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What to eat in South Africa? Top 100 South African Foods

Last update: Thu Mar 20 2025
Top 100 South African Foods
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best South African Foods

01
Boerewors
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Boerewors is a South African sausage that's shaped into a coil and must contain at least 90% meat, while the other 10% consists of spices (nutmeg, allspice, cloves, black pepper...) and other ingredients. The fat in the meat must not exceed 30%.


The sausage must contain beef, but it can also have lamb, pork, or a combination of both, while offal or mechanically processed meat is forbidden. The name boerewors is derived from two words – boer, which means farmer, and wors, which means sausage.


Boerewors is traditionally grilled on the braai (South African barbecue), and it's usually served with pap and sous (sauce). 
02

Chicken Dish

SOUTH AFRICA and  one more region
4.4
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Peri peri chicken is a Mozambican dish consisting of grilled or roasted chicken that is often served with a creamy and spicy coconut sauce. Before grilling, the meat is traditionally marinated in cumin, garlic, paprika, lemon juice, and bird's eye chilis, giving the chicken a unique flavor.


The name of the dish is a Portuguese transliteration of the Swahili phrase piri piri, meaning pepper pepper, referring to the spiciness of the dish.

03

Stew

SOUTH AFRICA
4.4
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Potjiekos is a South African dish made by layering meat, vegetables, starches (such as potatoes, rice, or pasta), and sauce in the pot. Potjiekos is never stirred during cooking because the dish cooks slowly in order to let the steam build up. Making potjiekos is usually a social activity, since the dish is typically cooked from three to six hours.


It is prepared in small pots, hence the name. The dish dates back to the 1800s, but it is still widely consumed today.

MOST ICONIC Potjiekos

1
04

Stew

DURBAN, South Africa
4.3
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Bunny chow is a South African dish consisting of a half or a quarter loaf of bread that is hollowed out and stuffed with curry that has been cooked with kidney beans or meats such as mutton, chicken, and lamb. It is traditionally consumed without utensils.


The dish originated in the city of Durban, and it is believed that bunny chow owes its origins to the Indian immigrants who came to South Africa in the late 19th century. Today, this cheap and filling dish has crossed borders, so it is also quite popular in the United Kingdom.

MOST ICONIC Bunny Chow

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05

Pudding

SOUTH AFRICA
4.3
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Malva pudding is a traditional dessert consisting of a pudding base covered in a creamy, sweet sauce made with water, cream, vanilla, butter, and sugar. The pudding is usually made from butter, sugar, eggs, apricot jam, milk, flour, and salt. The dessert is typically served warm, preferably with ice cream, whipped cream, or vanilla custard on the side.


It is believed that the dish is named malva pudding after the Afrikaans word malva, meaning marshmallow, referring to the similarities between marshmallows and the pudding's texture, although some say that the name is derived after the fact that the pudding used to contain Malvasia wine.

MOST ICONIC Malva Pudding

1
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06

Snack

SOUTH AFRICA
4.2
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Biltong is a traditional beef snack that is cured in a unique way. The word comes from the Dutch bil, meaning hind quarter, and tong, meaning strip, in this case - a strip of meat. Although it looks similar to American beef jerky, it is quite different in flavor and the method of preparation.


The beef is dried with vinegar which cures the meat and adds layers of texture and flavor. It is seasoned with salt, pepper, and coriander, and the meat is much thicker than beef jerky. Originally, it was created out of necessity as a survival food when the Dutch settlers arrived in South Africa. 

MOST ICONIC Biltong

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07

Casserole

SOUTH AFRICA
4.2
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Bobotie or bobotjie is a South African deep-dish casserole made from ground beef or lamb, herbs, spices, curry powder, fruits, and a finish of golden-brown egg custard that is scented with cinnamon or nutmeg. The dish originated from an Indonesian dish called bobotok, which was taken to South Africa in the 16th century by the Indonesians that transported spices and slaves to the country.


It is full of well-balanced flavors – sweet and fruity from the chutney, apricot jam, and sugar, spicy from curry and turmeric, sour from vinegar, and salty from the meat. Today, bobotie is so popular that it is a centerpiece of festive meals and can be found in most South African restaurants, where it is traditionally served with vegetables, yellow rice (white rice with turmeric), or steamed white rice that soaks up the rich juices oozing from the cut portions.

MOST ICONIC Bobotie

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08

Street Food

SOUTH AFRICA
4.2
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Vetkoek is an iconic South African street food item consisting of deep-fried yeast buns that are usually filled with cheese, curry, or fruit jams. It can be served as a small snack, for breakfast or lunch. The ball-shaped dough is made from salt, yeast, and flour.


When served at a South African braai, vetkoek is often served with boerewors, a traditional sausage. You can also serve them as they are, or with a cup of tea on the side.

09
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Koeksister is a sweet South African snack with a sticky appearance. It is prepared by frying braided dough strips in oil, then dunking them into a cold sugary syrup. These sticky treats are sold on every major street in South Africa, and today they can even be found in most supermarkets.


