Exploring the world of culinary is a beautiful way to improve your everyday perspective about the world around you. We all know street food is a universal language that goes beyond borders, it tells a story about local cultures and defines the history that raised legends.
In South Africa, street food has a unique identity that blends global influences with native cuisine. This blend, emphasizes how global favorites have found a home in South Africa and offers locals plus travelers a taste of the world without leaving the country.
But wait, before going global, South Africa has always adopted food trends from other provinces as a way to celebrate different traditions and practices. From the Cape Malay koeksisters to the Indian inspired bunny chow from Durban, our taste buds can’t get enough.
Now, let us see which global foods have influenced some of South Africa’s street food game, according to the Twelve Marketing Inc. team.
Tacos
Originally from Mexico, tacos have taken the world by storm. Cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town have food trucks and stalls that serve these quick snacks, but with a South African twist. Think tender braaied meat, wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with chakalaka and peri-peri sauce. It is safe to say, they deliciously celebrate both the Mexican and South African traditions.
American burgers
Burgers are known worldwide as a street food staple, but in South Africa, it has been reinvented. The classic American burger is elevated with biltong, boerewors or a fried egg as South Africa’s most loved toppings. For variety, the mother city (Cape Town) came up with a submarine sandwich which sturdy bread/roll, stuffed with fries, spicy sausage, any other choice of fillings and different sauces for taste.
Bunny chow
Originally created by the Indian community, bunny chow has become a beloved street food for South Africans and beyond. This Durban specialty is a great example of how a local dish can gain international recognition and love. It is humble, yet hearty and consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread and filled with spicy curry made with lamb, chicken or beans. Today, you can find variations of this dish in food markets around the world, but it is nicer enjoyed in the streets of Durban where it comes from.
Samosas
These right here, have become a beloved snack among South Africans and people from all walks of life. Their origin lies in India and their crispy, triangular shapes are filled with many different ingredients from spicy minced meat to vegetables and are common in South African street markets. In Durban, where many Indian native people reside, you can find samosas with unique fillings that show the city’s rich culinary history.
Shisa nyama
How can we leave this out. Although not considered “street food” in a global sense. Shisa nyama represents the spirit of South African street food culture. This word, taken from the Zulu phrase meaning “buy and grill meat,” shisa nyama spots are popular gathering places where people come together to enjoy braaied meat, also accompanied by sides like pap and chakalaka. This communal experience is the culture of street food markets in South Africa where the food is as much about ubuntu as it is about flavours.
The beauty of street food is in its ability to adapt and innovate by taking inspiration from global food trends, while staying true to its roots. For food lovers, it is a walk through the world’s vibrant streets with different music dancing in the taste buds. So next time you are craving something global, look no further than your local street food vendors and stalls. They serve up the world’s best street foods, with a side of South African soul.
