Culinary adventure: Eat your way around southern Africa

Wildlife, winelands, and waterfalls aside, Southern Africa is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary traditions. From hearty stews to unique game meats and flavorful spices, the traditional cuisine of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe offers a tantalizing array of flavors.  

Join us as we embark on a culinary journey through this vibrant part of Africa, discovering the mouthwatering dishes that have been passed down from generation to generation. 

Bobotie and bunny chow (South Africa) 

Our first stop takes us to South Africa, where we encounter one of its most beloved dishes: bobotie. This flavorful and aromatic dish is a perfect reflection of the fusion of cultures in South African cuisine. In this case the fusion of Malay cooking (brought by slaves from the East) traditional Dutch recipes, and the influence of local ingredients. Made with minced meat (usually beef or lamb), mixed with spices, herbs, and topped with an egg-based custard, bobotie tantalizes the taste buds with its unique blend of sweet and savory flavors. It is traditionally served with sambals and yellow rice. 

Next on our South African culinary adventure, we experience the otherworldly experience that is bunny chow, a popular street food originating from the Indian community in Durban (the city with the largest population of Indians outside of India). Despite its name, bunny chow has no relation to rabbits. It is in fact, a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry (the spicier the better). Whether it's chicken, mutton, or vegetarian, this delicious and convenient dish is a culinary gem like few others. It’s even got its own music video! 

Kapana and potjiekos (Namibia) 

Namibia may be best known for its deserts, sand dunes and dark skies, but it’s also got a bustling street food scene that’s epitomized by kapana, a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Kapana consists of skewered and grilled meat, typically beef or venison, seasoned with a variety of spices and served with a side of chili sauce. The sizzling sounds, the aroma of spices, and the vibrant atmosphere all add to the experience. You might also end up sharing a beer or three with the locals. 

Another traditional Namibian dish is the one-pot wonder known as potjiekos (literally “pot food”). This hearty stew is cooked slowly in a three-legged cast-iron pot over an open fire, allowing the flavors of meat (commonly game meat like venison or ostrich), vegetables, and spices to meld together. It's a communal dish that brings people together, as they gather around the pot and share stories of the veld while the potjiekos simmers to perfection. 

Seswaa and bogobe (Botswana) 

In Botswana, we discover Seswaa, a traditional meat dish that holds a special place in the hearts of Batswana people who regard it as the ultimate comfort food. Prepared by slow-cooking beef, goat, or lamb with salt until tender, seswaa is traditionally served with pap, a cornmeal porridge. This humble yet flavorful dish is a symbol of togetherness and community, often enjoyed during celebrations and family gatherings. 

Another staple in Botswana's culinary repertoire is bogobe, a thick porridge made from sorghum or maize meal. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with various accompaniments such as meat, vegetables, or sour milk for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Bogobe is not only a filling and nutritious meal but also a cultural symbol, representing the importance of grains in Botswana’s past and its present. 

Sadza, nyama choma and mopane worms (Zimbabwe) 

Our journey concludes in Zimbabwe, where we encounter sadza and nyama choma, two staple dishes that define the country's culinary landscape. Sadza, a cornmeal-based porridge, serves as the foundation of any Zimbabwean meal. It’s typically enjoyed with a variety of relishes, such as vegetables, stews, or meat dishes. Nyama Choma, meaning “grilled meat,” is a popular dish consisting of tender, flame-grilled meat that’s often accompanied by a side of sadza and vegetables. 

For the more adventurous foodies among us, Zimbabwe offers a unique delicacy: mopane worms. These edible caterpillars are harvested, dried, and prepared in various ways, such as frying or stewing. Mopane worms are not only a significant source of protein but they also carry cultural and historical significance in Zimbabwe, and are often enjoyed during special occasions or as a snack. If you can get past the fact that you’re eating dried caterpillars, they’re actually quite palatable! 

Southern Africa's traditional cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, reflecting the cultural diversity and culinary heritage of the region. So, grab your utensils and embark on a flavorful adventure through the traditional cuisine of this captivating region. Check out our most popular southern Africa tours and speak to a Destination Expert about crafting your own mouthwatering adventure…