Food

5 South African Street Foods You Have to Try This August

Published

10 months ago

7 August 2025

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.

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Food

Traditional South African Foods Every Visitor Should Try

Published

2 days ago

13 June 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo: Getty Images

South Africa’s cuisine shows how rich and diverse the cultural diversity is. Food in the country has combined indigenous African traditions with some influences from Dutch settlers and Indian immigrants. The result is an excellent food culture with history and customs of many ethnic groups. Here are traditional foods that visitors can enjoy in South Africa.

Pap

Photo: Facebook

Pap is made from maize meal and water. It can be prepared as a soft porridge or side dish. Pap is taken with meat and vegetables. The dish is a staple among the Zulu, Xhosa, and Ndebele peoples. It is enjoyed during family gatherings and celebrations.

Bobotie

Photo: Getty Images

Bobotie is made from baked minced meat. It tastes better with yellow rice and chutney. The dish comes from the Cape Malay community of the Western Cape. The origin is lined with Asian culinary traditions.

Chakalaka

Photo: Instagram

Chakalaka is a vegetable food made from tomatoes and onions. The dish comes from the townships around Johannesburg. It is enjoyed by various communities in South Africa. Chakalaka is a popular side dish in the country.

Bunny Chow

Photo: Facebook

Bunny Chow is a street food made from bread filled with curry. The dish is common among Durban’s Indian community in KwaZulu Natal. Descendants of Indian labourers developed Bunny Chow as a meal that could be carried easily. It is enjoyed by South Africans and remains a choice for those who love spicy flavours.

Umngqusho

Photo: Instagram

Umngqusho is made from samp and sugar beans cooked together until it becomes soft . It is an important part of South African cuisine. The dish is loved by the Xhosa people of the Eastern Cape. Umngqusho became popular because it was said to be one of Nelson Mandela’s favourite meals.

Biltong

Photo: Getty Images

Biltong is made from beef and game meat. It tastes better when seasoned with vinegar. The origins of biltong are the Southern African communities and early European settlers. Biltong is a good snack for road trips and sporting events.

Food

Best Cozy South African Restaurants for Winter Evenings

Published

3 weeks ago

28 May 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo: Instagram

South Africa’s winter dining scene boasts of fireplaces, rich food, intimate lighting, and warm interiors that make cold evenings more inviting. From Cape Town’s candlelit heritage houses to Johannesburg’s grill restaurants, these places stand out as winter dining destinations across South Africa.

Kloof Street House

Photo: Instagram

Set inside a Victorian era house in Cape Town, Kloof Street House has become one of the city’s best winter dinner spots because of its dim lighting and eclectic décor. The restaurant feels especially atmospheric on rainy evenings, with diners beside candles. Rich seafood dishes, truffle fries, and creamy desserts. The cocktail selection contributes to the experience, with some whisky spiced cocktails.

Marble Restaurant

Photo: Instagram

Johannesburg winters are known for cold evenings despite sunny afternoons. Located in Rosebank, the restaurant is centred around open-flame cooking. This gives the dining room a dramatic atmosphere. The restaurant has modern South African-inspired food which is locally sourced. The floor to ceiling city views come alive at night as Johannesburg’s skyline lights up.

The Grillhouse Rosebank

Photo: Instagram

For diners looking for cold-weather dining, The Grillhouse remains one of South Africa’s strongest steakhouse experiences. What makes it perfect is the dark wood exteriors and décor which create a cosy atmosphere during winter evenings. The restaurant has hearty portions suited to colder weather. Visitors can enjoy matured steaks, ribs, baked potatoes, and pepper sauces. They have a notable whisky selection.

La Colombe

Photo: Instagram

La Colombe is surrounded by forests and vineyards. The restaurant is a sought-after fine dining destination year-round. It incorporates seasonal South African ingredients on its menu. Rich sauces, seafood courses, and luxury wines create a refined dining experience. The quiet ambience also makes it popular for romantic winter dinners.

Foxcroft

Photo: Instagram

Foxcroft is in Constantia and offers a refined winter dining experience. The restaurant’s beautiful interiors, soft lighting, and intimate table layout are ideal for colder It offers seasonal dishes with layered flavour profiles suited to colder months. Dishes often include slow-cooked meats, rich broths, and refined desserts.

Vine Restaurant & Wine Bar

Photo: Instagram

Vine Restaurant & Wine Bar is located in Dullstroom and has built its identity around relaxed winter evenings and beautiful fireplaces. The lounge seating and extensive wine collection contribute to the restaurant’s winter atmosphere. The restaurant is known for fireside dining experiences. Its warm interiors make it an attractive weekend winter getaway destination.

Food

The Best Foods for Better Skin and Glowing Complexion

Published

3 weeks ago

23 May 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo: Getty Images

Everyone seeks beautiful skin, but it takes some effort to achieve it. While using soaps and lotions are important, natural foods can support it. Consider how nutritional the foods you take to healthy-looking skin. Below are some foods to add to your diet to keep your skin in good shape.

Fatty Fish

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Fish help strengthen the skin barrier. This is because they are rich in Omega 3. This nutrient reduces inflammation. Fish that are good for your skin include mackerel (locally known as Titus) and salmon.

Chocolate

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The addition of chocolate will surprise many, but when taken in moderation dark chocolate can support healthier-looking skin. Chocolates contain compounds which improve blood flow to the skin. If you are also keen on looking younger, they are great options.

Tomatoes

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Tomatoes are underrated but they help with skin health. If not eaten raw, they can be blended or cooked into stews. Grape and Roma tomatoes are the best choices for your skin.

Green Vegetables

Photo: Getty Images

Vegetables provide essential nutrients like fibre, vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants that support healthy skin. However, not all vegetables have the same impact on skin health. Select cabbage and spinach as they improve skin cell repair. Their richness in lutein also helps brighten your skin.

Berries and Pomegranates

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Berries and pomegranates help reduce wrinkles on your face. Blueberries support collagen production while pomegranates contain polyphenols that protect the skin from damage caused by pollution, UV rays, and stress.

WaterMelon

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Watermelons are fruits that can be a hydrating addition to the diet. Your body needs water to be in good shape, and watermelons have the right amount of water that can help your skin. Some eat their seeds because it is believed to offer immunity against skin diseases.