29 Great South African Recipes starts with the way many people still build a plate around a braai or home-style stew: grilled meat or boerewors sausage, a scoop of pap maize porridge, and a spoonful of spicy chakalaka relish, often with salad or bread on the side. Pap, made from white maize meal, is widely described as a staple eaten at breakfast as a soft porridge or in a firmer form with savoury dishes, while chakalaka mixes onions, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, beans, and spices into a punchy vegetable relish. Those basic pieces—meat from the braai, pap, and chakalaka—anchor several of the main dishes behind this collection.
Across the savoury section of 29 Great South African Recipes you will see names that appear repeatedly in traditional-dish round-ups. Bobotie, often linked to Cape Malay cooking, is a baked mince dish seasoned with curry spices and dried fruit, topped with an egg custard. Potjiekos is a slow-cooked layered stew made outdoors in a three-legged cast-iron pot over an open fire, with meat and vegetables cooked without stirring. Guides also highlight braai plates with lamb, beef, chicken, and boerewors, usually served with pap, chakalaka, or other starches, plus bean or potato salads. These recipes together show how much of South African cooking still happens around open flames and shared pots.
Street and snack foods form another strand of 29 Great South African Recipes. Durban bunny chow is described as a hollowed-out loaf or portion of white bread filled with curry, originally associated with Indian South Africans in Durban and now found across the country. Related bread-and-filling dishes such as kota—quarter loaves loaded with various fillings—are mentioned in street-food guides as popular fast options. Vetkoek, a deep-fried dough bun sometimes split and filled with mince or served with syrup or jam, appears alongside biltong dried meat and other small items in snack lists. Including these in the lineup lets the post cover both sit-down meals and the foods sold from small shops and stalls.
The sweet end of 29 Great South African Recipes leans on desserts that local writers treat as classics. Malva pudding, a rich baked pudding of Cape Dutch or Afrikaans origin, is often mentioned alongside koeksisters (plaited, syrup-soaked doughnuts) and melktert milk tart as entrenched South African favourites. Peppermint Crisp tart, built from Tennis biscuits, caramelised milk, and Peppermint Crisp chocolate, appears in dessert guides as another widely recognised tray dessert.
29 South African Recipes Wildly Popular Worldwide
1. South African Recipes for Lamb Sosaties
South African lamb sosaties are skewered, marinated lamb pieces often layered with dried apricots, onions, and bell peppers. The marinade consists of a thick, glossy sauce that coats each chunk of meat, giving it a deep, caramelized exterior once grilled. This dish is a staple in South African food and is commonly found in South African food stores, where marinades and spice blends are available.
2. South African Spiced Shakshuka Recipe
South African spiced shakshuka is a rich, tomato-based dish with poached eggs nestled in a thick, flavorful sauce. The deep red base is made by sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers before adding crushed tomatoes, which simmer until thickened. A blend of spices, including paprika, cumin, and chili, gives the dish a bold, aromatic depth.
3. South African Chakalaka Recipe
South African Chakalaka is a flavorful, spicy relish that pairs well with a variety of main dishes. It is typically made with a base of sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers, which are cooked until softened, and then combined with tomatoes to create a rich, hearty sauce. The tomatoes are simmered to develop a deep, sweet flavor, which is further enhanced with a blend of spices such as curry powder, cumin, and paprika.
4. South African Pepper Steak Pie Recipe
The South African Pepper Steak Pie is a classic comfort food known for its bold flavors and hearty filling. The dish features tender, succulent pieces of beef steak that are slow-cooked in a rich, pepper-infused gravy. The meat is simmered with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices, allowing the flavors to meld and create a deep, savory taste. The South African recipes addition of black pepper adds a distinct heat that complements the richness of the beef, creating a robust flavor profile. The filling is thick and satisfying, with the beef absorbing the flavors of the sauce while maintaining its tenderness.
