South Africa has some real treats when it comes to local cuisine. So when you are in South Africa, try not to stick to the tried and tested familiar choices as travel is all about enhancing the mind as well as your waistline. Get yourself a quick education on what to eat in South Africa so you know exactly what to order and what not to. 

1. Chakalaka & Pap 

Chakalaka is a vegetable dish made of onions, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, beans, and spices. Pap is a starchy dish made from white corn maze. Chakalaka and pap are often served together, along with barbecued bread, salad, and stews.  

2. Boerewors 

Boerewors is a traditional South African sausage made from beef and mixed with either pork or lamb along with a mixture of spices. They are traditionally served in a coiled shape, similar to the Cumberland sausage and cooked on a barbecue. 

3. Bunny Chow 

This street food of Durban has become popular across South Africa. Hollowed out loaves of bread, stuffed with spicy curry were originally created by the immigrant Indian community in the Natal area of Durban and served to workers for lunch.  

4. Melktert 

Similar to the British custard tart, melktert consists of a pastry case filled with milk, eggs and sugar, which is usually thickened with flour. A real South African comfort food, it is available in many bakeries across South Africa.  

5. Bobotie 

Another amazing dish of South Africa is bobotie. Known as the national dish of the country and cooked in many homes and restaurants this delicious dish is made up of minced meat, curry powder, herbs, dried fruit and a mixture of egg and milk. 

6. Biltong 

These strips of umami-rich dried and spiced meat is usually made of beef, kudu or ostrich and is available at almost any supermarket in South Africa. Biltong is best enjoyed with a beer or halloumi steak topped with green olive relish.  

7. Denningvleis 

The traditional Cape Malay dish, Denningvleis is one of the oldest South African recipes and is actually a sweet-and-sour slow-cooked stew flavored with spices and tamarind. 

8. Gatsby 

This giant filled roll is another street-food masterpiece. This legendary stacked foot-long sandwich is meant for sharing and is filled to bursting with slap chips, masala steak, egg, Russian sausage and sometimes polony or peri peri.