Michael English
Cape Town, South Africa
One of the greatest pleasures of travel is discovering new tastes and flavours. Trying local foods is a gateway which allows you to understand the local culture. South Africa is called the Rainbow Nation due to the many different ethnic groups that live here.
There are twelve official languages in South Africa. And, many different religions are observed from traditional beliefs to Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Islam. These cultural and religious influences have created a fusion food scene worthy of the title the Rainbow Nation.
South Africans are known for their warm hospitality which is often expressed through food. South Africa generally has high levels of hygiene and eating out at restaurants is one of the highlights of visiting the country. Cape Town and Johannesburg are especially known for their food scene.
The standard of food at South African Safari Lodges is generally excellent. Most lodges will have different dining experiences on offer during your stay. You could have sumptuous buffets and communal affairs around a Boma Fire to romantic fine dining moments for honeymooners.
Here are some foods and dining experience with which to tantalise your taste buds while on your next trip to South Africa.
Boerewors on Braai Photo Credit Pixabay
1) Boerewors Braai
Boerewors means “Farmers Sausage”. Made from ground beef, pork, and spices, Boerewors is often cooked as part of a Braai (barbeque). Braai and cooking Boerewors are common to most people in South Africa – so much so that Heritage Day is informally referred to as National Braai Day.
The mildly spicy sausage is beloved by many South Africans.
Biltong Photo Credit Pixabay
2) Biltong
A dried cured meat like American Beef Jerky, Biltong is commonly eaten as a snack in South Africa. The meat is often spiced with Coriander Seeds and Cumin. Game meat from animals such as Kudu and Eland are considered by some to make the tastiest Biltong. Springbok Biltong is often sold to Tourists as a Novelty. You might find some in snack packs or served with Peanuts as part of your Sundowners while on Safari.
Note: Many a person has learned the hard way, most countries won’t allow Biltong to be imported. So enjoy this unique South African dish on your Safari!
Rusks Awaiting Second Bake EcoTraining South Africa © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
3) Rusks
Often on Safari, you will be woken before dawn to set out on your early Morning Game Drive. Likely you will be presented with Tea and Coffee, as well as a hard, dry biscuit to dunk. This is a Rusk. Dipped in Tea or Coffee, they soften but hold their shape - so that you can eat them without breaking a tooth.
Rusk is an anglicized term for the Afrikaans beskuit. The Voortrekkers made these long-lasting twice-baked biscuits to take on long journeys such as the Great Trek or during the Boer Wars.
Lodge and Guest House Cooks, if they don’t make their own, pride themselves on procuring the best, local handmade Rusks for their Guests. For many South Africans, Rusks have nostalgic value and rank high as comfort food.
4) Amarula Cream
The fruit of the Amarula Tree is beloved by Elephants and many different species of animals. The trees only occur in Africa and the fruit has been used to create a Cream Liquor that is almost as much associated with being on Safari as a Gin and Tonic.
Poured over ice and sipped slowly around a crackling fire after dinner, this liquor captures the Spirit and Taste of Africa.
South African Rooibos © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
5) Rooibos Tea
Rooibos, Afrikaans for “Red Bush”, belongs to a group of rare plants only found on the southern tip of Africa called Fynbos. Rooibos is often referred to as “Bush Tea”.
The fine leaves of the Rooibos plant are used to make a herbal tea which has a honey-sweet taste and a heady perfumed fragrance. There are two types of fermented and green.
The tea has become popular throughout the world as it is caffeine-free, is high in antioxidants and has many health benefits. You may find some South Africans who do not prefer the taste, as they associate it with Granny giving it to them when they were sick in childhood.
In South Africa, you will often be given the choice of Black Tea or Rooibos. And, will most definitely be offered Rooibos on your Sunrise Safari.
Restaurant South Africa©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
6) Fine Dining
South Africa has gained an international reputation for the quality of its Fine Dining. Due to the exchange rate, international guests can eat at some of the top restaurants in the world such as Nobu, The Test Kitchen or Woflgat for a reasonable price.
You would need to book these top restaurants well in advance as they do book out. There are many great restaurant options to be found especially in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria.
Diemersdal Wine Tasting ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
7) South African Wine
South Africa has a reputation around the world for the quality of its wines. Especially, their Sauvignon Blanc. Pinotage, a unique varietal to the country, a hybrid of pinot noir and cinsault, was created at Stellenbosch in 1925.
However, it was a dessert wine called Vin de Constance, produced on Groot Constantia Estate which made South African wine famous. It was so beloved by Napoleon Bonaparte that he had it sent to him when he was exiled on the island of St Helena.
There are hundreds of Wine Estates, ranging big Estates such as Diemersdal boutique Wineries of which Mitre’s Edge would be a perfect example. Enjoy a South African Wine Tasting with local cheeses and charcuterie. Some offer fabulous dining experiences, and all come with spectacular views!
Cape Malay Cooking Class©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
8) Cape Malay Food
From the Malay Archipelago slaves were brought to the Dutch East Indies, Madagascar and East Africa. Here they worked the farms in the Colonial Settlement at the Cape.
This mixed heritage brought many cultural influences together and gave birth to a unique Cape Malay Cuisine. The food is based on Spice (not hot), Sweet, and Sour. While in the country try a Malay Curry, Pickled Fish, Babotie, Samosas, and Doughnuts.
Or better yet, have a true cultural experience with one of the many Cape Malay Cooking Classes. You can return home a Cape Malay Cook!
Nando's Photo Credit Wikipedia
9) Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken
Nando’s is one of the most famous South African fast-food chains. Famous for its Mozambican Portuguese style Peri Peri Chicken, Nando’s even sells its famous sauce.
While you can get Kentucky Fried Chicken in just about any small town in the country, Nando’s is a South African specialty which is not to be missed. Flame-grilled the chicken is coated in a special chilli Peri Peri Sauce before serving. Sides such as Peri Peri Chicken Livers and Mixed Grilled Veg are also popular.
While most fun trying at its home, don’t despair if you can’t make it during your time in South Africa. Nando’s has become an international sensation. Nando’s can be found throughout the Gulf States as well as in and around Washington, DC. And, for more fun from home, search for Nando’s Ads – the are often timely and hilarious. Enjoy!
Malva Pudding © Michael English
10) Malva Pudding
A rich sweet dessert of apricot flavoured sponge which is soaked in a sweet custard, Malva Pudding tastes of South Africa. It is an extremely popular dessert among all South African’s. You will often find it on menus at Restaurants, Safari Lodges, and Hotels throughout the country. It is perfect if you want to indulge your sweet tooth.
There is controversy as to where the name Malva comes from. Some people claim that it comes from the Afrikaans word malvalekker meaning marshmallow for its texture. Regardless, this uniquely South African Dish is the must have to have truly experienced the Rainbow Nation.
South Africa Awaits, So Let’s Start Dreaming!
Happy Day! Safe Safari!
Gannett Restaurant Mossell Bay©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
