What Food To Try in Johannesburg and Food Prices

Full Boerewors Roll - A spicy, coiled sausage grilled to perfection, served in a soft roll, often topped with tomato and onion relish. Locals grab this street food delight at markets and festivals, typically devouring it during weekend hangouts.

Shisa Nyama - Braai Meat - A selection of grilled meats, such as lamb or boerbok, marinated with local spices and served with sides like pap and sheba sauce. This social dish is often enjoyed on Saturday afternoons at backyard barbecues or dedicated shisa nyama spots in the city, where friends gather around the grill.

Breakfast Pap - Pap - A thick maize porridge that can be enjoyed either savory or sweet, typically served with milk or tomato sauce. You’ll find locals enjoying this hearty breakfast dish in the morning at home or at small local diners.

Bunny Chow - A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with spicy curry, usually made with lamb or vegetables. This Durban-origin dish has made its way to Johannesburg, where it’s commonly eaten for lunch while catching up with friends, but be careful; the bread can get messy!

Bobotie - Spiced Minced Meat Bake - A baked dish of spiced minced meat topped with a custard-like mixture of egg and milk. Often served with yellow rice and chutney, this local specialty is popular during family gatherings, especially during holidays.

Chakalaka - A spicy vegetable relish made with tomatoes, carrots, and beans. It’s a staple side dish at braais, especially in summer, placing fresh, vibrant flavors alongside grilled meats, making it essential for that barbecue feast.

Vetkoek - Fried Bread Roll - A fluffy fried dough roll, often stuffed with savory fillings like minced meat or sweet combos like jam. This seasonal snack is a favorite at festivals or family gatherings, where people enjoy the crispy exterior and soft, warm center.

Sosaties - Marinated Skewered Meat - Tender lamb or chicken marinated in a sweet-and-sour sauce and grilled on skewers. A common dish for special occasions, locals savor it at picnics or festive gatherings, where the smoky flavors elevate any celebration.

Rooibos - Rooibos Tee (herbal tea) - Naturally caffeine-free, this tea is made from the leaves of the rooibos plant, often enjoyed with a splash of milk or honey. Locals sip it throughout the day, especially in winter, as it’s believed to be soothing and healthful (and absolutely cozy by the fire).

Umqombothi - Umqombothi (traditional beer) - A creamy sorghum beer made from fermented corn or sorghum, it has a distinctively earthy flavor. Traditionally enjoyed at social gatherings or rituals, it's often served in calabashes and should be consumed slowly; the experience is about connection, not just refreshment.

Malva Pudding - Malvapudding (sweet sponge pudding) - This is a rich, sweet dessert made from apricot jam and cream, often drizzled with a warm custard or served with ice cream. Typically enjoyed after Sunday lunches or during holidays, the texture is wonderfully spongy, and it's always a hit at family gatherings.

Sorbet - Sorbet (frozen fruit dessert) - A refreshing, icy treat made from local fruits like mango or guava, lightly sweetened and pureed. Perfect on those sizzling summer days, it's often sold at markets, and nothing beats the feeling of enjoying it while meandering through a vibrant neighborhood.

Fruit Juice - Frooti (mango juice) - A beloved sweet and tangy mango drink, often enjoyed in street stalls or at family picnics. It's a summertime staple, and ordering it is pretty straightforward, but don't be surprised if someone insists on adding a dash of lemon for an extra zing (trust me, it's a game-changer).