South AfricaFood and Drink

Indulge in the culinary delights of your South Africa vacation, where the food scene is as diverse as its landscapes. Try traditional local cuisine like biltong (dried, cured meat), boerewors (farmers' sausage), and bobotie (spiced minced meat bake). These heavily meat-based dishes have made the braai an essential South African experience. A social barbecue gathering, it's not just about grilling meat; it's a cherished cultural tradition that brings people together. Don’t worry vegetarians, most modern-day braais will make sure you have options too. 

With its long coastline, South Africa offers a wide variety of fresh seafood. There’s no specific best time to visit for this since there are specialties available year-round. Savour grilled kingklip, succulent oysters, or traditional fish and chips at a seaside eatery. South Africa's wines are also world-renowned. Tour the Cape Winelands and taste exquisite Pinotage or Chenin Blanc, ideally suited to the country’s terroir.

Prefer to keep it simple on your South Africa trip? South African street food tours await! Try a bunny chow—a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, a testament to the Indian influence on South African cuisine. For those with a sweet tooth, melktert (milk tart) and koeksisters (braided fried dough dipped in syrup) are must-tries.

What is South Africa’s traditional cuisine?

Bobotie is often said to be South Africa’s definitive contribution to world cuisine. Demonstrating the country’s multiculturalism, this Malay spiced meat bake is both filling and delicious. A close second is bunny chow, the star snack on the streets of Durban. A braai may serve up anything from familiar grilled lamb, beef, seafood, and chicken, to local animals like warthog, ostrich, eland, or kudu. But boerewors sausage, or a pot of delicious, slow-cooked (but never stirred!) potjiekos may ruin the humble backyard barbecue for you forever.

What is the dining etiquette in South Africa?

The ethnic diversity of South Africa means dining etiquette depends a lot on who you’re with. Hindus will likely not eat meat, and Muslim South Africans will abstain from pork or alcohol. In the cities, western cutlery is the norm. If eating with your hands, however, you’re usually expected to use only your right hand when handling food (unless you clearly need two hands). In more conservative rural settings, men are often served first (after honoured guests), then women, then children, though this will likely not be the case on a modern tour or cruise itinerary.

At a braai, things get more complicated. First things first, if you’re invited to a “chop ‘n drop” braai, you’ll be expected to bring your own meat, wine, and beer. If it’s a “bring and braai” you’re expected to bring sides as well. Ask your travel guide what the specific etiquette is in the region you are visiting. Once you’re there, your host may ask you how you like your meat cooked, or they may decide for you. Either way, make no attempt to guide the process or make suggestions. Every host is king at their own braai, and nobody in South Africa likes a backseat braaier.

What is the drinking etiquette in South Africa?

Most South Africa tours include frequent stops for tea, which is as much about culture as it is refreshment. Always accept a cup of tea or coffee if offered. You won’t offend anyone if you don’t drink it, but you will offend if you refuse. As an honoured guest, toast by paying the host a small compliment (which they will probably pretend to dismiss). This can be as simple as wishing the host and other guests good health at the end of the meal. As for alcohol, South Africans are considered quite heavy drinkers compared to other countries, but drinking and driving is still unacceptable, and alcohol products are required to display a health warning.

Does South Africa cater to dietary restrictions?

Despite its love affair with meat, South Africa is welcoming to vegetarians and options are plentiful. The diversity of religions in the country ensures most vacation packages accommodate religious food restrictions, while an allergy is a perfectly acceptable reason to refuse or request an amendment to a dish. Restaurants in big cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban will be more used to accommodating dietary restrictions than those in more rural regions. If you are concerned about your food choices, ask your travel agency for all inclusive options when you are booking your South Africa trip.

What do meals typically cost in South Africa?

A simple meal in South Africa can cost less than US $10, while a mid-range restaurant meal for two will run closer to US $40. Meals are often included at South Africa safari lodges and camps, while restaurants in popular tourist districts of Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg will cost more. A traditional boneless mutton bunny chow from a street vendor costs about US $6-7.