7 Savory Foods You Must Try in Cape Town, South Africa

The sizzle of boerewors on a hot grill, the crunch of perfectly fried hake, the aromatic spices and drip of a curry-filled bunny chow, Cape Town's food scene is a feast for all your senses. When I first moved to Cape Town and married a South African-Indian man, I quickly learned that food here isn't just about eating; it's about community, history, and cultural pride.

As an American-born Chinese who grew up with dim sum Sundays and Philly cheesesteaks, I was fascinated to discover how Cape Town's diverse communities have created their own iconic dishes that tell stories of heritage and resilience. In this article, I'm sharing 7 savory foods that define Cape Town's culinary identity. Whether you're a first-time visitor or planning an extended stay, these dishes will help you taste the real Cape Town and connect with its vibrant food culture.

1. Braai

For all the meat-lovers, you NEED to have a braai when you’re in South Africa! A braai is a glorious experience of meat grilling, usually with a group of friends or family. You can have a braai any time of the year, whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just enjoying a weekend. As an American, this is very similar to a barbecue. The biggest difference would be the cuts of meat that are commonly grilled and eaten. Boerwors, pork rashers, lamb chops, marinated or basted chicken, and pork spare ribs are must-tries when in South Africa.

I was very curious about how the food would compare to an American BBQ. So, when I finally got the chance to experience it with some local South African friends, I picked up some meats at Food Lover’s Market that I thought would be fun to try! I wasn’t sure which type of meat to choose, but the supermarket made it easy with prepackaged cuts labeled for braai at the butchery section. There are also specific marinades for braaiing. The food, along with sides such as potato salad, chakalaka (A spicy South African vegetable relish), and desserts like peppermint tart, made the experience feel truly authentic.

Where to Try Braai:

You can have a braai just about anywhere – at home, at a friend’s place, a picnic area, a beach, or even a parking lot (says my South African husband!). It’s wherever you feel comfortable. The most important part of a braai is the people you are with.

If you don’t have the time to fully experience a braai, Spur does an amazing job at bringing families together to enjoy some braai food. Their combo meals include different types of meat. I highly recommend the “Warrior Combo - Pork ribs, quarter chicken, lamb chop, and wors (sausage).”

Warning, it is super delicious and filling!

2. Gatsby

If a sandwich becomes a part of a local community’s cultural identity for over 50 years, that tells me it’s a must-try, and Gatsby is exactly that! Popularized by the Colored community in Cape Town, South Africa, a Gatsby is a fast-food / street-food sandwich created to be quick and filling. The main ingredient you need in order to call it a Gatsby is chips (French fries). Otherwise, it’s just a regular sandwich without the chips. The other fillings are up to you. Some common choices are meats like Vienna sausages, polony (rolled, ground meat)), or fried fish, and sauces like mayo, sweet and sour sauce, or tomato sauce. Adding veggies like lettuce is an option too!

Being from Philadelphia (Pennsylvania, USA), the food that connects to my cultural identity is the Philly cheesesteak. Although the taste of a cheesesteak is very different from that of a Gatsby, both are sandwiches that represent history and continue to make a name for themselves in their respective cities.

Where to Try Gatsby:

A Gatsby is relatively easy to make at home! The ingredients can be found in any grocery store. I also recommend trying it from the original creator of Gatsby at his shop, Super Fisheries at 63 Old Klipfontein Rd, Athlone, Cape Town, 7764.

Bonus tip: Try a Gatsby with spiced chips!

3. Biltong

Photo by Ryan Lansdown

Biltong is a delicacy you must try when in South Africa because it might be illegal in your country! It is a type of air-dried meat, similar to American jerky. The way biltong is air-dried at a lower temperature gives it a softer, chewier texture. The dried meats can come from cows, pigs, or ostriches.

I love snacks as a souvenir. They’re great gifts for foodies and also a way to share about another culture. However, not all biltongs can be imported into countries outside South Africa. The first time I visited South Africa and bought biltong to take back to the U.S., a customs officer at my arrival airport took the pork biltong out of my suitcase to discard. The only bag of air-dried, cured meat I could keep and bring home was the ostrich biltong. So, be sure to check your country’s customs website for the allowance on certain agricultural products.

Where to Try Biltong:

Biltong can be bought at many grocery stores. There are also specialty stores that sell all types of biltong. A popular brand to try is J&M Famous Biltong, one of their stores is located at Entrance 3, Lower Level, Canal Walk Shopping Center, Century City, Cape Town, 7441.

A must-try savoury South African snack!!

