Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
1. Bunny Chow
A half loaf of bread hollowed out and filled with spicy curry, originating from Durban but popular in Johannesburg. Try it at Curry's-on-Main.
- Authentic Experience: Curry's-on-Main is a classic South African eatery, offering an authentic Bunny Chow experience.
- Variety of Curries: Curry's-on-Main offers various types of curries, allowing you to explore different flavors.
- Convenient Location: Curry's-on-Main is located in the heart of Johannesburg, making it easily accessible for tourists.
2. Boerewors Roll
A traditional South African sausage wrapped in a rolled-up flatbread, often served with chutney. Try it at Spur Steak Ranches.
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Spur Steak Ranches offer a casual and friendly environment for families to enjoy Boerewors Rolls together.
- Wide Selection of Dishes: Spur Steak Ranches have an extensive menu, ensuring there's something for everyone.
- Multiple Locations: Spur Steak Ranches have numerous locations across Johannesburg, making it easy to find one nearby.
3. Pap en Vleis
A popular South African dish consisting of maize meal (pap) and grilled meat (vleis). Try it at Braai Africa.
- Authentic South African Braai Experience: Braai Africa offers an authentic South African braai experience, allowing you to taste Pap en Vleis as it should be.
- Al fresco Dining: Braai Africa's outdoor seating creates a unique and enjoyable dining atmosphere.
- Variety of Meats: Braai Africa offers a variety of meats, allowing you to explore different flavors in your Pap en Vleis.
4. Kotlelets
A dish made from breaded and fried chicken fillet, typically served with pap or chips. Try it at Nandos.
- Global Brand: Nandos is a globally recognized brand, offering Kotlelets that are consistent in quality and flavor.
- Wide Range of Sauces: Nandos offers a variety of sauces to complement your Kotletes, catering to different tastes.
- Multiple Locations: Nandos has numerous locations across Johannesburg, making it easy to find one nearby.
5. Chicken Livers on Toast
A dish consisting of pan-fried chicken livers served on buttered toast. Try it at The Local Grill.
- Unique Taste Experience: The Local Grill offers a unique taste experience with their Chicken Livers on Toast.
- Cosy Atmosphere: The Local Grill provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying your meal.
- Affordable Prices: The Local Grill offers affordable prices, making it an economical dining option.
6. Robert's Spar Ribs
Delicious ribs served at Robert's Spar, a grocery store that doubles as a restaurant. Try them for an unconventional dining experience.
- Unusual Dining Experience: Dine at a grocery store and enjoy their delicious ribs, offering an unusual but memorable dining experience.
- High-Quality Meats: Robert's Spar is known for its high-quality meats, ensuring your ribs are flavorful and tender.
- Convenient Location: Robert's Spar has multiple locations across Johannesburg, making it easy to find one nearby.
7. Bobotie
A spiced meatloaf made with ground meat, fruit, and almonds, baked in a pastry crust. Try it at The Chef's Table.
- Culinary Artistry: The Chef's Table offers artfully prepared Bobotie, showcasing culinary skill and creativity.
- Intimate Setting: The Chef's Table provides an intimate dining experience, perfect for a romantic evening or special occasion.
- Chef's Specialties: The Chef's Table focuses on showcasing the chef's specialties, ensuring you get an authentic and flavorful Bobotie.
8. Chakalaka
A spicy vegetable relish made with ingredients like carrots, beans, and tomatoes. Try it as a side dish at various restaurants in Johannesburg.
- Versatile Side Dish: Chakalaka can be found as a side dish at many restaurants in Johannesburg, making it easy to try.
- Unique Flavor Profile: Chakalaka offers a unique flavor profile, adding an exciting twist to your meal.
- Cultural Significance: Tasting Chakalaka gives you a taste of South African culture and culinary traditions.
9. Malva Pudding
A sweet dessert made with apricot jam, cake batter, and custard. Try it at Marble Restaurant.
- Gourmet Desserts: Marble Restaurant offers a variety of gourmet desserts, including Malva Pudding.
- Stylish Atmosphere: Marble Restaurant provides a stylish and sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for enjoying your dessert.
- Expert Pastry Chefs: Marble Restaurant's expert pastry chefs ensure that your Malva Pudding is delicious and satisfying.
10. Mieliepap
Cooked maize meal similar to polenta, often served as a side dish or base for other dishes. Try it at various traditional restaurants in Johannesburg.
- Authentic South African Side Dish: Mieliepap is an essential part of many South African dishes, offering a taste of the country's culinary traditions.
- Versatile in Many Dishes: Mieliepap can be found as a side dish or base for other dishes at various traditional restaurants in Johannesburg.
- Wide Variety of Dishes: Many traditional restaurants offer Mieliepap as part of a wide variety of dishes, allowing you to explore different flavors.
11. Umngqusho
A traditional South African dish consisting of beans and corn simmered in a sauce. Try it at various traditional restaurants in Johannesburg.
- Authentic South African Dish: Umngqusho is an essential part of many South African meals, offering a taste of the country's culinary traditions.
- Versatile Side Dish: Umngqusho can be found as a side dish at various traditional restaurants in Johannesburg, making it easy to try.
- Cultural Significance: Tasting Umngqusho gives you a taste of South African culture and culinary traditions.
12. Kaapse Koekies
A traditional Cape Malay cookie made with coconut, almonds, and spices. Try them at various bakeries in Johannesburg.
- Unique Taste Experience: Kaapse Koekies offer a unique taste experience with their blend of flavors and textures.
- Cultural Significance: Tasting Kaapse Koekies gives you a taste of Cape Malay culture and culinary traditions.
- Variety of Flavors: Many bakeries offer various flavors of Kaapse Koekies, allowing you to explore different tastes.
13. Bobotie Pie
A Bobotie dish wrapped in a pastry crust and baked. Try it at The Dining Room.
- Gourmet Take on Traditional Dish: The Dining Room offers a gourmet take on the traditional Bobotie dish, making it even more delicious.
- Stylish Atmosphere: The Dining Room provides a stylish and sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for enjoying your meal.
- Expert Chefs: The Dining Room's expert chefs ensure that your Bobotie Pie is flavorful and satisfying.
14. Amagwinya
A type of fried bread made from maize meal. Try it as a snack at various street food vendors in Johannesburg.
- Authentic Street Food Experience: Amagwinya offers an authentic street food experience, allowing you to taste traditional South African cuisine.
- Affordable Snack: Amagwinya is a cheap and tasty snack, perfect for when you're on the go or want something quick and affordable.
- Wide Availability: Amagwinya can be found at various street food vendors across Johannesburg, making it easy to find and try.
15. Boerewors Sausages
Traditional South African sausages made from ground beef and spices. Try them at various braai locations in Johannesburg.
- Authentic South African Barbecue Experience: Boerewors Sausages offer an authentic South African barbecue experience, allowing you to taste traditional cuisine.
- Versatile Dish: Boerewors Sausages can be found at various braai locations in Johannesburg, making it easy to try.
- Flavorful and Tasty: Boerewors Sausages are flavorful and tasty, ensuring that you have a satisfying meal.