If you are visiting or planning on visiting South Africa, make sure you try everything on this list of this top 10 foods to try in South Africa!
While enjoying your stay at Umdlalo Lodge make sure to take full advantage of Zizi’s Restaurant which is on site and serves some of South Africa’s most loved and enjoyed meals.
To all our South African readers, let us know in the comments below if we maybe left your favourite meal off of our list!
In South Africa, you’ll find dishes influenced by the indigenous population, along with the Dutch, French, Indians and Malaysians and as such it offers a vibrant cuisine that’s sure to excite the palate.
If you set foot on South African soil, don’t leave before you’ve enjoyed a traditional al fresco braai, as much for the barbecued food as for the cultural experience. Follow it up with a popular melktert (custard-filled pastry) and if you fancy a little snifter to finish then a sweet and creamy glass of Amarula (liqueur) will definitely do the trick.
So make sure you don’t leave South Africa without eating:
This is a traditional South African sausage made from beef, mixed with either pork or lamb and a mixture of spices. Boerewors are traditionally served in a coiled shape, similar to the Cumberland sausage and cooked on a braai (barbecue). The word boerewors comes from the Afrikaans and Dutch words Boer (farmer) and wors (sausage).
In the 17th century, the Dutch and French landed and settled in Cape Town, bringing slaves from Indonesia, India and Malaysia, along with their spices and traditional cooking methods. When combined with local produce, the aromatic spices such as cinnamon, saffron, turmeric and chilli created fragrant curries and stews, which are still popular in the area today.
Malva pudding
A Dutch import, malva pudding is a sweet and sticky baked sponge pudding made with apricot jam and served smothered in a hot cream sauce. This is South Africa’s answer to the British sticky toffee pudding, served in many restaurants but mainly baked at home for Sunday lunch.
Chakalaka & pap
Chakalaka and pap are mainstays on every South African dinner table. Chakalaka is a vegetable dish made of onions, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, beans and spices, and is often served cold. Pap, meaning ‘porridge’, is similar to American grits and is a starchy dish made from white corn maize. Chakalaka and pap are often served together, along with braaied (barbecued) meat, breads, salad and stews.
Braai/Shisa nyama
For a real taste of South Africa an authentic braai or shisa nyama (‘burn the meat’ in Zulu) is an eating experience not to be missed. Braais originated in the townships of Johannesburg, with butchers who set up barbecues in front of their shops at weekends to grill their meat and sell it on the street. Nowadays, local communities gather at braais at the weekends to share food. Pop along to soak up the vibrant atmosphere, listen to music and take your pick from the meat on offer, usually comprising of beef, chicken, pork, lamb and vors (sausages) – this is not an outing for vegetarians!
Bunny chow
This street food of Durban has become popular across South Africa and is now starting to hit the food markets in London. Hollowed out loaves of bread, stuffed with spicy curry were originally created by the immigrant Indian community in the Natal area of Durban and served to workers for lunch. Try chicken, pork or vegetarian varieties containing lentils and beans.
Amarula Don Pedro
This cocktail-come-dessert uses South African Amarula, a cream liqueur made from the indigenous marula fruit, blended with ice cream. Find it in every bar or take a bottle of Amarula home from duty-free to make your own!
Bobotie
Another dish thought to have been brought to South Africa by Asian settlers, bobotie is now the national dish of the country and cooked in many homes and restaurants. Minced meat is simmered with spices, usually curry powder, herbs and dried fruit, then topped with a mixture of egg and milk and baked until set.
Melktert
Similar to the British custard tart or Portuguese pasteis de nata, melktert consists of a pastry case filled with milk, eggs and sugar, which is usually thickened with flour. The finished tart is traditionally dusted with cinnamon. A real South African comfort food, it is served as a dessert, and also available in many bakeries.
Based in Umtentweni on the KZN South Coast, Umdlalo Lodge is an upmarket Four-Star Guest Lodge with eight luxurious air conditioned en suite bedrooms plus a romantic honeymoon suite. We have flexible capability to host day conferences for up to 60 delegates. Zizi’s Restaurant, also a unique venue of taste, is located within the lodge. Completing the ‘all under one roof package’ is a fashionable Ladies Bar overlooking a substantial veranda with sea view.
For more information on our exquisite accommodation, delectable dishes and unbelievable function packages, please contact us (039) 695-0224 | reservations@umdlalolodge.co.za
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Source: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/top-10-foods-try-south-africa