South African food — Rainbow Nation cuisine. Braai, biltong, bobotie, bunny chow. African + Dutch + British + Indian + Malay fusion.
Braai
Braai — South African BBQ, national obsession (Heritage Day Sept 24 = National Braai Day). Boerewors (farmers sausage), lamb chops, steak, chicken sosaties. Over wood, never gas.
Biltong
Biltong — air-dried cured meat (beef, kudu, ostrich, springbok). Boer pioneer food. Different from jerky — thicker, vinegar-cured. National snack. Droewors (dried sausage).
Bobotie
Bobotie — Cape Malay national dish. Spiced minced meat baked with egg custard on top, raisins, almonds, turmeric. Heritage Indonesian slaves brought to Cape.
Bunny Chow
Bunny chow — Durban Indian invention. Hollowed-out bread filled with curry (chicken, mutton, beans). Street food. From 'banya' (Indian merchants).
Boerewors and Pap
Boerewors — Boer farmer sausage (beef + pork + coriander + vinegar). Pap — corn meal porridge (like polenta). Pap and wors with chakalaka relish — township favorite.
Sweets
Koeksisters (twisted syrup-soaked doughnuts), milk tart (melktert), peppermint crisp tart, malva pudding, vetkoek (fried bread).
Wines and Drinks
South African wines world-class — Stellenbosch (Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage — SA exclusive variety), Constantia, Franschhoek. Castle Lager, Black Label beer. Rooibos tea (red bush) — herbal, national. Mampoer (Boer moonshine).