As a South African living abroad, I try to cook as many traditional dishes from my culture as I can. There is literally no better way to create a sense of home, although it’s not always easy to source ingredients.
Here are three of my favourite South African dishes and restaurants where you can enjoy them.
1. Chakalaka
Chakalaka is a hearty, spicy relish dish of tomatoes, carrots, peas, peppers, onions, and beans. It’s believed that it originated in the South African townships of Johannesburg, by mine workers looking for a quick and easy meal. It’s traditionally served over rice, bread, or pap (cornmeal porridge) or as a condiment for barbeques.
The best chakalaka is made at home with friends and family, by simply adding all of the vegetables together and simmering until soft. It can also be enjoyed at Moyo Melrose Arch in Johannesburg, South Africa.
2. Bunny chow
Bunny chow is a deliciously spicy, quarter filled loaf of bread. Legend has it, back when migrant Indian workers arrived in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa, they needed a way to transport their lunches, and so, the bunny chow was invented.
All you need to recreate this meal is your favourite vegetables or meat and a loaf of bread. If you prefer to dine out rather than prepare this dish yourself, I would recommend the Bunny Bar in Durban, South Africa.
3. Bobotie
Another mouth-watering dish worth mentioning is the bobotie. Imagine a curried, minced meat dish baked to perfection with a crispy egg-based topping. It’s traditionally served with rice on the side.
Bobotie originated in the seventeenth century in Europe. The first documented recipe dates back to 1609 in a Dutch cookbook. Once taken to South Africa, it was adapted by the Cape Malay people to what it is today. There are some variations, but the base is the same.
What I like about this recipe is that it’s easy to prepare and all of the ingredients can be found almost anywhere in the world. You simply bake the layered curried mince with the egg topping in a dish, straight into the oven. One of my favorite places to order this dish is Karibu restaurant at V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa.
What are some traditional dishes from your culture? Tell us about them in the comments below.