5. South African Cheeza Recipe
The South African Cheeza is a savory snack that has earned a beloved spot in traditional South African food. This cheesy, crisp treat is a favorite at tea time, providing a satisfying crunch and a rich, cheesy flavor that is both simple and addictive. The South African recipes base of the Cheeza is made from a blend of flour and cheese, which is mixed together to create a dough that bakes into a crisp, golden snack. The cheese flavor is prominent, with a sharp, salty tang that pairs perfectly with the crunchiness of the baked dough.
6. South African Lemon Meringue Tart Recipe
The South African Lemon Meringue Tart is a visually stunning dessert that combines the bright, tangy flavors of lemon with the sweetness of meringue, creating a dessert that is both refreshing and indulgent. The tart begins with a crisp, buttery pastry crust, which provides a perfect balance to the zesty lemon filling. The South African recipes lemon curd filling is smooth and velvety, with a tartness that is brightened by the natural sweetness of sugar, creating a delightful contrast to the rich pastry. The filling is made with freshly squeezed lemon juice, giving it an authentic, citrusy punch that is not too overpowering.
7. South African Pumpkin Fritters Recipe
The South African Pumpkin Fritters are a popular and comforting dish with a soft, fluffy interior and a golden, crispy exterior. These fritters are made by combining mashed pumpkin with a lightly spiced batter, which is then deep-fried to perfection. The batter is light and airy, providing a nice contrast to the soft, sweet pumpkin filling. The South African recipes fritters are golden-brown and slightly crispy on the outside, with a warm, soft pumpkin center that melts in your mouth.
8. South African Cheese Scones Recipe
The South African Cheese Scones are a savory delight, known for their light and fluffy texture, combined with the sharp, rich flavor of cheese. These scones are made by mixing cheese into a simple scone dough, which is then baked to golden perfection. The South African recipes outside of the scone is slightly crusty, while the inside remains soft and airy, with a noticeable melt-in-your-mouth texture. The cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dough, ensuring that every bite delivers a rich, cheesy flavor.
9. South African Biltong Recipe
South African Biltong is a well-known and much-loved dried meat snack, perfect for those looking for a high-protein, savory treat. This traditional South African food is made by marinating strips of meat, typically beef or game, in a blend of spices and vinegar before drying it to preserve the flavor. The South African recipes marinade gives the biltong a savory, slightly tangy taste, while the drying process intensifies the natural flavors of the meat. The end result is a chewy, flavorful snack that is rich in taste and texture.
10. South African Bunny Chow Recipe
The South African Bunny Chow is a popular street food that consists of a hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with spicy curry. Traditionally, the bread is used as a vessel to serve the curry, absorbing all the rich flavors while remaining soft and slightly toasted on the outside. The curry inside can be made from various meats or vegetables, cooked with a blend of spices that gives it a robust, fragrant taste. The South African recipes bread is typically soft, with a chewy texture that complements the heat and spice of the curry. The combination of the soft bread and the flavorful curry makes for a satisfying meal.
11. South African Pickled Fish Recipe
South African Pickled Fish is a tangy and flavorful dish often enjoyed as part of a meal or snack. The fish is first fried until golden and crispy, then marinated in a vinegar-based solution with onions, garlic, and a variety of spices. The result is a dish that is both tender and flavorful, with the acidity from the vinegar balancing the richness of the fish. The fish is typically firm, offering a satisfying bite that complements the tangy pickling solution. The South African recipes spices used in the marinade give the fish a savory depth of flavor, making each bite memorable.
12. South African Sweetcorn Pap and Chunky Tomato Recipe
South African Sweetcorn Pap and Chunky Tomato is a comforting and hearty dish that combines two main ingredients: soft, creamy pap (cornmeal) and a flavorful tomato sauce. The pap is smooth and slightly firm, often served as a base, while the tomato sauce is thick, chunky, and spiced with onion, garlic, and herbs. The tomatoes are cooked down to create a rich, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with the pap. The South African recipes are both filling and satisfying, with the sweetness of the corn balancing the tanginess of the tomatoes.
