Savour the flavours: culinary tourism steals the spotlight in Mzansi this Heritage Month

Steeped in culture and history, there are many reasons to explore South Africa beyond the plethora of wildlife experiences, which is a major drawcard for tourists.

The diversity that exists in Mzansi means that the melting pot of offerings translates into lasting lifelong memories. 

During Heritage and Tourism Month, we delve into a trend that unfailingly whets the appetite of travellers: culinary tourism.

Just thinking of the explosion of flavours stemming from the different cultures in the country has made me salivate. As such, let’s explore the dishes that define the different cities:

Cape Town

Gosh, where does one even start with the Mother City, which offers a wonderful food fusion incorporating the Dutch, Cape Malay, Portuguese and Indian flavours.

First, a quick historical segway, Cape Malay dishes originated in the 17th century when the Dutch brought enslaved people from Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia) to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.

Popular culinary delights include bobotie, a traditional South African dish featuring a sweet and savoury spiced minced meat base (typically beef or lamb) blended with fruits such as raisins and crowned with a baked golden egg custard.

Another must-try is tomato bredie, a hearty stew often prepared with lamb, distinguished by its rich, tomato-based gravy.

For those with a sweet tooth, a koesister (or koeksister as it is referred to in other parts of South Africa) won’t steer you wrong. It is a deep-fried dough, usually plaited, and then dipped in a sugar syrup (some add coconut, too). Another refreshing treat is the boeber, which is made from milk, vermicelli and sago.

It is enhanced with cardamom and cinnamon spices, including sugar or condensed milk, rose water, flaked almonds and sultanas. 

If you are a seafood lover, there are myriad spots from hole-in-the-wall institutions offering a rustic experience to high-end world-class restaurants. 

It generally depends on your mood.

Of course, no visit is complete without visiting the Winelands, where you can sample some of the best vino, which is deliciously paired with a menu that sends those taste buds into overdrive. 

When it comes to street food, you simply cannot leave without trying a Gatsby, which is a mouthful of a sandwich. It is typically made with a long French or Portuguese loaf, filled with either a masala steak, fried fish or other protein choices, laden with chips, eggs, cheese and topped with a variety of sauce offerings. 

With Cape Town named as one of the Best Cities in the World, variety is its signature appeal, with restaurants catering for every craving. 

The best way to experience its culinary delights is to ask locals about the best spots, visiting long-running food markets, checking out the variety of food festivals, signing up for bespoke food tours and leaving with a piece of the city by attending a cooking class or two.

Johannesburg

I would highly recommend a visit to Soweto and Maboneng Precinct. 

With regards to the former, you cannot visit without indulging in a Shisa nyama meal, which literally means burnt meat in Zulu. It is a braai featuring a mix of different meats and chicken - best enjoyed with pap. 

In the same way that Cape Town is known for its Gatsby, Jozi is synonymous with its kota, which is a hollowed-out piece of bread, filled with sausage (usually a Russian), fried chips, cheese, polony, a beef pattie, atchar, as well as tomato and lettuce. 

The fillings are customisable, too. 

For those with an adventurous palate, I would strongly recommend trying out the street food, which includes walkie-talkies (chicken feet), skopo (cow’s head), and mancina (cow’s feet).

The magwinya (fat cakes) is a must-try, too. 

For an inspired pan-African dining experience, be sure to arrange for a seven-colours meal. 

If you are looking for options between local and international flavours, the trendy Maboneng Precinct is the place to be. 

A vibrant, cosmopolitan neighbourhood, tourists can satiate their appetite for everything from Mexican, Ethiopian, and authentically South African to Argentinian restaurants. 

However, if you want a unique Indian experience, Fordsburg is saturated with offerings, including Turkish cuisine and some of the best sweetmeats in town. 

The budget-friendly prices are something else as well.

For those eager to bring more than just memories home, consider enrolling in a few local cooking classes. This way, you'll gain the expertise to recreate our regional dishes long after your visit.

Durban

Every time I visit my hometown, I’m blown away by the new local eateries offering a unique experience. 

Of course, no visit is complete without trying a bunny chow. The city is brimming with iconic casual spots to fine-dining restaurants, where you can enjoy it as a deconstructed offering. 

A bunny chow is a hollowed-out piece of bread that is filled with a choice of curries from beans, mixed vegetables, meat, chicken, and kebabs to prawns. 

It comes in options of a quarter loaf, a half loaf and a full loaf. 

This meal has been around since the 1940s, when it was found to be a convenient way for Indian migrant workers to enjoy their meals. 

Since then, it has become a staple street food dish.

Florida Road is a food hub, offering a wide range of culinary flavours, including Asian, as well as TikTok-worthy meals. 

If you want to sample trendy dishes, this is a great spot to check out, along with Umhlanga, which is brimming with new eateries. 

Also, Umlazi offers township tours that ensure you eat like a proper local. 

Depending on how far out you would like to drive to ensure you get the full foodie experience, Ramsgate on the South Coast is home to the best waffle spot.

For a memorable dining experience, I would also recommend booking at the Cargo Hold Restaurant and the Roma Revolving Restaurant.

Since you are in the spice mecca, visit the local markets to stock up on your seasoning mixes. The locals are always keen to share a cooking tip or two. 

If you are seeking the best culinary experiences, you are spoilt for choice in Mzansi.

To ensure you make the most of your visit, research the eateries and the best way to get there, also be mindful of your surroundings and don’t be afraid to take on recommendations from locals, as they know best.