It is recommended to top them with cinnamon or lemon juice before consumption.

MOST ICONIC Koeksister

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10
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Droëwors is a South African dried jerky sausage based on the popular boerewors sausage. It's made from beef or mutton with sheep tail fat, coriander, vinegar, and various spices. It's sometimes enriched with garlic or chili peppers. These thin sausages are dried quickly to mimic the conditions of hot South African weather.


Some people use pork and veal instead of beef, but it's not recommended as that meat goes rancid more quickly when dried. The traditional droëwors has a long shelf life and it can be frozen for months. It's usually consumed as a quick and nutritious snack.

11
Stew
SOUTH AFRICA
3.8
12
Tart
SOUTH AFRICA
3.7
13
Sandwich
CAPE TOWN, South Africa
3.6
14
15
Sandwich
GAUTENG, South Africa
n/a
16
17
Porridge
SOUTH AFRICA
n/a
18
Bread
SOUTH AFRICA
4.4
19
Stew
SOUTH AFRICA
4.4
20
21
Lamb Dish
SOUTH AFRICA
4.2
22
Dip
SOUTH AFRICA
4.1
23
Rice Dish
SOUTH AFRICA
n/a
24
Dessert
SOUTH AFRICA
n/a
25
Offal Dish
SOUTH AFRICA
n/a
26
Stew
SOUTH AFRICA
n/a
27
28
Cookie
SOUTH AFRICA
n/a
29
Porridge
SOUTH AFRICA
3.7
30
31
32
Stew
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
n/a
33
Stew
SOUTH AFRICA
n/a
34
35
Sweet Bread
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
n/a
36
37
Porridge
SOUTH AFRICA  and  2 more regions
n/a
38
Cheese
SOUTH AFRICA
n/a
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best South African Food Producers

01

Olive Oil

WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.7
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De Rustica Olive Estate is located in the Western Cape of South Africa. They produce high-quality extra virgin olive oils. The estate has garnered multiple awards for its olive oils at international competitions. They utilize sustainable farming practices and advanced production techniques.
AWARDS

NYIOOC - Gold

2023

EVOOLEUM - Top 100

2023, 2022

EVOOLEUM - ABSOLUTE BEST

2023

02

Liqueur

SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
4.7
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AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2023

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold

2024

The Liqueur Masters - Gold

2023

03

Spirit

PAARL, South Africa
4.7
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AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2023, 2022, 2019

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold

2023, 2020

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold trophy

2022, 2019, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2011, 2007

04

Spirit/Liqueur

STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.7
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Amarula is a renowned South African brand produced by Distell Group Ltd that has built its identity around the unique marula fruit, which grows wild across sub-Saharan Africa. Founded in 1989, Amarula is celebrated for its cream liqueur, made by distilling marula fruit into a spirit, blending it with cream, and infusing it with flavors that reflect the spirit of Africa.


This liqueur is globally recognized for its smooth, fruity taste and creamy texture, symbolized by the iconic elephant logo that pays homage to the elephants who consume the marula fruit in the wild. Amarula has expanded its range to include other innovative products, such as Amarula Ethiopian Coffee and Amarula African Gin, which use marula as a central ingredient while incorporating regional botanicals and flavors.
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2024, 2023

The Liqueur Masters - Gold

2023

The Gin Masters - Gold

2022

05

Wine

WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.7
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AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold

2023, 2022, 2019

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or

2024, 2023, 2022, 2020

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show

2021

06

Wine

STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.7
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AWARDS

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or

2024, 2022, 2021

07

Wine

STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.7
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AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold

2019

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or

2024, 2023, 2022, 2020

08

Wine

RAWSONVILLE, South Africa
4.7
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AWARDS

USA Wine Ratings - Gold

2021, 2020

09

Olive Oil

SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
4.7
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Worcester is located in the Western Cape province of South Africa and is part of the Breede Valley Municipality. The region has a climate well-suited for olive cultivation, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, which supports olive oil production.


Worcester producers benefit from the fertile Breede River Valley and use both traditional and modern techniques to produce high-quality olive oil.
AWARDS

OLIVINUS - Gran Prestigio Oro

2023, 2022

BEST Worcester Olive Oils
10

Olive Oil

SWELLENDAM, South Africa
4.7
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Mardouw Investments is an olive oil producer located in Swellendam, South Africa. The company cultivates and processes olives on its own estate, ensuring full control over the production quality. Mardouw Investments employs modern techniques and equipment for olive oil extraction, emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility.


