Enjoying the Best Local Cuisine in Johannesburg

Johannesburg is a vibrant city with a diverse cultural mix. Its local cuisine is a reflection of this, with dishes from all over the African continent, as well as European, American, and Asian influences. If you’re looking for an exciting culinary experience, Johannesburg is the place to be. Here are some of the best local dishes to try while in the city.

Braai

The traditional South African braai is a must-try when visiting Johannesburg. This barbecue style of cooking involves grilling meat over an open wood fire, and is usually accompanied by traditional sides such as pap (maize porridge), chakalaka (vegetable relish), and sous (pickled onions). Braai is a social event and a great way to get to know the locals.

Braai is often served with a variety of meats, such as steak, boerewors (sausage), chicken, and lamb. Vegetarian options are also available, as well as a selection of delicious sauces and condiments. Try it with a cold beer for the full South African experience.

Braai is a popular choice in Johannesburg, and can be found in many restaurants and street-side vendors. For the best braai in town, look out for the well-known restaurants such as the Braai House in Parktown North.

Shisa Nyama

Shisa Nyama is a popular dish in Johannesburg, and is a great way to sample some of the local flavors. Shisa nyama translates to “burn the meat” and is usually made up of a selection of grilled meats such as beef, chicken, and lamb. It is usually served with pap, chakalaka, and sous, and is often accompanied by beer or wine.

Shisa Nyama is often served at street-side vendors, as well as in restaurants. For a unique experience, try the famous Moyo at Zoo Lake, which is a combination of a restaurant and outdoor market. Here you can sample a variety of traditional African cuisine, as well as a selection of international dishes.

Shisa Nyama is a great way to try some of the best South African flavors. Make sure to try it when visiting Johannesburg.

Bunny Chow

Bunny chow is a unique South African dish which consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with a spicy curry. It is believed to have originated in the Indian community of Durban, and has become a popular street-food in Johannesburg. The curry can be made with a variety of meats, as well as vegetarian options.

Bunny chow is usually served with a side of pickled onion and tomato. It is a great way to sample some of the local flavors, and can be found in many restaurants and street-side vendors. For the best bunny chow in town, head to the famous South of India in Braamfontein.

Bunny chow is a must-try when visiting Johannesburg. Make sure to sample this delicious local dish.

Morogo

Morogo is a traditional South African dish which is made up of wild spinach, onions, garlic, and chilies. The spinach is cooked with the other ingredients to create a delicious stew-like dish. It is usually served with pap and is a great way to sample some of the local flavors.

Morogo can be found in many restaurants and street-side vendors. For a unique experience, try the famous Morogo House in Hillbrow. Here you can sample some of the best morogo in town, as well as a variety of other traditional African dishes.

Morogo is a great way to try some of the best South African flavors. Make sure to try it when visiting Johannesburg.

Umngqusho

Umngqusho is a traditional Xhosa dish which is made up of maize and beans. It is usually served with a variety of meats, such as beef, chicken, and lamb, and is often accompanied by a side of pap. Umngqusho has a unique flavor, which is a combination of sweet and savory.

Umngqusho can be found in many restaurants and street-side vendors. For the best umngqusho in town, head to the famous Mama’s Kitchen in Yeoville. Here you can sample some of the best umngqusho in town, as well as a variety of other traditional African dishes.

Umngqusho is a great way to sample some of the best South African flavors. Make sure to try it when visiting Johannesburg.

Pap and Wors

Pap and wors is a traditional South African dish which consists of maize porridge (pap) served with sausage (wors). It is usually served with a variety of sauces and condiments, as well as chakalaka or sous. Pap and wors is a great way to sample some of the local flavors and is a popular choice in Johannesburg.

Pap and wors can be found in many restaurants and street-side vendors. For the best pap and wors in town, head to the famous Mama’s Kitchen in Yeoville. Here you can sample some of the best pap and wors in town, as well as a variety of other traditional African dishes.

Pap and wors is a great way to try some of the best South African flavors. Make sure to try it when visiting Johannesburg.

Potjiekos

Potjiekos is a traditional South African dish which consists of meat, vegetables, and spices cooked in a cast-iron pot over an open fire. It is usually served with a side of pap, and is a great way to sample some of the local flavors. Potjiekos is a popular choice in Johannesburg, and can be found in many restaurants and street-side vendors.

For the best potjiekos in town, head to the famous King Pie in Hillbrow. Here you can sample some of the best potjiekos in town, as well as a variety of other traditional African dishes.

Potjiekos is a great way to try some of the best South African flavors. Make sure to try it when visiting Johannesburg.

Kota

Kota is a popular street food in Johannesburg, and is a great way to sample some of the local flavors. Kota consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, and sauces. It is usually served with a side of chips or pap, and is a great snack or light meal.

Kota can be found in many restaurants and street-side vendors. For the best kota in town, head to the famous Pata Pata in Maboneng. Here you can sample some of the best kota in town, as well as a variety of other traditional African dishes.

Kota is a great way to try some of the best South African flavors. Make sure to try it when visiting Johannesburg.

Biltong

Biltong is a traditional South African snack which consists of cured strips of meat, usually beef. It is usually served with a side of pap or chips, and is a great way to sample some of the local flavors. Biltong can be found in many restaurants and street-side vendors. For the best biltong in town, head to the famous Biltong House in Parktown North.

Biltong is a great way to try some of the best South African flavors. Make sure to try it when visiting Johannesburg.

Koeksisters

Koeksisters are a traditional South African sweet treat which consists of deep-fried dough twisted into a spiral shape. They are usually coated in a sweet syrup or honey, and are a great way to sample some of the local flavors. Koeksisters can be found in many restaurants and street-side vendors. For the best koeksisters in town, head to the famous Koeksister House in Hillbrow.

Koeksisters are a great way to try some of the best South African flavors. Make sure to try it when visiting Johannesburg.

Conclusion

Johannesburg is a vibrant city with a diverse range of cuisines. From the traditional braai to the unique Bunny Chow, there is something for everyone. Make sure to sample some of the best local dishes when visiting Johannesburg, and you won’t be disappointed.