13. South African Beef Curry Recipes
The South African Beef Curry is a rich, hearty dish with tender chunks of beef slowly cooked in a flavorful sauce made from a variety of aromatic spices. The beef is often simmered until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, with the sauce thickened to a rich, gravy-like consistency. The blend of spices used in the curry can include cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon, giving it a warm and slightly earthy flavor. The South African recipes curry’s appearance is typically a deep brown or reddish hue, with chunks of beef visible throughout the sauce, providing a hearty and satisfying meal.
14. South African Koeksisters Recipe
The South African Koeksisters are deep-fried dough pastries that are crispy on the outside and syrupy on the inside. The dough is braided or twisted into an intricate shape, then fried to golden perfection. Once fried, the Koeksisters are immediately soaked in a sweet, sticky syrup that gives them their signature sweetness and glossy texture. The South African recipes syrup, made from sugar, water, and often a hint of ginger or cinnamon, infuses the pastry, creating a contrast of crisp and soft textures that is highly addictive.
15. South African Avocado Smash Cream Recipe
The South African Avocado Smash Cream is a smooth, creamy dish made from ripe avocados mashed into a velvety texture, often seasoned with spices such as salt, pepper, and a dash of lemon or lime juice. The avocado is mashed to a smooth consistency, making it the perfect accompaniment to bread, crackers, or as a topping for meats. The addition of fresh herbs or yogurt gives it a tangy twist, while still maintaining the rich, buttery flavor of the avocado itself.
16. South African Oxtail Potjiekos Recipe
The South African Oxtail Potjiekos is a traditional slow-cooked stew made with tender oxtail, simmered to perfection in a flavorful, thick gravy. The dish is typically prepared in a potjie, a cast-iron pot, over an open flame or on a stove, allowing the oxtail to cook slowly, absorbing all the rich flavors of the herbs and spices. TheSouth African recipes meat becomes incredibly tender, falling off the bone, while the sauce thickens to create a hearty and satisfying dish. The rich, deep color of the stew, combined with the melting oxtail, makes for a visually appealing plate.
17. South African Braai Broodjie Recipe
A South African Braai Broodjie is a delicious sandwich often prepared on the braai (barbecue) alongside meats, making it a perfect accompaniment to a traditional South African braai. This sandwich is made with white or whole wheat bread, filled with a combination of cheese, tomato, and onion, then grilled to a crispy, golden perfection over the hot coals. The cheese melts into the bread, while the tomato and onion add freshness and depth, creating a flavorful and satisfying snack or side dish.
18. South African Curry Powder Recipe
South African Curry Powder is a unique spice blend used to create flavorful, aromatic curries that are a staple of South African cuisine. The blend typically includes a variety of spices such as coriander, cumin, turmeric, and fenugreek, with a touch of chili to add heat. The South African recipes spices are ground together to create a powder that can be used to season meats, vegetables, and stews. The bright yellow color of the curry powder adds a vibrant hue to dishes, making them visually appealing as well as full of bold, rich flavors.
19. South African Carrot Cake Recipe
The South African Carrot Cake is a moist, spiced cake filled with finely grated carrots, often complemented by a blend of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The cake is typically light brown or orange in color, with visible flecks of carrot scattered throughout, adding a hint of sweetness and texture. The South African recipes cake is often topped with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting, which contrasts with the spiced cake base, creating a balance of sweetness and tang.
20. South African Potato Mushroom Bake Recipe
The South African Potato Mushroom Bake is a comforting and flavorful side dish that combines tender potatoes and earthy mushrooms, baked together to perfection. The potatoes are sliced thinly and layered with sautéed mushrooms, creating a hearty base. This dish is typically seasoned with a variety of spices, such as garlic, thyme, and black pepper, which enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables. The bake is then topped with cheese, which melts during cooking, adding a creamy texture and rich flavor that ties the dish together.
