Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Newcastle, South Africa, Newcastle, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

1. Shisanyama

Savory BBQ meat dish served with pap and beans, a traditional Zulu specialty. Try it at Mkhuze Corner.
  • Authentic Flavor: Experience the genuine taste of local BBQ cooking
  • Cultural Immersion: Social dining experience reflecting Zulu heritage
  • Variety of Meats: Choose from various meats like chicken, beef, and lamb

2. Umphokoqo

A rich, creamy cornmeal porridge served with sugar or milk, a popular breakfast dish. Savor it at Mkhuze Game Reserve's restaurants.
  • Early Morning Energy: Start your day right with a filling and delicious meal
  • Cultural Connection: Understand more about the Zulu culinary traditions
  • Versatile Topping Options: Customize your umphokoqo with sugar, milk, or both!

3. Ingwali

Sweet maize beer made from fermented cornmeal. Enjoy it at traditional shebeens like Mbali's Place.
  • Local Drink Experience: Taste the unique flavor of traditional maize beer
  • Sociable Atmosphere: Meet locals and make new friends over a drink
  • Cultural Insights: Learn about the role of shebeens in Zulu society

4. Umsulwazi

A tasty sorghum porridge dish, often served with cowpeas and dried fish. Try it at local eateries like Nkosi's Kitchen.
  • Hearty Meal: Enjoy a filling and nutritious meal
  • Historical Significance: Understand the importance of sorghum in traditional Zulu diet
  • Diverse Ingredients: Savor the unique flavors of dried fish and cowpeas

5. Umqombothi

Another type of traditional beer made from sorghum. Taste it at local taverns like Thembalihle.
  • Unique Flavor: Experience a different taste compared to umphokoqo
  • Cultural Interaction: Meet locals and learn more about their customs
  • Community Bonding: Share a drink with new friends and foster connections

6. Ngudu

A refreshing beverage made from the fruit of the marula tree. Try it at Phomolong Lodge.
  • Taste of Africa: Experience a truly African flavor
  • Natural Ingredients: Enjoy the health benefits of marula fruit
  • Unique Setting: Sip ngudu amidst breathtaking African scenery

7. Isitshwala

A flavorful dish made from tripe and offal, served with maize meal. Try it at Mkhuze Corner.
  • Adventurous Eating: Expand your culinary horizons with exotic ingredients
  • Cultural Connection: Learn about the importance of offal in traditional Zulu cuisine
  • Hearty Meal: Enjoy a filling and flavorful dish

8. Umgqushu

A traditional Zulu dish made from ground maize dough mixed with beans. Try it at Nkosi's Kitchen.
  • Hearty Meal: Enjoy a filling and nutritious meal
  • Cultural Connection: Understand the importance of maize in Zulu cuisine
  • Versatile Ingredients: Customize umgqushu with various ingredients like beans or vegetables

9. Idliswankomo

A tasty dish made from cowpeas and beef. Try it at Mkhuze Game Reserve's restaurants.
  • Hearty Meal: Enjoy a filling and flavorful meal
  • Cultural Insights: Learn more about traditional Zulu cooking methods
  • Diverse Ingredients: Savor the unique flavors of cowpeas and beef

10. Indlubu yeminyane

A refreshing salad made from wild spinach and nuts. Try it at Phomolong Lodge.
  • Healthy Option: Enjoy a light and nutritious meal
  • Taste of Africa: Experience the unique flavors of wild spinach
  • Unique Setting: Savor indlubu yeminyane amidst beautiful African scenery

11. Umgushuno

A traditional Zulu dish made from ground corn meal and cold water. Try it at Mkhuze Corner.
  • Hearty Meal: Enjoy a filling and nutritious meal
  • Cultural Connection: Learn more about traditional Zulu cooking methods
  • Versatile Ingredients: Customize umgushuno with various ingredients like beans or vegetables

12. Mqombothi

A traditional sorghum beer made by allowing the grains to ferment in a large pot. Try it at local taverns like Thembalihle.
  • Unique Flavor: Experience a different taste compared to umphokoqo
  • Cultural Interaction: Meet locals and learn more about their customs
  • Community Bonding: Share a drink with new friends and foster connections

13. Imbuzi yeminyane

A flavorful dish made from wild snails. Try it at Mkhuze Game Reserve's restaurants.
  • Adventurous Eating: Expand your culinary horizons with exotic ingredients
  • Cultural Connection: Learn about the importance of snails in traditional Zulu cuisine
  • Hearty Meal: Enjoy a filling and flavorful dish

14. Phuthu

A sweet, dough-like dish made from ground maize flour and sugar. Try it at local bakeries like Nkosi's Bakery.
  • Sweet Treat: Indulge in a sweet snack
  • Cultural Connection: Understand more about traditional Zulu sweets
  • Versatile Flavors: Choose from various flavors like coconut, peanuts, or sesame seeds

15. Isicathamiya

A traditional Zulu dish made from a mixture of sorghum and beans. Try it at Nkosi's Kitchen.
  • Hearty Meal: Enjoy a filling and nutritious meal
  • Cultural Connection: Learn more about traditional Zulu cooking methods
  • Diverse Ingredients: Savor the unique flavors of sorghum and beans