South Africa
Springbokkie
Namibian/South African shooter — a layered shot of crème de menthe and Amarula cream liqueur, drunk in one go; the green and gold colours resemble a springbok jersey.
southern-africa
South Africa
Explore 83 foods connected to South Africa, from everyday staples to rare local specialties.
83 foods12 leading categories2 Essentials guides
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The local shortlist
Cape Town Essentials
10 editor-selected foods for understanding the place through what people eat.
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The full directory
Traditional foods from South Africa.
83 foods in this view. Filter by category, type, rarity, or search every recorded name.
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South Africa
Tennis Biscuit
A South African coconut biscuit with a crumbly texture, used in fridge tarts and eaten with tea
Cape Town, South Africa
Tomato Bredie
Tamatie bredie
A Cape Malay stew of lamb with tomatoes, beans, and spices (cinnamon, cardamom, chili, ginger), slow-cooked
South Africa
Umngqusho (Samp & Beans)
Umngqusho
A Xhosa dish of samp (crushed dried corn) and sugar beans, slow-cooked with onions and garlic, a Nelson Mandela favorite. A national and traditional staple, hearty and savory, a comfort and daily dish
South Africa
Umphokoqo
A Xhosa dish of crumbly maize-meal porridge (pap) served cold with amasi (soured milk), a traditional and refreshing staple. A national and rural classic, tangy and comforting, a daily and home dish
South Africa
Umqombothi
Hwahwa
A traditional South African beer of maize, sorghum, and malt, low in alcohol and rich in vitamin B, a communal drink
South Africa
Umsila wenkomo (Oxtail & Dumplings)
Umsila wenkomo
A traditional South African oxtail stew served with dombolo (steamed dumplings), a hearty and comforting dish
South Africa
Vetkoek
Amagwinya
A South African deep-fried yeast dough ball, crispy outside and soft inside, sold as amagwinya in townships and filled with mince, polony, cheese, or jam
South Africa
Walkie-Talkie
A South African street food of chicken heads and feet, seasoned and boiled or braaied until crispy. A township and street staple, crispy and savory, a national and adventurous snack, a cheap and beloved treat, a unique and regional dish.
South Africa
Waterblommetjie Bredie
A Cape stew of lamb with waterblommetjies (water lily flowers), potatoes, and spices, slow-cooked. A Western Cape and regional specialty, unique and aromatic, a winter and heritage dish, a national and seasonal classic, a stew.
South Africa
Witblits
A South African grape-fermented brandy ('white lightning'), a Western Cape and Oudtshoorn specialty, strong and fiery. A national and traditional spirit, strong and rustic