21. South African Boerewors Sausage Recipe
The South African Boerewors Sausage is a quintessential part of South African cuisine, made from a blend of beef, pork, and spices, traditionally prepared and enjoyed during braais (barbecues). The sausage is flavored with a combination of spices such as coriander, black pepper, cloves, and nutmeg, giving it a distinct aroma and taste. South African recipes The meat is coarsely ground and then mixed with the spices before being stuffed into casings and formed into a spiral shape, making it easy to cook on the grill or in a pan.
22. South African Chicken Curry Recipe
The South African Chicken Curry is a rich, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a medley of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon. The chicken is simmered in a tomato-based sauce, often with onions, garlic, and ginger, which add depth and fragrance to the dish. The combination of spices and slow cooking creates a hearty, aromatic curry that’s perfect when served with rice, pap, or naan bread.
23. South African Traditional Vetkoek Recipes
South African Vetkoek is a deep-fried dough that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Often served with a variety of fillings, it’s a popular snack or street food in South Africa. The dough is made from simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and water, which are then fried until golden brown. The result is a fluffy, slightly sweet bread that pairs well with savory or sweet fillings, such as mince or jam.
24. South African Sweetcorn Bread Recipe
The South African Sweetcorn Bread recipe is a popular dish known for its unique and delightful flavor. This bread, often served as a side dish, complements various meals and adds a touch of sweetness to the dining experience. Its distinctive taste is a result of a special combination of ingredients and cooking techniques. We had this everytime it was available on our trip to South Africa.
25. South African Durban Chicken Recipe
South African Sweetcorn Bread is a moist, golden-colored bread with a slight sweetness and a soft, crumbly texture. Made with cornmeal and whole corn kernels, it’s a comforting side dish often served with stews, soups, or braais. The bread is slightly denser than traditional white bread, with a touch of sweetness that balances perfectly with savory dishes. It’s baked until golden and slightly crisp on top, and the inside remains moist and tender.
26. South African Pannekoek Recipe
The South African Pannekoek recipe is a dish known for its round, thin, and pancake-like appearance. It is a popular part of South African breakfast dishes and can double as a dessert. It can typically beserved as a versatile meal or snack. Pannekoeks are enjoyed across various regions of South Africa, and their simplicity and deliciousness have made them a top choice among locals and visitors alike.
27. South African Yellow Rice
South African Yellow Rice is a fragrant, flavorful side dish typically made with long-grain rice and colored with turmeric, giving it a vibrant yellow hue. The rice is often cooked with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, which lend an aromatic warmth to the dish. The sweetness of raisins or sultanas is commonly added, balancing the savory flavors with a hint of sweetness. This rice dish is soft, fluffy, and slightly sticky, making it the perfect accompaniment to rich stews or meats, especially South African curries or braai meats.
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28. South African Bobotie Recipe
South African Bobotie is a comforting, savory dish made with minced meat, typically beef or lamb, and a mixture of aromatic spices. It is baked with a custard topping made from eggs, milk, and turmeric, which creates a golden, creamy layer on top. The flavor profile of bobotie is rich and complex, with ingredients such as curry powder, ginger, garlic, and raisins providing a balance of heat, sweetness, and depth. The meat is seasoned well and cooked until tender, while the custard topping gives the dish a smooth, velvety finish.
29. South African Melktert Recipe
South African Melktert is a creamy and indulgent dessert that features a rich, smooth custard filling encased in a crisp, buttery pastry shell. The custard is made from milk, sugar, eggs, and flour, resulting in a delicate, velvety texture that melts in the mouth. A dusting of cinnamon is traditionally sprinkled on top, adding a subtle spice to the otherwise sweet and creamy filling. The pie has a light golden color, with the custard creating a smooth, almost silk-like consistency that contrasts beautifully with the flaky, golden crust.