4. Bunny Chow

Originating in Durban, on the eastern coast of South Africa, bunny chow was created by the Indian diaspora who arrived in hopes of opportunities offered by the British. The Indian people were enslaved around the 1860s, brought over from India by the British for labor. As crime rates and politics have worsened in recent years, more and more people from the Eastern Cape are moving to the Western Cape. Bunny Chow is made with a brick of white bread, inside carved out, and filled with loads of curry of your choice.

My father-in-law, who is from Durban, introduced me to bunny chow and cooked me my first one. My favorite bunny chow is the sugar bean curry one. It’s a mouth-watering experience even before the first bite.

Where to Try Bunny Chow:

In Cape Town, give The Burner a try! They have loads of options for the curry filling. Located at Manhattan Suites and Conferencing, 3 Esplanade Rd, Century City, Cape Town, 7441

Eating it can get messy, but don’t be afraid to use your hands, which is also the traditional way to eat it.

5. Ulusu/Mogodu

The flavor of ulusu/mogodu is bursting with spices and umami! Ulusu/Mogodu is a tripe dish that is saucy and has a chewy texture. It is usually served with a side of samp, pap, rice, or a vegetable dish.

Dim sum tripe stew was actually something my dad would make for dinner from time to time. The sauce is so fragrant, nutty, and savory. The whole dish goes very well with jasmine rice. Growing up as a third-culture kid (American-born Chinese) in Philadelphia, my family would go to Chinatown for yum cha on Sunday mornings. Yum cha is a traditional Cantonese brunch experience, featuring dim sum, popular on Sunday mornings with family.

Where to Try Ulusu/Mogodu:

Ulusu/Mogodu can be easily made at home with local ingredients in South Africa. You can also try ulusu/mogodu at Seven Colours Eatery at Battery Park@Waterfront, 3 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001.

This is a dish that can easily be made at home as a regular dish part of a South African meal.

6. Seafood

Cape Town is a coastal city, which means it has access to fresh seafood. The most popular seafood to try is Hake or Kingklip, either fried or grilled. These fish are easily found in the Atlantic Ocean and the western coast of South Africa. If you’re into seafood, then you need to try raw oysters and calamari too! If you don’t have any dietary restrictions on seafood and you’re not giving it a try, then you’re missing out on the seafood here in Cape Town! Where else can you try the freshest South African seafood?

The first time I tasted fresh raw oysters, my eyes widened, and a sudden increase of dopamine shot up. The freshness and flavors were impeccable. I couldn’t remember a time I'd enjoyed oysters that much that I wanted to order 30 more! The same goes for trying Hake and Kingklip fish for the first time. I was so curious about how it would compare to the fish and chips in the UK. The prices aren’t too bad compared to some other fish markets around the world.

Where to Try Seafood:

The best and most popular restaurant to try seafood in Cape Town is Cape Town Fish Market. Their menu includes Japanese cuisine as well, so you get a chance to taste South African-style sushi and sashimi. I love getting the chance to taste everything, so when I do, I order a combo plate.

At Mariner's Wharf Harbourfront Emporium, the fish and chips are unbelievable! You can get the fish fried or grilled. The fried-batter fish can be a bit oily, so make sure to squeeze some lemon to cut the oiliness. The ratio of the batter to fish is balanced. With the chips, it is such a filling meal! The calamari here is a must-try as well. The taste and textures are just right. The food comes out hot too!

The freshness and flavors were impeccable.

7. Bobotie

Photo by Julie Cockburn

The savory, sweet, and well-spiced bobotie is considered by many to be South Africa's national dish. It is made with minced meat (most often beef), combined with Cape Malay spices, and topped with a mixture of egg and milk. The meat-based dish was brought over by the Dutch settlers and has since evolved into the many versions we know today.

Biting into this dish is like experiencing an explosion of layered flavors that harmonize perfectly. This is also a great way to get my protein in! 

This is a staple dish to have as a meal with a side of rice, typically yellow rice here in South Africa.

Where to Try Bobotie:

Biesmiellah Restaurant offers delicious Cape Malay and South African cuisine. You can find them at 2 Wale St & Pentz St Bo-Kaap, Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town, 8000. For vegans and vegetarians, Karibu Restaurant offers an amazing vegan bobotie. The restaurant is located at Shop 156, Breakwater Blvd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002.

Final Thoughts

Exploring Cape Town through its food has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey here as a slowmad. Each dish I've tried—from my father-in-law's homemade bunny chow to South Africa’s traditional ulusu/mogodu—has deepened my connection to this city and its people. What I love most is how food bridges cultures here. I see my own third-culture kid experience reflected in Cape Town's diverse culinary landscape, where Indian, Malay, African, and European traditions come together on every plate.

Whether you're planning your first trip to Cape Town or you're a fellow slomad discovering your new home, I hope this article inspires you to dive into these flavors with an open mind and an empty stomach. May your Cape Town food adventures be as delicious as mine have been!