Taste of Ubuntu

South African Street Food: A Culinary Adventure

South African street food is a vibrant reflection of the country's diverse cultures and culinary influences. From the bustling streets of Cape Town to the vibrant markets of Durban, you'll find an array of tantalizing treats that are both affordable and incredibly delicious. Join us as we explore some of the most iconic street food dishes South Africa has to offer.

Must-Try Street Food Dishes

Bunny Chow

Hailing from Durban, the Bunny Chow is a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with a rich and flavorful curry. Traditionally made with mutton or beans, this iconic street food is a hearty and satisfying meal. The bread soaks up the curry, creating a delicious and comforting texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of white bread
• Mutton or bean curry (recipe available on our Family Dinners page)

Instructions:

1. Cut the loaf of bread in half or quarters.
2. Hollow out the bread, removing the soft inside.
3. Fill the hollowed-out bread with the curry.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Gatsby

The Gatsby is a Cape Town institution – an extra-long submarine sandwich filled with slap chips (thick-cut fries), polony (a type of sausage), and various sauces. It's a massive and indulgent meal, often shared between friends. Variations include steak, chicken, and fish fillings.

Ingredients:

• 1 long submarine roll
• Slap chips (thick-cut fries)
• Polony or other filling (steak, chicken, fish)
• Sauces (e.g., chutney, peri-peri, mayonnaise)

Instructions:

1. Slice the submarine roll lengthwise.
2. Layer the slap chips, polony (or other filling), and sauces inside the roll.
3. Cut into sections and serve. Best enjoyed shared!

Walkie Talkies (Chicken Feet and Heads)

For the adventurous eater, Walkie Talkies are a popular street food snack. These are chicken feet and heads, boiled or grilled and often seasoned with spices. They are a unique and affordable snack enjoyed by many.

Ingredients:

• Chicken feet and heads
• Salt and pepper
• Spices (optional: peri-peri, curry powder)

Instructions:

1. Clean the chicken feet and heads thoroughly.
2. Boil or grill until cooked through.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and spices to taste.
4. Serve hot.

Smiley (Sheep's Head)

Another offering for adventurous eaters is the Smiley. It's a sheep's head that's been singed to remove the wool, then slowly cooked until tender. It's a traditional delicacy often enjoyed at gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients:

• Sheep's head
• Salt
• Water

Instructions:

1. Sing the sheep's head to remove the wool.
2. Clean the head thoroughly.
3. Boil in water with salt until tender (several hours).
4. Serve warm, often with pap (maize porridge).

Vetkoek

Vetkoek, meaning "fat cake," is a deep-fried dough bread, similar to a donut without the sweetness. It's often filled with savory fillings like mince, cheese, or jam. It's a simple yet satisfying street food staple.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup warm water
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
2. Add warm water and mix to form a dough.
3. Let the dough rise for about an hour.
4. Roll out small portions of the dough and deep-fry until golden brown.
5. Fill with mince, cheese, or jam and serve.

Koeksisters

Koeksisters are a sweet and sticky treat, consisting of twisted dough that's deep-fried and then soaked in a cold syrup. They are incredibly sweet and fragrant, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth. There are two main types: Cape Malay koeksisters (spicy and infused with ginger, cinnamon, and aniseed) and Afrikaans koeksisters (braided and coated in a sugary syrup).

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup butter
• ¾ cup milk
• Oil for frying
• Syrup (recipe available online)

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
2. Rub in butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Add milk and mix to form a dough.
4. Roll out the dough and cut into strips.
5. Twist the strips into koeksister shapes.
6. Deep-fry until golden brown.
7. Soak in cold syrup and serve.

Where to Find the Best Street Food in South Africa

South African street food can be found in various locations, from bustling city centers to local markets and roadside stalls. Here are some of the best places to explore:

• Cape Town: Head to the city center or the V&A Waterfront for a variety of street food vendors.
• Durban: Explore the Warwick Triangle for authentic Durban curry and bunny chow.
• Johannesburg: Visit the Neighbourgoods Market for a curated selection of street food and artisanal products.
• Local Markets: Many towns and cities have local markets that offer a range of street food options, often on weekends.

The Cultural Significance of Street Food

Street food in South Africa is more than just a quick and cheap meal; it's an integral part of the country's culture and social fabric. It brings people together, offering a taste of local traditions and flavors. It's a way to experience the diverse culinary heritage of South Africa in a casual and accessible setting.

"Street food is the heartbeat of South African cuisine. It's where tradition meets innovation, and where everyone can find something to enjoy." - Zola Ndimande, Local Food Critic

Street Food Safety Tips

While street food is a delicious and exciting culinary experience, it's important to take some precautions to ensure your safety:

• Choose vendors with clean and well-maintained stalls.
• Look for vendors with high turnover of food.
• Ensure food is cooked thoroughly and served hot.
• Drink bottled water or other sealed beverages.
• Wash your hands before eating.