Mzansi Flavours

A Taste of South African Home Cooking

Experience the Flavours of Mzansi Streets

Dive into the world of South African street food, where every bite tells a story. From the bustling markets of Johannesburg to the vibrant beaches of Durban, discover recipes that capture the essence of South Africa's culinary heritage.

Delicious Bunny Chow served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread

Bunny Chow: Durban's Famous Curry in a Loaf

Bunny Chow is a South African fast food dish consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with curry. It originated in Durban, home to a large community of Indian South Africans. The curry is typically made with mutton or beans, but chicken and vegetable versions are also popular.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large loaf of white bread
  • 500g mutton or lamb, cubed
  • 2 large onions, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp curry powder (Durban masala preferred)
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp chilli powder (adjust to taste)
  • 2 large potatoes, cubed
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef or vegetable stock
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
  2. Add garlic and ginger, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the mutton or lamb cubes and brown on all sides.
  4. Stir in curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chilli powder. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices release their aroma.
  5. Add potatoes, carrots, and chopped tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
  6. Pour in beef or vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. While the curry is simmering, prepare the bread. Cut a square out of the top of the loaf and scoop out the soft bread from the inside, leaving a thick crusty shell.
  8. Fill the hollowed-out bread with the hot curry.
  9. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve immediately.
Vetkoek filled with savory mince meat

Vetkoek: The Ultimate Fried Dough Delight

Vetkoek, meaning "fat cake" in Afrikaans, is a traditional South African fried dough pastry. It is similar to a doughnut without the hole and is often served with savory fillings like mince or sweet fillings like jam or syrup. Vetkoek is a popular street food and comfort food throughout South Africa.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp instant dry yeast
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
  2. Gradually add lukewarm water, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a clean cloth and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough to release the air.
  6. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 180°C (350°F).
  7. Shape the dough into small balls or discs.
  8. Carefully drop the vetkoek into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  9. Remove the vetkoek with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  10. Serve hot with your choice of filling, such as mince, jam, or syrup.
A Gatsby sandwich overflowing with fillings

Gatsby: Cape Town's Legendary Sandwich

The Gatsby is a South African submarine sandwich originating from Cape Town. It is typically a long roll filled with chips (French fries), polony, viennas, or steak, and generously topped with sauces such as achaar and peri-peri. It's a massive sandwich, designed to be shared.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large submarine roll
  • 500g steak, sliced
  • 2 viennas, sliced
  • 1/2 polony, sliced
  • 2 large potatoes, cut into chips and fried
  • Achaar (South African pickled vegetables)
  • Peri-peri sauce
  • Tomato sauce
  • Mayonnaise
  • Lettuce (optional)
  • Tomato slices (optional)
  • Onion slices (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Fry the steak slices until cooked to your liking.
  2. Fry the viennas until lightly browned.
  3. Slice the submarine roll lengthwise.
  4. Layer the bottom half of the roll with fried chips.
  5. Top with steak, viennas, and polony.
  6. Generously drizzle with achaar, peri-peri sauce, tomato sauce, and mayonnaise.
  7. Add lettuce, tomato slices, and onion slices, if desired.
  8. Cover with the top half of the roll.
  9. Cut the Gatsby into portions and serve immediately.
Kota filled with fries, cheese, polony, egg, and sauces

Kota: Johannesburg's Towering Street Treat

Kota is a popular street food dish in Johannesburg, South Africa. It's essentially a quarter loaf of bread (hence 'kota' from 'quarter'), hollowed out and filled with layers of ingredients like chips, polony, cheese, egg, and various sauces. It's a hearty and customizable meal on the go.

Ingredients:

  • 1 quarter loaf of bread
  • Chips (French fries)
  • Polony slices
  • Cheese slices
  • Fried egg (optional)
  • Russian sausage (optional)
  • Atchar
  • Tomato sauce
  • Mayonnaise
  • Lettuce (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cut the quarter loaf of bread open, hollowing out the inside slightly.
  2. Layer the bread with chips, polony, cheese, and a fried egg if desired.
  3. Add Russian sausage if desired.
  4. Top with atchar, tomato sauce, and mayonnaise.
  5. Add lettuce if desired.
  6. Serve immediately.