Food & Drink

A Culinary Overview of South Africa

South Africa’s food is defined by bold spices, fresh produce, and a deep-rooted culture of sharing meals. Maize, boerewors (a spiced sausage), and chutneys form the base of many traditional dishes, while biltong—South Africa’s beloved dried meat snack—is found in nearly every corner store and market. 

Signature dishes like bobotie (a fragrant curried meat bake with a custard topping), braai (the local version of a barbecue), bunny chow (curry served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread), malva pudding (a warm apricot-flavoured sponge dessert), and melktert (a sweet milk tart) highlight the country's unique blend of influences..

Regional specialties add further depth. Found mainly in Cape Town, Cape Malay cuisine is marked by a fragrant mix of spices, such as cinnamon, turmeric, and clove, brought by enslaved people and migrants from Indonesia, Malaysia, and other parts of Southeast Asia during the Dutch colonial era. 

Coastal regions, particularly the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, are celebrated for fresh seafood, while the Eastern Cape and interior regions like the Free State lean toward hearty meat dishes and stews.. Rooibos tea, grown only in South Africa, is enjoyed everywhere, both hot and cold, and plays an important role in daily life.

Portuguese influence is also felt strongly in South Africa's love for peri-peri chicken, a spicy chilli-based dish popularized by Mozambican and Portuguese communities and now found on menus across the country. South Africa’s global restaurant export, Nando’s- founded in Johannesburg in 1987 - helped introduce peri-peri chicken to the world!

“You cannot go wrong with food or drink in South Africa,” says  Destination Specialist Sam Cottar. “There is always an amazing array of food and beverages to explore.”

 “I love recommending South Africa as a starting point for Africa,” adds Destination Specialist Brooke Theron. “Not only is the cuisine fantastic, but it’s accessible and diverse, with influences from all over the world.”
 

Unique South African Dining Experiences

From smoky braai feasts shared with friends to elegant seafood lunches overlooking the Indian Ocean, every meal in South Africa feels like an event. 

In Cape Town, food tours through neighborhoods like Bo-Kaap introduce you to Cape Malay spices and vibrant local dishes, while open-air taverns serve bunny chow and bobotie with a side of live music and warm conversation.

For a truly engaging culinary outing, the Gold Restaurant in Cape Town is a real standout. “It’s an evening of African culture and celebration,” Destination Specialist Sam Cottar says of the establishment, which he describes as “an immersive African experience [offering a] 14-dish food safari and unique live entertainment, with storytelling, singing, and dancing.”

For wine lovers, the Cape Winelands towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek offer intimate tastings paired with mountain views and Cape Dutch charm.

“South Africans are very proud of their food traditions,” says Destination Specialist Sam Cottar. “Some of the best dining happens at local markets and boutique wineries ,such as the Oranjezicht City Farm Market in Cape Town or the Neighbourgoods Market in Johannesburg. where the experience is just as special as the meal.”

For insight into local customs around meals, markets, and tipping, check out our South Africa travel tips.
 

South African Wine and Spirits

South Africa is one of the world’s most dynamic wine destinations, with a winemaking tradition dating back to the 1600s. The Cape Winelands, home to such iconic regions as Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, are known for bold reds like Shiraz and Pinotage (a local varietal) and for crisp whites like Chenin Blanc. 

"World-class Cape wines - including Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Methode Cap Classique sparkling wines - are a must-try when visiting the region" Destination Specialist Angela Donnelly says. 

Vineyard tours often include cellar tastings, gourmet meals, and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and vineyards.

And wine isn’t the only star. Craft gin distilleries are thriving in the country, and many lodges and restaurants offer sundowner cocktails to cap off a day of exploring. 

Whether you’re sampling wines at a boutique estate or sipping bubbly on a sunset cruise, South Africa’s drinks scene is as refined as it is inviting.
 

Dining Etiquette in South Africa

Dining in South Africa is as much about connection as it is about food. Meals are often shared family-style, with multiple dishes served to the table and enjoyed communally. Outdoor eating is a national pastime, from backyard braais to seaside cafés. South Africans tend to dine in a relaxed, unhurried manner, especially in the evenings, when meals evolve into social gatherings.

“This is how South Africans do a barbecue,” says Destination Specialist Angela Donnelly “With generosity, flavour, and a big welcome.”

Whether you're enjoying artisanal fare at the Orangezicht Farmers Market or indulging in fresh oysters at the Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga Rocks, the service is typically warm, attentive, and unpretentious. Tipping is customary and appreciated across service sectors, including safari guides and hotel staff. The range is about 10 to 15 percent in restaurants, in higher-end restaurants, 12–15% is most common

On the whole, you’ll find that meals are reflective of deeper South African cultural traditions, where hospitality and community are always on the menu.

Accommodating Dietary Needs in South Africa

South African cuisine is wonderfully adaptable to a wide range of dietary preferences. Vegetarian and vegan travelers will find no shortage of flavourful dishes, from chakalaka (a spicy veggie relish) to pumpkin fritters and lentil bobotie. 

Many restaurants, particularly in cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, offer gluten-free menus or alternatives for dairy-free and allergen-conscious diners.

The country’s cultural and religious diversity also means that halal and kosher options are widely available, especially in especially in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. During holidays and festivals, you'll find special seasonal dishes that cater to religious observances and communal traditions. 

Whether you’re on safari, in the Winelands, or exploring local markets, dietary flexibility is embraced across South Africa’s dining scene.

Plan Your South African Culinary Adventure

South Africa’s culinary scene is as diverse as its landscapes, ripe for discovery with every bite. Whether it’s a private chef preparing a braai feast under the stars at a luxury lodge, a guided market-to-table tour in Cape Town, or an afternoon of wine tasting in the Cape Winelands, there’s a gourmet experience to suit every palate. 

From informal cooking classes in the Bo-Kaap to cultural dining experiences such as those offered at Gold Restaurant, every meal becomes a story. Book your custom South Africa food and wine journey with Goway today.

FAQs

What is Afrikaans culture food?

Afrikaans cuisine includes hearty dishes like bobotie (spiced meat pie), koeksisters (sweet pastries), and boerewors (farm-style sausage), often served at braais.

What food is most eaten in South Africa?

Staples include maize-based pap, grilled meats, spicy stews, and braai-style dishes enjoyed across cultures.

Do South Africans eat a lot of meat?

Yes, meat plays a major role in South African diets, especially at braais and in dishes like biltong, boerewors, and peri-peri chicken.

What is the traditional food of South Africa?

Traditional dishes vary by region but commonly include bobotie, chakalaka, vetkoek, and bunny chow.

What is the most popular street food in South Africa?

• Bunny chow—a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry—is a Durban favourite and iconic South African street food.