
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