The best South African foods, recommended by you

Bobotie

Ray told us to try bobotie: “It’s delicious – a dish of mince with apricots, curry and onions topped with rice and a beaten egg!”

Introduced by the Dutch in the 17th century and improved with Indonesian spices, Bobotie was declared the national dish of South African in 1954. 

A cross between a spicy shepherds pie and meatloaf, this savoury dish consists of spiced minced beef or lamb mixed with bread baked with a milk and egg topping.

Wine and Biltong!

Lesley told us to make sure anyone planning a holiday to South Africa should certainly make time to visit the vineyards: 

“I lived in South Africa from September 1975 to December 1989. First few years in Port Elizabeth and the rest in Cape Town. Wonderful place. Food superb. Biltong very yummy. Visiting the vineyards a must. The processes are very interesting but the wine tasting is the best part!”

Related: The top 5 South African foods to try. 

Crocodile, kangeroo and Moreton Bay Bugs!

Audrey mentioned crocodile and kangaroo – and something else that sounded very unusual! “I did try crocodile, kangaroo – and Morton Bay Bugs! They tasted a little like lobster…”

Morton Bay Bugs are indeed a species of lobster, known a slipper lobster and named after Moreton Bay near Brisbane in Australia.

Bredie

Janie tells us she lived in South Africa in the 1980s. “Lovely food and great restaurants. Bredie was great – that’s a traditional, tomato-based Cape Malay type of stew made with lamb and veg.”

Koeksisters

Lesley L originates from Southern Africa and has many fond memories: “ Koeksisters are a treat for me (like very sweet doughnut-texture pastries), pineapple and other fresh fruit too. But just the fresh air, straight roads and things like crossing the Karoo, seeing Table Mountain, it all brings back many happy memories for me.”

Perhaps discover it all for yourself on a holiday to Africa…

South Africa, often described as a whole world in one country, is blessed with the lion's share of sights and experiences. Find out more about our holidays to South Africa here