Food

Biltong

South African cuisine is a unique fusion of many different external cultural influences. These include Dutch, French, Indian and Malaysian flavors and techniques that continue to make their way onto the menus of restaurants and into the homes of locals all over the country. This has translated into a smorgasbord of textures, tastes and aromas that lure visitors back to sample more of the tasty treats on offer here. One of the most significant influences is that of the Dutch that settled in South Africa in the 1600s. They were soon joined by French Huguenots as well as a number of Germans. This combination led to what is today known as the Afrikaans style of cooking. Because these folks traversed the country in search of places to settle, and had no sort of refrigeration devices, they were known for their dried meats (biltong, which is similar to jerky, and dröewors, a dried sausage) and their liberal use of spices and salts for the preservation of foods.

Braai

Today, Afrikaans cooking typically consists of plenty of red meat (grilled, barbecued or roasted), potatoes and/or rice, and vegetables that are enhanced with butter and sugar. Desserts are popular, and are often based on old favorites that would have lasted a few days. These include biscuits, rusks, and sugary pastries. The braai (barbecue) is one of the best known "cuisine" types in South Africa. Red meat, like spiced sausages, chops, kebabs, steaks and pork rashers are grilled over hot coals, infusing them with an unrivaled smoky flavor. This is a particularly social kind of cooking, since it is typically enjoyed outside and is most often undertaken by the men in the family. Side dishes include bread rolls and plenty of different kinds of salads.

Traditional cooking

The African cuisine is the widest spread of traditional fare and comprises a host of different subcultures under the "African" umbrella. These include Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tswana, and many more. Since these folks have been indigenous to Africa for centuries, their cuisine has evolved over the years, but has also retained many of its original ingredients and cooking methods, particularly in the more rural areas. Because the indigenous African tribes have lived off the produce of the land for generations, their food was (and, to some extent, still is) defined by what was locally grown and available. This includes filling staples such as maize, rice and potatoes that are easily cultivated and stretch far enough to feed large families.

Vegetables are important to the African communities and include a range of green, leafy varieties. In addition, meat is an important ingredient of African cooking. Traditionally, meat has come from their own livestock. Therefore, it had to be used sparingly and wisely (and often only for special occasions). This means that stews and similar one-pot dishes that are easily created over the fire are characteristic of this type of cuisine. Famous African dishes include tripe, mieliepap (corn-based porridge usually fortified with animal fat, beans and vegetables), samp and beans, sour milk porridge, dumplings and even more adventurous dishes like Mopane worms.

Bobotie

Another very important influence is that of the Malays. These Eastern peoples were brought to South Africa as slaves for the European settlers in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. They brought with them the secrets of their marvelous cooking and delicious dishes. Due to the Apartheid years of the 20th century (and the centuries of slavery before that), they faced many hardships. This led them to stick together and strengthen their own culture, which was fast picking up influences from the other cultures around them. Today, a cuisine known as Cape Malay has infused the entire country, with particularly strong ties to the Western Cape. Spices (such as cinnamon, cardamom and coriander) and chilies are frequently used. Famous dishes include pickled fish, spicy curries and a number of different types of stew.

Meat Pies

Of course, thanks to the enormous variety of wildlife in South Africa, some rather unusual dishes are also available here. Visitors are encouraged to sample crocodile, ostrich, kudu, sheep heads, Mopane worms, and warthog. Thanks to the cosmopolitan nature of this country, the restaurants of South Africa offer a wide variety of international cuisine types too. These vary from Eastern favorites (Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and so on) to German eateries, English cafés, Moroccan food stalls and American-style diners. Still, while in South Africa, visitors are urged to try some of the local flavors to get a real idea of its culture.