The estate features a variety of olive cultivars, allowing them to produce different blends and single-varietal oils.
AWARDS

NYIOOC - Gold

2023

London IOOC - Platinum

2021

BEST Mardouw Investments Olive Oils
11
Olive Oil
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.7
12
Meat Product
CAPE TOWN, South Africa
4.7
13
14
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.7
15
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.7
16
Wine
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.7
17
Wine
SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
4.7
18
Wine
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.7
19
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.7
20
21
Olive Oil
SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
4.7
22
Wine
FRANSCHHOEK, South Africa
4.7
23
Spirit
CAPE TOWN, South Africa
4.7
24
Spirit
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.7
25
Spirit
SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
4.7
26
Spirit
KWAZULU-NATAL, South Africa
4.7
27
Wine
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.7
28
Wine
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.7
29
Wine
CAPE TOWN, South Africa
4.7
30
Spirit
CAPE TOWN, South Africa
4.7
31
Spirit
QUEENSTOWN, South Africa
4.7
32
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.7
33
Wine
SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
4.7
34
Wine
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.7
35
Olive Oil
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.6
36
Olive Oil
GAUTENG, South Africa
4.6
37
Cheese
STANFORD, South Africa
4.6
38
Olive Oil
SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
4.6
39
Spirit
KWAZULU-NATAL, South Africa
4.6
40
Olive Oil
SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
4.6
41
42
Olive Oil
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.6
43
Wine
CONSTANTIA, South Africa
4.5
44
Wine
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.5
45
Wine
PAARL, South Africa
4.5
46
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.5
47
Spirit
KWAZULU-NATAL, South Africa
4.5
48
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.5
49
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.5
50
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.5
51
Wine
FRANSCHHOEK, South Africa
4.5
52
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.5
53
Spirit
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.5
54
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.5
55
Wine
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.5
56
Wine
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.5
57
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.5
58
Wine
HERMANUS, South Africa
4.5
59
Wine
PAARL, South Africa
4.5
60
61
Wine
FRANSCHHOEK, South Africa
4.5
62
Wine
HERMANUS, South Africa
4.5
63
Wine
CAPE TOWN, South Africa
4.5
64
Wine
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.5
65
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.5
66
Olive Oil
PAARL, South Africa
4.5
67
Wine
MORELIG, South Africa
4.5
68
Liqueur
SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
4.5
69
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.5
70
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.5
71
Wine
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.5
72
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.5
73
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.5
74
Wine
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.5
75
Wine
CONSTANTIA, South Africa
4.5
76
Wine
SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
4.5
77
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.5
78
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.5
79
Wine
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.5
80
Wine
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.5
81
Wine
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.5
82
Spirit
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.5
83
Spirit
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.5
84
Spirit
CAPE TOWN, South Africa
4.5
85
Wine
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.5
86
Wine
SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
4.5
87
Wine
SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
4.5
88
Wine
SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
4.5
89
Wine
SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
4.5
90
Wine
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.5
91
Wine
QUEENSTOWN, South Africa
4.5
92
Wine
FRANSCHHOEK, South Africa
4.5
93
Wine
CAPE TOWN, South Africa
4.5
94
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.5
95
Wine
CAPE TOWN, South Africa
4.5
96
Wine
SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
4.5
97
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.5
98
Wine
CONSTANTIA, South Africa
4.5
99
Wine
PAARL, South Africa
4.5
100
Wine
RAWSONVILLE, South Africa
4.5
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best South African Food Products

01
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DE RUSTICA ESTATE COLLECTION CORATINA is an olive oil product made by De Rustica Olive Estate. Known for its robust and intense flavor, this olive oil is produced from the Coratina variety of olives, which are renowned for their high polyphenol content and strong, fruity characteristics.


The oil boasts a well-balanced profile with hints of bitterness and spiciness, making it suitable for enhancing the flavors of various dishes, from salads to grilled meats. De Rustica Olive Estate is situated in the picturesque region of the Western Cape in South Africa, where the climate and soil conditions are ideal for olive cultivation.
AWARDS

EVOOLEUM - Top 100

2023, 2022

EVOOLEUM - ABSOLUTE BEST

2023

EVOOLEUM - BEST OF CLASS

2023

02
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AWARDS

OLIVINUS - Gran Prestigio Oro

2023, 2022

03
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AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold

2024

04

Spirit

SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
5.0
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AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold

2024

05
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AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show

2024

06

Wine

STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
5.0
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AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show

2024

07
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AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Super Gold

2024

08
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Rio Largo – Premium is a high-quality olive oil produced by Rio Largo Olive Estate. This estate is known for its dedication to sustainable farming and meticulously crafted olive oils. The Premium variety is distinguished by its robust flavor profile, which balances fruitiness with a peppery finish.


The estate employs traditional and modern extraction techniques to ensure that the oil retains its natural antioxidants and health benefits. Rio Largo Olive Estate prioritizes quality over quantity, using handpicked olives and cold extraction processes to maintain the highest standards.
AWARDS

Flos Olei - The Best

2023

09

Liqueur

STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
5.0
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AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2023

10
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AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2023

11
12
13
14
15
16
Wine
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
5.0
17
18
19
Spirit
PAARL, South Africa
5.0
20
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
5.0
21
22
23
Olive Oil
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
5.0
24
25
26
Olive Oil
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
5.0
27
Olive Oil
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
5.0
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
Spirit
SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
5.0
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
Wine
RAWSONVILLE, South Africa
5.0
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
Liqueur
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.9
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
Olive Oil
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.9
95
96
97
98
99
100

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

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South African Food