Top 10 Favorite Food in South Africa
South African cuisine is a vibrant mix of flavors, blending indigenous traditions with influences from around the world. Among the favorite food in South Africa, several dishes stand out for their unique tastes and cultural significance.
Top 10 Favorite Food in South Africa :
1. Braai
2. Tripe And Pap
3. Kota
4. Mala Mogodu Biryani
5. Amasi
6. Boerewors
7. Bunny Chow
8. Dombolo
9. Gatsby
10. Pap
SagaPollers,
as a 100% African-focused app, we aim to highlight the rich culinary traditions of South Africa, which are a source of pride and cultural identity. To find out what the preferred local dishes are, we ran a survey asking our members to tell us their opinion!
In this article, we delve into the top 10 favorite foods in the country, as identified by our SagaPoll community.
Main food in South Africa: The Foundation of their cuisine
1. Braai
Braai comes as the favorite local dish in South Africa!
The braai is a cultural institution and a favorite meal in South Africa. Friends and families gather to grill various meats, including boerewors, lamb chops, and steaks, fostering community and connection. This tradition is so ingrained that 23% of the population participates in braais frequently.
Traditional Dishes in South Africa
2. Tripe and Pap
A classic combo in South African culture, tripe and pap brings together tender, slow-cooked tripe with a hearty maize porridge known as pap. This dish is a true testament to the most delicious African food traditions, enjoyed by about 10% of locals on a regular basis.
3. Kota
A street food unique to South Africa, the kota is a quarter loaf of bread hollowed out and packed with goodies like fries, various meats, cheese, and sauces. It’s a quick, budget-friendly bite that’s especially loved by the younger crowd, with about 7% of locals enjoying it regularly.
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4. Mala Mogod Biryani
Thanks to the Indian community, biryani has become one of the favorite food in South Africa. This flavorful rice dish, spiced just right and mixed with meat, fish, or veggies, has crossed cultural lines, with 6% of South Africans digging into it often.
5. Amasi
Amasi, also known as maas, is a traditional South African fermented milk product with a thick, slightly tangy consistency. It’s commonly enjoyed on its own or paired with dishes like pap (a type of porridge). Beyond its rich taste, amasi offers probiotic benefits that aid digestion and enhance nutrient absorption. Notably, approximately 4% of South African households consume amasi regularly.
6. Boerewors
Among the most famous foods in South Africa, boerewors is a traditional South African sausage made mainly from beef, seasoned with spices like coriander, cloves, and nutmeg. It’s a staple at braais, the beloved South African barbecues. Notably, 4% of South Africans regularly savor boerewors.
7. Bunny Chow
Hailing from Durban, the bunny chow is a staple in South African food culture. It features a hollowed-out loaf of bread packed with spicy curry, making it one of the most popular dishes in South Africa. Around 4% of the population can’t get enough of this spicy treat.
8. Dombolo
Dombolo, also known as ujeqe, is a traditional South African steamed bread enjoyed across various cultures. This soft, fluffy bread is typically prepared by steaming a yeast-based dough until fully cooked. Dombolo is often served alongside hearty stews, allowing it to absorb the rich flavors of dishes like beef, chicken, or lamb stew. 3% of the population eat it regularly.
9. Gatsby
The Gatsby is a renowned South African sandwich, especially popular in Cape Town. This substantial sandwich features a long, soft roll filled with “slap chips” and various proteins such as masala steak, chicken, or polony. Gatsby has become a staple of South African street food culture, celebrated for its generous portions and eaten regularly by 3% of the South African population.
10. Pap
Pap is a fundamental part of South African food habits. It’s a thick porridge made from ground maize, easy to cook and affordable. People often enjoy it with grilled meats or hearty stews. Around 21% of South Africans eat pap regularly.
These tasty dishes highlight the rich and diverse culinary scene in South Africa, where each meal plays a key role in daily life and cultural identity.
Is food in South Africa cheap?
The cost of eating out in South Africa varies significantly depending on the meal. How much food costs in South Africa? Breakfast appears to be the most affordable, with an overwhelming 91% of respondents spending less than 19 ZAR on their morning meal. However, lunch and dinner tend to be more expensive. While 23% of South Africans spend less than 9 ZAR on lunch, a significant 22% pay between 190 and 380 ZAR, highlighting a wide gap in spending habits.
So, is food in South Africa expensive? It depends on the meal and location. Dinner follows a similar trend to lunch, with 34% of respondents spending between 190 and 380 ZAR, and 20% paying more than 380 ZAR, making it the most expensive meal of the day. These findings show that while affordable food options exist, many South Africans also spend considerably more, particularly on lunch and dinner.
What food is most eaten in South Africa?
In South Africa, traditional dishes are integral to daily life. The pap is the most commonly consumed dish, accounting for 21% of regular meals. Following closely are boerewors and braai, each comprising 9%. Other notable dishes include biryani and phuthu, each at 6%, and amasi and kota, each at 5%. These statistics highlight the diverse culinary practices of the country, with pap becoming not only the most widely consumed but also one of the favourite food in South Africa.
Celebrating South African Culinary Heritage with SagaPoll
Even though South Africa is the 4th most expensive country in Africa , its food is a big part of daily life. Dishes like braai, pap, and bunny chow are more than just meals but symbols of identity and community.
To share your favorite foods and earn rewards, join the SagaPoll community. This African app lets you share your opinions through paid surveys. You can turn your points into cash and get paid for your views. Don’t wait any longer!
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Methodology
Our insights are drawn from data collected through the SagaPoll app, where users across South Africa participated in surveys about their dietary habits and preferences. This community-driven approach ensures that the information reflects authentic South African experiences and tastes.
By participating in SagaPoll surveys, you not only share your valuable opinions but also earn points that you can exchange for money! Join us as we celebrate the favorite food in South Africa and discover how your contributions through SagaPoll can provide you with additional income.
Questions asked:
Please select your favourite local dish from the options below.
Please select the dish you eat MOST OFTEN from the options below.
You mentioned that you ate out for breakfast in the last 7 days. Thinking about the most recent occasion that you bought BREAKFAST outside of the home, how much did you spend on this meal? Please enter the amount in your local currency
You mentioned that you ate out for lunch in the last 7 days. Thinking about the most recent occasion that you bought LUNCH outside of the home, how much did you spend on this meal? Please enter the amount in your local currency
You mentioned that you ate out for dinner in the last 7 days. Thinking about the most recent occasion that you bought DINNER outside of the home, how much did you spend on this meal? Please enter the amount in your local currency
Base: Respondents in South Africa.
Population: adults above 18 years old.
Period: January 2025
FAQ
What is the most popular food in South Africa?
Braai is one of the most popular dishes in South Africa. More than just a meal, it is a culinary tradition where friends and family gather to grill various meats over an open fire.
What is SA traditional food?
Most of the country eats PAP a thick porridge that can be picked up and eaten with your hands. It is usually accompanied by a saucy meat or chicken dish. The Xhosa Tribe from the Eastern Cape prefer SAMP & BEANS and have this as the base of most of their dishes.
What is South Africa’s favourite food?
- Braai
- Tripe And Pap
- Kota
- Mala Mogodu Biryani
- Amasi
- Boerewors
- Bunny Chow
- Dombolo
- Gatsby
- Pap
