When visiting Johannesburg, you should try the city's unique blend of traditional South African cuisine, which is heavily influenced by its indigenous, Dutch, and Indian heritage, with popular dishes like Bobotie, Boerewors, and Sosaties.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Johannesburg's cuisine is a reflection of the city's diverse cultural heritage, with influences from indigenous tribes, Dutch settlers, and Indian and Asian immigrants. The city's food scene is characterized by the use of locally sourced ingredients, such as maize meal, beans, and meat, which are often combined with spices and herbs to create flavorful dishes. One of the key influences on Johannesburg's cuisine is the traditional South African Braai, a social gathering where meat is grilled over an open flame. The city's cuisine also reflects its history of immigration, with popular dishes like Durban Lamb Curry and Cape Malay Chicken showcasing the city's Indian and Malay heritage.
Johannesburg's food culture is also shaped by its regional variations, with different neighborhoods and suburbs offering their own unique culinary experiences. For example, the neighborhood of Soweto is known for its traditional African cuisine, while the suburb of Sandton is home to a wide range of international restaurants. The city's food scene is also influenced by its vibrant markets and street food stalls, which offer a wide range of traditional and modern dishes.
Johannesburg's cuisine is also characterized by its use of bold flavors and spices, with popular ingredients like peri-peri sauce and Mrs. Ball's Chutney adding flavor to a wide range of dishes. The city's food scene is also known for its emphasis on community and social gathering, with meals often served in a Ubuntu spirit of sharing and generosity.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobotie | Main Course | A savory meat pie made with ground beef or lamb and topped with a custard-like egg mixture | Traditional South African restaurants |
| Boerewors | Snack | A type of sausage made with beef, pork, or lamb, and spices | Butcher shops and street food stalls |
| Sosaties | Snack | Marinated meat skewers, typically made with lamb or beef | Street food stalls and markets |
| Malva Pudding | Dessert | A sweet pudding made with apricot jam and served with a creamy sauce | Traditional South African restaurants |
| Bunny Chow | Main Course | A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry | Indian restaurants and street food stalls |
| Melktert | Dessert | A traditional South African dessert made with a pastry crust and a creamy milk filling | Bakeries and cafes |
| Pap en Vleis | Main Course | A traditional South African dish made with maize meal porridge and stewed meat | Traditional South African restaurants |
| Koeksisters | Dessert | A sweet, syrupy pastry made with dough and deep-fried | Bakeries and cafes |
| Vetkoek | Snack | A type of fried dough bread, often served with minced meat or cheese | Street food stalls and markets |
| Castle Lager-Braised Short Ribs | Main Course | A hearty dish made with slow-cooked short ribs in a Castle Lager beer sauce | Upscale restaurants |
Street Food & Snacks
- Boerewors Roll: a sausage served in a roll with toppings like cheese, tomato, and chili sauce ($3-5)
- Sosaties: marinated meat skewers, typically made with lamb or beef ($5-7)
- Magwinya: deep-fried dough balls sprinkled with sugar ($2-3)
- Kota: a quarter loaf of bread filled with cheese, polony, and chips ($5-7)
- Vetkoek: a type of fried dough bread, often served with minced meat or cheese ($3-5)
- Mango Atchar: a spicy mango pickle, often served as a side dish or snack ($2-3)
- Chakalaka: a spicy tomato and onion relish, often served as a side dish or snack ($2-3)
- Bunny Chow: a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry ($5-7)
Drinks
- Castle Lager: a popular South African beer
- Savanna Dry: a cider made with apples and a hint of citrus
- Stoney Ginger Beer: a spicy ginger beer made with real ginger
- Roiboos Tea: a caffeine-free tea made with the leaves of the Roiboos plant
- Amarula: a creamy liqueur made with the fruit of the Marula tree
- Umqombothi: a traditional South African beer made with maize meal and sorghum
Dining Customs
- It is customary to greet the host or server with a handshake or a smile
- Table manners are generally formal, with an emphasis on using utensils and napkins
- Tipping is expected, with 10-15% of the total bill being the norm
- Reservations are often necessary, especially at popular restaurants
- Dress codes vary, but smart casual is generally the norm
- It is considered impolite to eat with your left hand, as the left hand is considered unclean in some cultures
Where to Eat
- Neighborhood Markets: like the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein, which offers a wide range of artisanal foods and drinks
- Food Courts: like the one at the Johannesburg Mall, which offers a variety of international cuisine
- Traditional Restaurants: like the Soweto Hotel, which serves traditional South African cuisine
- Upscale Restaurants: like the Sakhumzi Restaurant, which offers a fine dining experience with a focus on local ingredients
- Street Food Stalls: like the ones found in the city's townships, which offer a wide range of traditional snacks and dishes
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Neighbourgoods Market: a weekly market in Braamfontein that offers a wide range of artisanal foods and drinks
- Johannesburg Market: a daily market that offers a wide range of fresh produce, meats, and handicrafts
- Soweto Street Food Tour: a guided tour that takes visitors through the city's townships to sample traditional snacks and dishes
- Bo-Kaap Cooking Class: a cooking class that teaches visitors how to make traditional Cape Malay dishes
- Wine Tasting at the Gerakaris Wine Estate: a wine tasting experience that offers a selection of local wines and a tour of the estate's vineyards