
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Soweto, South Africa
1. Chicken Wings at Shebeen
Juicy and spicy chicken wings served hot in a bustling shebeen (informal tavern). A taste of authentic Soweto nightlife.
- Authentic Atmosphere: Experience the lively, traditional shebeen environment.
- Spicy Delight: Savor the unique blend of African spices in these tasty wings.
- Affordable Prices: Enjoy great value for money at this local favorite.
2. Soweto Fish Curry at The Fish and Chip Co.
A rich and flavorful fish curry served with rice and pap (maize meal). An exotic taste of the Indian influence in Soweto.
- Indian Influence: Discover the fusion of African and Indian cuisines.
- Exotic Flavor: Savor the unique blend of spices in this traditional curry.
- Welcoming Atmosphere: Feel at home in this friendly, casual eatery.
3. Isitshwala (Tripe) at Mphatsha's
Tender tripe slow-cooked in a flavorful broth. A traditional Soweto dish not to be missed.
- Traditional Taste: Experience the rich taste of African culinary heritage.
- Slow-Cooked Perfection: Savor the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture of this dish.
- Affordable and Filling: Enjoy a generous serving at an affordable price.
4. Braai (Barbecue) at The Kliptown Bar
Savor traditional South African barbecued meats in a lively atmosphere. A must-try Soweto experience.
- Authentic Braai: Experience the unique taste of South African barbecue.
- Social Experience: Join locals and travelers for a fun, shared meal around the fire.
- Variety of Meats: Choose from a variety of traditional meats like boerewors (sausage) and chops.
5. Pap en Wors at Mzoli's
Cornmeal porridge (pap) served with boerewors (sausage), a classic Soweto combination.
- Traditional Pairing: Experience the traditional pairing of pap and boerewors.
- Fresh, Quality Meat: Savor freshly grilled boerewors made from quality ingredients.
- Lively Atmosphere: Feel the energy of this bustling eatery filled with locals and visitors alike.
6. Soweto Pizza at Soweto's Best Pizzeria
Creative twists on pizza, featuring African flavors and ingredients. A unique fusion of tastes in Soweto.
- Fusion Flavors: Discover the exciting blend of African and Italian cuisines.
- Creative Toppings: Choose from a variety of unique, flavorful toppings.
- Casual and Friendly: Enjoy delicious pizza in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
7. Soweto Special at Mama Zola's Kitchen
A hearty meal consisting of chicken, pap, samp (crushed maize), and vegetables. A filling, traditional dish.
- Traditional Favorite: Experience a much-loved traditional Soweto meal.
- Generous Servings: Enjoy a filling, nourishing meal that won't leave you hungry.
- Warm and Welcoming: Feel at home in this cozy, family-run eatery.
8. Spinach and Chicken Pie at Ntshinga's
A flavorful pie filled with spinach and chicken, served hot. A tasty, convenient meal for any time of day.
- Convenient and Delicious: Grab a quick, satisfying meal on the go.
- African Ingredients: Savor the taste of traditional African ingredients in this pie.
- Warm and Friendly Service: Experience friendly, welcoming service at this local favorite.
9. Soweto Hot Dog at Soweto's Hot Dog Stand
A spicy, flavorful hot dog topped with onions, tomato sauce, and chili. A tasty, affordable snack.
- Affordable Snack: Enjoy a quick, tasty treat at an affordable price.
- Spicy Flavor: Experience the unique blend of spices in this Soweto classic.
- Convenient and Quick: Grab a snack on the go, perfect for a busy day exploring Soweto.
10. Mieliepap en Vleis at Dube's Shebeen
Cornmeal porridge (mieliepap) served with grilled meat (vleis). A classic combination enjoyed in a lively shebeen.
- Authentic Atmosphere: Experience the unique, traditional atmosphere of a shebeen.
- Hearty and Filling: Savor a filling meal that will keep you energized for your day.
- Variety of Meats: Choose from a variety of grilled meats, including boerewors and steak.
11. Soweto Burger at The Spot
A unique twist on a burger, featuring African flavors and ingredients. A delicious, modern take on a classic.
- Modern Take: Experience the exciting fusion of African and Western cuisines.
- Unique Flavors: Savor the delicious, flavorful combinations in this burger.
- Casual and Trendy: Relax and enjoy your meal in a trendy, casual setting.
12. Soweto Stew at Mafolofolo's Place
A hearty stew made with beef, potatoes, and vegetables, served hot. A comforting, traditional dish.
- Traditional Comfort Food: Experience a much-loved traditional Soweto meal.
- Hearty and Filling: Savor a filling, nourishing meal that won't leave you hungry.
- Warm and Friendly Service: Feel at home in this welcoming, family-run eatery.
13. Soweto Chicken at The Soweto Inn
A perfectly fried chicken dish served with pap and vegetables. A classic, popular choice in Soweto.
- Classic Favorite: Experience a much-loved traditional Soweto meal.
- Crispy and Delicious: Savor the delicious, crispy texture of this fried chicken.
- Friendly Service: Feel at home in this welcoming, family-run eatery.
14. Soweto Chop at Duduza Shebeen
Grilled meat (chop) served with pap and vegetables. A simple, hearty meal enjoyed in a lively shebeen.
- Authentic Atmosphere: Experience the unique, traditional atmosphere of a shebeen.
- Hearty and Filling: Savor a filling meal that will keep you energized for your day.
- Variety of Meats: Choose from a variety of grilled meats, including ribs and steak.
15. Soweto Sushi at The Soweto Sushi Bar
Creative sushi rolls featuring African flavors and ingredients. A unique fusion of tastes in Soweto.
- Fusion Flavors: Discover the exciting blend of African and Japanese cuisines.
- Creative Toppings: Choose from a variety of unique, flavorful toppings.
- Casual and Modern: Relax and enjoy your sushi in a trendy, modern setting.