it flat.
- 4Whisk the eggs and milk and pour over the top.
- 5Tuck in a couple of bay leaves.
- 6Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes, until the topping is set and golden.
Vocabulary
Compare South Africa's communal braai gatherings to American barbecues. Do you think the way people gather around food helps make both events special?