South Africa lies in South-Eastern Africa and is bordered by Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, and Mozambique.
It has a melting pot of cultures and cuisine. The food is a blend of European, Asian, and African. South African traditional foods include things such as crocodile sirloin, fried caterpillars, warthog, and even sheep heads. Some South Africans might shake their heads at this selection, but others eat this way every day. With South Africa having so many different cultures and beliefs, you will also find that certain foods are eaten for certain occasions. South African food is colorful, interesting, and distinctive to most visitors, but it tastes delicious. Traditional African food is generally cooked over an open fire or in a three-legged pot (or potjie), so meat tends to be served in either stewed or grilled form. A starch usually accompanies the meat: mealie pap (maize porridge), potatoes, or rice. Seafood is a staple in South Africa because of its location on the coast. Bobotie, one of the national specialties, resembles shepard's pie with an Indian twist. It consists of minced meat pie topped with a custard, and seasoned with onion, curry, and a fruit chutney. African cuisines are known for their rich, spicy stews, which in South Africa is called bredie, usually served with vegetables and chili peppers. Sosaties, also popular, are pork or lamb kebabs marinated in a curry. The braai (barbecue) plays an important role in South African dishes, and other parts of Africa. Braai can be everything from beef and lamb to crocodile and ostrich, often accompanied by mealie pap. Common snacks include: biltong (beef jerky) and curry-filled bread.
It has a melting pot of cultures and cuisine. The food is a blend of European, Asian, and African. South African traditional foods include things such as crocodile sirloin, fried caterpillars, warthog, and even sheep heads. Some South Africans might shake their heads at this selection, but others eat this way every day. With South Africa having so many different cultures and beliefs, you will also find that certain foods are eaten for certain occasions. South African food is colorful, interesting, and distinctive to most visitors, but it tastes delicious. Traditional African food is generally cooked over an open fire or in a three-legged pot (or potjie), so meat tends to be served in either stewed or grilled form. A starch usually accompanies the meat: mealie pap (maize porridge), potatoes, or rice. Seafood is a staple in South Africa because of its location on the coast. Bobotie, one of the national specialties, resembles shepard's pie with an Indian twist. It consists of minced meat pie topped with a custard, and seasoned with onion, curry, and a fruit chutney. African cuisines are known for their rich, spicy stews, which in South Africa is called bredie, usually served with vegetables and chili peppers. Sosaties, also popular, are pork or lamb kebabs marinated in a curry. The braai (barbecue) plays an important role in South African dishes, and other parts of Africa. Braai can be everything from beef and lamb to crocodile and ostrich, often accompanied by mealie pap. Common snacks include: biltong (beef jerky) and curry-filled bread.