5 South African Street Foods You Have to Try This August

If you want to taste South Africa without sitting down for a formal meal, street food is where to start. It’s fast, affordable, and packed with the kind of bold flavour you won’t find on a hotel menu. Whether it’s served out of a trailer, a corner stall, or someone’s backyard grill, each bite tells a story. August is the perfect time to get out there and find your favourite.

Kota

Kota is more than just a quick lunch; it’s a neighbourhood favourite with serious personality. Built from a quarter loaf of white bread and stuffed with layers of slap chips, polony, atchar, egg, and cheese, this heavy-hitter is designed to fill you up and keep you going. You’ll find it in townships, side streets, and school zones, where locals know which vendor loads the best combo. It’s big, messy, and always better when eaten with your hands.

Bunny Chow

Bunny chow is pure comfort in bread form. Originally from Durban, it’s now a national favourite: half a loaf of white bread hollowed out and filled with spicy curry. Mutton, beef, chicken or beans, the filling is rich and warming, especially when it’s cold outside. There’s no fancy cutlery—just tear the bread, scoop the curry, and enjoy. For many, a proper bunny is best eaten standing at a plastic table with curry on your fingers and a cold drink nearby.

Walkie Talkies

They might not be everyone’s go-to, but chicken feet and heads (better known as walkie talkies) are packed with flavour. Usually seasoned with vinegar, chilli, or barbecue spice and grilled over open flames, they’re a familiar snack in many townships. Sold in brown paper or on a plate, they’re chewy, spicy, and surprisingly satisfying. If you’ve never tried them before, don’t overthink it. Just grab, bite, and see why so many locals swear by them.

Amagwinya (Vetkoek)

Golden brown and fresh from the fryer, amagwinya are the kind of street food that brings back childhood memories for many. Light and fluffy on the inside with a crispy crust, these fried dough balls are usually sold plain or stuffed with savoury fillings like mince, cheese, or polony. You’ll often spot them near taxi ranks or school gates, especially early in the morning. Pair one with sweet tea or strong coffee, and you’ve got a breakfast that keeps you going till lunch.

Boerewors Roll

The boerie roll is South Africa’s take on the hot dog, but with way more attitude. Made with thick, coiled sausage grilled over open flames and tucked into a soft roll, it’s topped with fried onions, tomato relish, or just a splash of chutney. The smell of boerewors on the braai is half the experience. Whether it’s a Saturday market, sports match, or roadside stop, if you see smoke rising and a queue forming, you’re probably in the right place.

Why It Hits Different

Street food in South Africa isn’t just about filling your stomach. It’s about grabbing something quick between errands, catching up with a vendor you’ve known for years, or discovering a new favourite around the corner from where you work. It’s casual, social, and made to be eaten without fuss. This August, skip the silverware, follow the queues, trust your nose, and let the streets feed you something unforgettable.