Whats a great travel retreat without the opportunity to dine on delicacies and dishes that you normally don’t cook for yourself at home? A journey through South African cuisine is just as much about discovering the tantalizing flavors as it is unearthing the history of the country, a fusion of cultures that is truly reflected by its food. Did you know that the Bantu people are one of the most well documented indigenous groups in South Africa, who were known as agriculturalists and herdsmen and survived mainly on grains, vegetables and meat from hunting?
Dutch settlers landed in the country in the mid 17th century and brought with them slaves from Indonesia and Malaysia. In addition, during the 19th century the British stole control of the country and in turn, brought with them slaves from India to work on the sugar cane plantations.
Thankfully with slavery and apartheid behind us, the country of South Africa now celebrates its many influences through its revered and delicious cuisine. Below are just of the few of the top dishes well known and well loved:
- Bobotie (pronounced ba-bo-tea) – Bobotie is minced meat spiced with medium heat curry, turmeric, garlic, lemon zest, onions, herbs, salt and pepper. Baked until fully cooked, the dish is topped with an egg and milk mixture and placed back into the oven to set
- Biltong and Droëwors (Dried Sausage) – Better known as dried sausage, biltong and droëwors are cured meats consumed as tasty snacks.
- Potjiekos – the traditional method is to layer fresh vegetables on top of meat with a little sauce—the cast-iron pot cooks on a low heat, usually outside on a small fire. When the food is ready, it isn’t stirred, but is dished up with one scoop from the bottom. Sinewy chunks of meat turn to jelly, making the meat tender and tasty.
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