What Food To Try in Durban and Food Prices

Bunny Chow - Local Bread Bowl - A hollowed-out loaf filled with spicy curry, usually made from chicken or lamb. It's a popular lunch option enjoyed at street stalls, typically eaten with your hands, just scooping it out like a pro!

Upma - Savory Semolina Porridge - This dish combines roasted semolina with vegetables and spices, cooked into a thick, hearty consistency. Locals often enjoy it for breakfast, paired with chutney for extra flavor.

Durban Prawns - Spicy Prawns - Marinated prawns cooked in a rich, aromatic masala sauce, served with fluffy rice. It's perfect for a dinner out, often accompanied by a local beer while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the seaside.

Shisa Nyama - Grilled Meat Feast - A barbecue-style gathering where various meats, like boerewors and marinated chicken, are grilled to perfection over an open flame. It's a popular weekend tradition, usually enjoyed with friends outdoors, and is an excellent way to experience local flavor profiles.

Amadumbe - Cooked Malanga - This starchy root vegetable is boiled or roasted, often served with butter or a spicy sauce. It's a must-try during cultural festivals, showcasing its role in traditional gatherings.

Chicken Gatsby - Giant Sandwich - A massive roll stuffed with spicy fried chicken, salads, and creamy dressing, often served with crispy chips. It’s a favorite street food option, perfect for a late-night snack after an evening out, commonly shared among friends.

Bobotie - Curried Mince Bake - A mixture of minced meat, spices, and a custard topping baked until golden. You’ll find it served at family gatherings, revealing its heritage as a fusion dish that reflects the local culture.

Waterblommetjie Potjiekos - Seasonal Stew - A slow-cooked stew featuring waterblommetjies (water lily buds), meat, and aromatic spices, cooked in a three-legged pot. Lovely in the spring, locals often share this dish during outdoor celebrations, embodying community spirit.

Rooibos Tea - Rooibostee (herbal tea) - Naturally caffeine-free tea brewed from the leaves of the rooibos plant, often enjoyed with or without milk. Locals love to sip it in the afternoons, reminiscing about lazy beach days, and it’s commonly served at local markets.

Umqombothi - Umqomboti (traditional beer) - A thick, rich beer made from maize and sorghum, fermented in traditional clay pots. Typically enjoyed at ceremonies and gatherings, it’s poured into calabashes, and you’ll often find it at celebrations where community storytelling and music are a must.

Mango Lassi - Mango Lassi (yogurt drink) - A refreshing blend of yogurt, ripe mango, and sugar, often served chilled. Perfect for cooling down on sweltering summer days, you’ll see locals enjoying it for breakfast or as an afternoon snack at nearby stalls (but beware, ordering just “lassi” can get you surprised with plain lassi instead!).

Koesister - Koesisters (spiced doughnut) - A sweet and spicy fried pastry, filled with a mix of coconut and spices, drizzled with syrup, offering a crispy exterior and soft inside. These delicious bites are a favorite during street festivals, and the perfect accompaniment during tea time, especially on weekends (you might want to eat them warm for the best experience).

Sorbet - Sorbet (frozen fruit dessert) - A delightful frozen treat made from local fruits like granadilla or passion fruit, offering a refreshing burst of flavor. Most commonly enjoyed during the hot summer months at beachside stalls; just remember to eat it quickly before the heat turns it into juice!