Taste of Ubuntu

South African Street Food: A Culinary Adventure

South African street food is a vibrant reflection of the country's diverse cultures and flavors. From bustling city centers to township corners, you'll find an array of delicious and affordable eats that are perfect for a quick snack or a satisfying meal. Taste of Ubuntu brings you the best street food recipes, along with stories and tips on where to find them in South Africa.

Bunny Chow

Bunny Chow is a Durban classic: a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with a flavorful curry. Typically made with mutton, chicken, or beans, it's a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for on-the-go eating.

Where to find it: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Many street vendors and restaurants specialize in Bunny Chow.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of white bread
• 2 cups of mutton, chicken, or bean curry

Instructions:

1. Cut the loaf of bread in half or quarters.
2. Hollow out the bread, removing the soft inside.
3. Fill the hollowed-out bread with curry.
4. Serve immediately.

Gatsby

The Gatsby is a Cape Town institution: a long, oversized sandwich filled with chips, polony, viennas, steak, or chicken, and a generous helping of sauces. It's meant to be shared and is a true taste of Cape Town's street food scene.

Where to find it: Cape Town, Western Cape. Found at takeaway shops and street vendors throughout the city.

Ingredients:

• 1 long roll of bread
• Chips (French fries)
• Polony or viennas, sliced
• Steak or chicken, grilled
• Sauces (chutney, hot sauce, mayonnaise)

Instructions:

1. Cut the roll of bread lengthwise.
2. Layer chips, polony/viennas, and steak/chicken inside the bread.
3. Drizzle generously with sauces.
4. Cut into portions and serve.

Kota

Kota, popular in Gauteng, is a quarter loaf of bread hollowed out and filled with layers of atchar, polony, Russian sausage, chips, cheese, and an egg. It's a hearty and customizable street food staple.

Where to find it: Johannesburg and Pretoria, Gauteng. Widely available at local takeaway spots.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 loaf of bread
• Atchar (spicy pickled mango)
• Polony, sliced
• Russian sausage, grilled
• Chips (French fries)
• Cheese, sliced
• Fried egg

Instructions:

1. Hollow out the quarter loaf of bread.
2. Layer atchar, polony, Russian sausage, chips, cheese, and a fried egg inside.
3. Serve immediately.

Walkie Talkies (Chicken Feet and Heads)

A unique and popular street food, "walkie talkies" are chicken feet (walkies) and chicken heads (talkies) that are boiled or grilled. They are often seasoned with spices and enjoyed as a snack or a meal.

Where to find it: Across South Africa, particularly in townships and informal settlements.

Ingredients:

• Chicken feet and heads
• Salt
• Pepper
• Spices (optional)

Instructions:

1. Clean the chicken feet and heads thoroughly.
2. Boil or grill until cooked through.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and spices.
4. Serve hot.

Skhambane (Tripe Stew)

Skhambane is a traditional tripe stew, slow-cooked and flavorful. It's a popular choice for those seeking authentic South African flavors. The tripe is cleaned and cooked until tender, then seasoned with a variety of spices.

Where to find it: Local markets and street vendors, often found in townships.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg Tripe, cleaned
• 1 Onion, chopped
• 2 Carrots, chopped
• 2 Potatoes, cubed
• Beef stock
• Spices (Salt, pepper, paprika)

Instructions:

1. Clean the tripe thoroughly and cut into smaller pieces.
2. Sauté onion and carrots in a pot.
3. Add tripe, potatoes, beef stock, and spices.
4. Simmer until the tripe is tender (usually 2-3 hours).
5. Serve hot.

Mageu

Mageu is a traditional South African fermented maize drink. It’s a creamy, slightly sour beverage that’s both refreshing and nutritious. It’s a popular thirst quencher, especially during hot days.

Where to find it: Supermarkets, local stores, and street vendors throughout South Africa.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Maize meal
• 4 cups Water
• 1/2 cup Sugar (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp Malt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix maize meal with 1 cup of water to form a smooth paste.
2. Boil the remaining 3 cups of water and add the maize meal paste.
3. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool.
5. Add sugar and malt (if using) and mix well.
6. Let it ferment for 24-48 hours at room temperature.
7. Serve chilled.

Vetkoek

Vetkoek, meaning "fat cake," is a traditional South African fried dough pastry. It's similar to a doughnut but less sweet, and it can be filled with savory or sweet fillings. It’s often served with mince or syrup.

Where to find it: Street vendors, local markets, and bakeries across South Africa.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Flour
• 2 tsp Yeast
• 2 tbsp Sugar
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 1/2 cups Warm water
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Add warm water and mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes.
4. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour.
5. Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer.
6. Roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly.
7. Fry the vetkoek until golden brown on both sides.
8. Serve warm with your choice of filling.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious street food options available in South Africa. Whether you're a local or a visitor, be sure to explore the diverse culinary landscape and discover your own favorite street food treasures.