The best traditional South African dishes
The top 3 according to 4 votes from people: Braai · Bunny chow · Potjiekos. (Updated Jun 24, 2026.)
The dishes that show South Africa's mix of cultures, from Cape Malay bobotie to Durban bunny chow, according to Matador, Discover Africa and South African food guides.
Top 12
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1
Braai
South African barbecue over wood and coals; gas is sacrilege.
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2
Bunny chow
Hollowed-out loaf filled with curry, created in 1940s Durban by Indian workers.
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3
Potjiekos
Stew slow-cooked in a three-legged cast iron pot over the fire.
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4
Vetkoek
Deep-fried bread filled with mince or jam.
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5
Bobotie
Spiced minced meat with dried fruit under an egg custard, Cape Malay in origin; often called the national dish.
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6
Boerewors
Coiled spiced beef and pork sausage, the star of every braai.
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7
Biltong
Air-dried meat cured with vinegar, salt and coriander.
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8
Pap and chakalaka
Maize porridge with spicy vegetable relish.
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9
Bredie
Tomato and lamb stew from the Cape.
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10
Malva pudding
Sticky apricot sponge pudding with a cream sauce.
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11
Koeksisters
Plaited fried dough soaked in cold syrup.
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12
Melktert
Milk tart with cinnamon, an Afrikaner classic.
Candidates
They don't make it into the top 12… yet. Vote for them to move them up.
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13
Gatsby
Huge Cape Town sandwich roll with chips, meat and sauce.
How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.
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Comments (5)
Biltong is life, I bring kilos back every time I visit home.
Malva pudding with custard, my gran's recipe is the best.
Bunny chow in Durban, the real deal 🔥
Koeksisters vs koesisters, the Cape Malay ones are spicier!
Bobotie at #1 is a solid pick, but a braai is a way of life.