When visiting Port Elizabeth, you should try the city's unique blend of traditional South African dishes, fresh seafood, and influences from its indigenous and colonial heritage, with must-try dishes including Bobotie, Sosaties, and Malva Pudding.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Port Elizabeth's cuisine is a fusion of different cultures, including indigenous, Dutch, British, and African influences. The city's location on the coast of South Africa provides an abundance of fresh seafood, which is often combined with traditional ingredients like mealie meal (maize meal) and boerewors (a type of sausage). The city's food culture is also shaped by its history, with many dishes reflecting the city's colonial past. For example, Bobotie, a savory meat pie, is a dish that originated from the Cape Malay community, who were brought to South Africa by the Dutch East India Company.
The city's cuisine is also influenced by its indigenous people, the Xhosa and Zulu tribes, who have their own unique cooking traditions. Umngqusho, a traditional Xhosa dish made from samp (crushed maize kernels) and beans, is a staple in many Port Elizabeth households. The city's food culture is also shaped by its geographic location, with many dishes featuring fresh seafood, such as fish braai (barbecued fish) and calamari.
Port Elizabeth's food culture is also reflected in its many markets and food festivals, which showcase the city's diverse culinary heritage. The city's Food Festival, held annually, features a range of traditional and modern dishes, from boerewors rolls to sushi. The festival also highlights the city's vibrant food culture, with many local chefs and food vendors showcasing their culinary skills.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobotie | Main Course | Savory meat pie made with ground beef or lamb, spices, and dried fruit, topped with a custard-like egg mixture | Most restaurants in Port Elizabeth |
| Sosaties | Appetizer | Skewers of marinated meat (usually lamb or beef) | African-themed restaurants and markets |
| Malva Pudding | Dessert | Sweet dessert made with apricot jam, sugar, and flour, served hot and topped with a creamy sauce | Traditional South African restaurants |
| Umngqusho | Side Dish | Traditional Xhosa dish made from samp (crushed maize kernels) and beans | Xhosa-owned restaurants and markets |
| Boerewors | Main Course | Type of sausage made from beef, pork, or lamb, often served with pap (maize meal) and vegetables | Butcher shops and traditional South African restaurants |
| Fish Braai | Main Course | Barbecued fish, often served with pap (maize meal) and vegetables | Seafood restaurants and beachside braai (barbecue) spots |
| Calamari | Appetizer | Deep-fried squid rings, often served with a side of tartar sauce | Seafood restaurants and markets |
| Melktert | Dessert | Traditional South African dessert made with a pastry crust, milk, and sugar | Bakeries and cafes |
| Bunny Chow | Main Course | Hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry | Indian-themed restaurants and markets |
| Peppermint Crisp Tart | Dessert | Chocolate tart made with a peppermint crisp filling and topped with whipped cream | Bakeries and cafes |
Street Food & Snacks
- Boerewors rolls: a sausage roll made with boerewors, served with a side of pap (maize meal) and vegetables, priced around $3-$5
- Samosas: fried or baked pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas, priced around $2-$4
- Calamari: deep-fried squid rings, often served with a side of tartar sauce, priced around $5-$7
- Fish and chips: battered and fried fish, served with crispy fries and a side of tartar sauce, priced around $8-$10
- Vetkoek: a type of fried doughnut, often filled with curry or bobotie, priced around $2-$4
- Magwinya: a type of fried doughnut, often filled with jam or syrup, priced around $2-$4
Drinks
- Castle Lager: a popular South African beer, priced around $3-$5
- Savanna Dry: a type of cider, priced around $4-$6
- Roiboos tea: a caffeine-free tea made from the leaves of the rooibos plant, priced around $2-$4
- Fresh juice: a variety of juices made from local fruits, such as orange, grapefruit, and mango, priced around $3-$5
- Amarula: a type of cream liqueur made from the fruit of the marula tree, priced around $5-$7
Dining Customs
- It is customary to greet the host or hostess with a handshake or a hug, depending on the level of familiarity
- Table manners are generally formal, with an emphasis on using utensils correctly and not speaking with one's mouth full
- Tipping is customary, with 10% to 15% of the total bill being the norm
- Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends or during peak season
- Dress codes vary depending on the restaurant, but generally, smart casual is the norm
Where to Eat
- Restaurants: Port Elizabeth has a wide range of restaurants, from traditional South African cuisine to international flavors like Chinese, Indian, and Italian
- Markets: the city has several markets, including the Port Elizabeth Market, which features a range of food stalls and vendors
- Food courts: many shopping malls have food courts, which offer a variety of fast food and sit-down options
- Beachside braai (barbecue) spots: many beaches in Port Elizabeth have designated braai areas, where visitors can cook their own food and enjoy the views
- Cafes: the city has a number of cafes, which serve a range of coffee, tea, and light meals
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Port Elizabeth Market: a bustling market that features a range of food stalls and vendors, selling everything from fresh produce to traditional South African dishes
- Baakens Food Truck Park: a food truck park that features a range of vendors, selling everything from gourmet burgers to artisanal ice cream
- The Food Festival: an annual festival that showcases the city's diverse culinary heritage, with a range of food stalls, cooking demonstrations, and live music
- The Donkin Reserve: a historic reserve that features a range of food vendors, selling everything from traditional South African dishes to contemporary cuisine
- The Boardwalk: a waterfront complex that features a range of restaurants, cafes, and food vendors, with stunning views of the ocean