What Food To Try in Cape Town and Food Prices

Shakshuka - Shakshuka (spicy egg dish) - A hearty dish featuring poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce with peppers and onion, often topped with fresh herbs. Locals enjoy it for breakfast, typically served with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Bunny Chow - Bunny Chow (curry in bread) - This is a South African street food classic, consisting of a hollowed-out loaf filled with aromatic curry, originally created by Durban's Indian community. You’ll usually find it from street vendors during lunchtime, and it’s a fun, hands-on eating experience.

Bobotie - Bobotie (spiced meat dish) - Ground beef or lamb baked with a creamy, egg-based topping, often seasoned with curry powder and dried fruit for a unique flavor. It’s a popular dish during dinner, usually enjoyed at home or at casual eateries with a side of yellow rice and chutney.

Potjiekos - Potjiekos (stew cooked in cast-iron pot) - A slow-cooked stew made with meat and seasonal vegetables, traditionally prepared outdoors in a cast-iron pot over an open flame. It's a local favorite at gatherings or picnics, meant to be enjoyed leisurely with friends and family.

Boerewors - Boerewors (farmers sausage) - A coiled sausage made from beef, pork, or lamb, flavored with spices and herbs. Often found at barbecues, it's best enjoyed with a side of pap (maize porridge) and tomato sauce, a common choice for family gatherings.

Millie Pap - Millie Pap (maize porridge) - A staple side dish of ground maize, served as a thick porridge, perfect for absorbing flavors from other dishes. It’s especially common in colder months, enjoyed as a comforting, filling accompaniment to stew.

Vetkoek - Vetkoek (fried bread rolls) - Deep-fried dough pockets that can be stuffed with savory fillings, ranging from minced meat to jam. A festive treat during holidays, they’re often sold at markets and best enjoyed while hot and fresh.

Chakalaka - Chakalaka (spicy vegetable relish) - A zesty relish made from onions, tomatoes, beans, and a variety of spices, meant to add a punch to meals. It’s a common side dish at barbecues and potjiekos, typically enjoyed in the summer months.

Rooibos Tea - Rooibos (herbal tea) - Naturally caffeine-free tea made from the dried leaves of the rooibos plant, often enjoyed with a splash of milk or a drizzle of honey. Locals typically sip it in the afternoon while relaxing with friends or family, making it a staple during cold winter nights.

Jungle Juice - Jungle Juice (refreshing fruit cocktail) - An invigorating blend of freshly squeezed citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, often with a hint of mint. Found at markets and beachside stalls, it's especially popular on sunny days when locals gather to cool off; don’t miss it during summer for the freshest taste!

Gugelhupf - Gugelhupf (bundt cake) - A dense, buttery cake often flavored with chocolate or citrus, served dusted with powdered sugar. It's commonly enjoyed at celebrations, such as birthdays or family gatherings; locals love that moist texture with a strong cup of coffee or tea on the side.

Malva Pudding - Malvapoeding (sweet sponge dessert) - A warm pudding made with apricot jam, milk, and sugar, drizzled with rich cream or custard. Traditionally served at Sunday lunches or special occasions, this dessert is perfect for cold evenings, so be ready for its delicious stickiness!

Koeksisters - Koeksisters (syrup-soaked pastries) - Twisted pastries that are deep-fried and then dunked in a sweet syrup, creating a deliciously sticky treat. Often found during Heritage Day celebrations, they are best enjoyed cold; watch out for the common mistake of biting in too quickly, as they can be quite messy!