Traditional South African Food You Need To Try In Cape Town

To truly get the full Cape Town experience on your visit here you need to try South African food that is just as diverse as its culture.

Don’t leave Cape Town without tasting these popular South African foods:

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1. Potjie Kos

A rich stew cooked in a cast iron pot cooked for several hours on the fire. Because it takes quite some time to cook, we take the opportunity to have a dop (drink) and socialize with friends around the fire.

If you don’t want to go through the effort of cooking your own you can go to Mama Africa instead where they prepare a variety of South African dishes including a Game Potjie.

178 Long St, Cape Town, South Africa, +27 21 426 1017

2. Braaivleis

Food cooked on a wood fire, similar to barbecue. Traditional choices include lamb chops, snoek, braaibroodjies (Sandwich with cheese, tomato, and onion), and boerewors*

There are many braai spots around Cape Town and most houses come with an indoor or outdoor braai area, but the most popular spot to go to is Mzoli’s Place in the township of Gugulethu. There they call “braai” shisa nyama.

Ny 115, Gugulethu, Cape Town, South Africa, +27 21 638 1355

Or try aMadoda Braai and Restaurant in Woodstock that is inspired by the township Shisa Nyama

1 Strand St, Woodstock, Cape Town, South Africa, +27 21 447 2133

3. Koeksisters

The dough is plated and deep-fried before it is soaked in a sweet syrup. The Cape Malay koeksisters aren’t plated and taste similar to a doughnut, but they are soaked in a cinnamon infused syrup and covered in coconut.

You can find koeksisters in most grocery stores, but for the best Cape Malay koeksisters go to the Bo-Kaap.

Try Bo-Kaap Kombuis for traditional Cape Malay cuisine:

7 August Street (on Wale Street), Bo-Kaap, +27 21 422 5446

4. Biryani

An Indian inspired mixed rice dish made with meat or vegetables, spices, eggs, and ghee.

You can try Biryani at Bismillah Restaurant at their Cape Town branch in Athlone.

021 697 0196, 11 BELGRAVIA ROAD, ATHLONE, CAPE TOWN

5. Peppermint Crisp Tart

A pudding or fridge tart with layers of Tennis Biscuits (Coconut cookies), caramel, whipped cream, and crushed peppermint crisp chocolate.

Peppermint Crisp Tart tastes best homemade, but if you don’t have a friend in Cape Town who’s mom will make you one, you can find it at most grocery stores or bakeries around Cape Town.

6. Ouma Biscuit (Rusks)

Rusks are similar to biscotti but a bit chunkier and is usually eaten at breakfast time or as a snack dipped in your coffee or rooibos tea.

Ouma Rusks can be found at most supermarkets and convenience stores all over South Africa. Try the muesli or buttermilk rusks.

7. Biltong & Droewors

Biltong is cured and spiced meat of wild game animals or beef usually sliced thinly or snap stix which is small strips of meat that have been dried similar to beef jerky.

Droewors is cured and dried boerewors. You can find dedicated Biltong shops all over Cape Town and in grocery stores.

8. Gatsby

Bread roll filled with Cape Malay curry or steak and slap chips (hot chips)

Mariam’s Kitchen is known for their masala steak gatsby

31 Heerengracht St, Cape Town City Centre, 021 421 3636

9. Bunny Chow

Half a loaf of bread hollowed out and filled with curry.

Get your bunny chow fix and the buzzing Eastern Food Bazaar

96 Longmarket St, Cape Town, +27 21 461 2458.

10. Milktart

A light flaky pastry crust filled with a custard-like filling and topped with cinnamon.

Found at most bakeries and grocery stores in Cape Town.

11. Boerewors Roll

The South African version of a hotdog. Boerewors is a traditional South African sausage that is put inside a hot dog roll and traditionally topped with a sweet tomato and onion relish.

Usually prepared at a braai and sometimes sold as street food at events.

12. Spur Burger

South Africa’s biggest family Steakhouse food chain. You can’t leave Cape Town without trying a Spur Burger with chips and onion rings.

There’s probably a Spur in every area and shopping mall in Cape Town. Check out their website for a branch nearest to you.

13. Coffee at Truth

Voted as the best coffee in the world, you definitely have to pop in at the Steampunk themed Truth Coffee roasters for a cuppa.

36 Buitenkant Street, Cape Town, (021) 2000 440 

14. Samoosas

Similar to spring rolls but the pastry is crispier and the filling is curried and folded into a triangle shape.

You can find samoosas at most fish and chip shops, Indian takeaways and restaurants or at the frozen food section of the grocery store.

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