When visiting Durban, be sure to try the city's unique blend of Indian, African, and European cuisine, which is reflected in its popular dishes such as bunny chow, shisa nyama, and sosaties.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Durban's cuisine is a fusion of different cultures, with Indian, African, and European influences. The city's proximity to the coast and its history as a major port have shaped its culinary landscape, with seafood playing a significant role in many dishes. The city's large Indian population has also had a profound impact on its cuisine, with many popular dishes such as bunny chow and samoosas originating from Indian cuisine. Regional variations within Durban's cuisine are also evident, with different neighborhoods and communities having their own unique specialties and cooking styles.
Durban's food culture is also characterized by its casual and laid-back atmosphere, with many restaurants and eateries serving traditional dishes in a relaxed and welcoming environment. The city's famous Golden Mile beachfront is lined with restaurants and cafes, offering stunning views of the ocean while serving a wide range of local and international cuisine. In addition to its restaurants, Durban is also home to many street food stalls and markets, where visitors can sample traditional snacks and dishes such as boerewors and malva pudding.
The city's cuisine is also shaped by its cultural events and festivals, such as the Durban International Film Festival and the Durban July, which attract visitors from all over the world and showcase the city's diverse culinary offerings. Overall, Durban's food culture is a unique and exciting reflection of the city's history, geography, and cultural diversity.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bunny Chow | Curry dish | A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry | Indian restaurants in the city center |
| Shisa Nyama | Barbecued meat | A traditional Zulu dish of barbecued meat, usually served with pap and chakalaka | Street food stalls and markets |
| Sosaties | Skewers | Marinated meat skewers, usually made with lamb or beef | Restaurants and street food stalls |
| Bobotie | Meat pie | A savory meat pie made with ground beef or lamb, topped with a custard-like egg mixture | Restaurants and cafes |
| Malva Pudding | Dessert | A sweet and sticky dessert made with apricot jam and served with a creamy sauce | Restaurants and cafes |
| Boerewors | Sausage | A traditional South African sausage made with beef and spices | Butcher shops and street food stalls |
| Samoosas | Fried pastry | Fried or baked pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas | Indian restaurants and street food stalls |
| Umngqusho | Stew | A traditional Zulu stew made with samp and beans | Street food stalls and markets |
| Kingklip | Seafood | A type of fish commonly found in South African waters, often served grilled or fried | Seafood restaurants |
| Melktert | Dessert | A traditional South African dessert made with a pastry crust and filled with a creamy milk filling | Bakeries and cafes |
Street Food & Snacks
- Boerewors roll: a sausage served in a roll with toppings such as chakalaka and atchar ($3-5)
- Samoosas: fried or baked pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas ($2-3)
- Malva pudding: a sweet and sticky dessert made with apricot jam and served with a creamy sauce ($5-6)
- Shisa nyama: barbecued meat, usually served with pap and chakalaka ($10-15)
- Bunny chow: a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry ($8-10)
- Magwinya: deep-fried doughnuts coated in sugar ($2-3)
- Kota: a quarter loaf of bread filled with atchar, polony, and cheese ($5-6)
- Chakalaka: a spicy tomato relish served with pap or bread ($2-3)
Drinks
- Castle Lager: a popular South African beer ($3-5)
- Savanna Dry: a cider made from apples and pears ($4-6)
- Umqombothi: a traditional Zulu beer made from maize and sorghum ($5-10)
- Roiboos tea: a caffeine-free tea made from the leaves of the rooibos plant ($2-3)
- Fresh juice: a variety of fresh juices made from local fruits such as mango and pineapple ($3-5)
- Amarula: a cream-based liqueur made from the fruit of the marula tree ($10-15)
Dining Customs
- It is customary to tip 10-15% of the total bill at restaurants
- Table manners are generally formal, with an emphasis on using utensils and not eating with one's hands
- Reservations are usually necessary for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Dress codes are generally casual, but some upmarket restaurants may require more formal attire
- It is customary to greet the host or server with a handshake or a smile
- Sawubona (hello) and nkosi (thank you) are common phrases used to show respect and appreciation
Where to Eat
- Florida Road: a popular street lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars
- Golden Mile: a beachfront promenade with many restaurants and cafes offering stunning views of the ocean
- Durban City Market: a bustling market with a variety of food stalls and vendors
- uShaka Marine World: a theme park with many restaurants and cafes offering seafood and other local cuisine
- Morningside: a trendy neighborhood with many upmarket restaurants and cafes
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Durban City Market: a bustling market with a variety of food stalls and vendors, offering everything from bunny chow to samoosas
- uShaka Marine World: a theme park with many restaurants and cafes offering seafood and other local cuisine, as well as a variety of food stalls and vendors
- Florida Road: a popular street lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering a wide range of local and international cuisine
- The Workshop: a shopping center with a variety of food stalls and vendors, offering everything from boerewors to malva pudding
- The Oyster Box: a luxurious hotel with a variety of restaurants and cafes, offering stunning views of the ocean and a range of local and international cuisine