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Top 5 Foods & Drinks in South Africa 2023-2024

Did you now? South African cuisine is a unique blend of various cultures around the world which includes African, Dutch, British, Indian, Malaysian, Portuguese, and French.

Image Source :Eat Out

This blog will take you through a flavorful journey through the heart and soul of South African cuisine. From the intense aroma of freshly brewed coffee to the savory comfort of a traditional bunny chow, we will briefly discuss the top five most consumed foods and drinks in South Africa from 2023 to 2024.

We all understand the primary need of life right, food. There is a number of foods and beverages options in high demand in South Africa and we will tackle a few. Restaurants and travel food enthusiasts can put these insights to good use.

Let us dive into the world of edibles, shall we.

COFFEE

According to magazine.coffee, an estimated number of 21.7 million people (two-thirds of adults) start their day by consuming coffee in South Africa. Coffee is widely loved for its comforting aroma on any given day, it is a good beverage to sit down and brainstorm new ideas anywhere, particularly in office spaces and cafes.

Coffee is a go-to beverage for high energy levels on a lazy day, it provides lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, helps support brain health, promotes weight management, and enhances athletic performance among other benefits.

Kota

The queen of convenient fast foods. It is usually found in informal settlements around South Africa, often referred to as S’phatlho/Skhambane. Kota is a word taken from an English word ‘quarter’ because it takes a quarter loaf of unsliced bread to make one.

They are advantageous for their affordable price points and are easy to prepare. The structure consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with fried potatoes, russians, eggs, patties, atchaar, and many more options one would prefer as filling.

It originates in the streets of Gauteng as an all time favorite for those looking for a local and timeless flavor.

Their prevalence is shown by the adoption of different menus in South African well-known fast-food restaurants such as KFC.
So, if you’re looking for a filling meal on budget, you’re good to go.

Pap

Do you know an everyday essential? That would be pap. It is made from adding maize meal into boiling water using a pot size of choice depending on how many people will be served.

Image Source :NomadAfrica

Despite being a staple meal of most South African households, it is usually enjoyed during braais and traditional events. You can enjoy pap by pairing it with chakalaka gravy, protein (fish, eggs, chicken and beef).

There are different ways to enjoy pap depending on your mood and preference, and those include:

Stiff pap – which is the most common and is prepared during braai.

Runny pap – that is often eaten as a breakfast meal, enjoyed with milk, butter and sugar.

Phuthu – this is the fluffiest of all and less heavy. It is usually eaten with fresh and sour milk.

Rooibos Tea

Tap into the popularity of rooibos tea, a caffeine-free herbal infusion native to South Africa.

It is versatile because it can be enjoyed as a hot and cold beverage.

Also loved for the health benefits: it is an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant, Its soothing properties relax the body, making sleep come easier when enjoyed at night. Helps protect against damage caused by diabetes and cancer, lastly it helps promote bone health and limits digestive issues.

Plant-Based Meals

These meals are a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, and seeds into your diet. With a growing focus on sustainability, plant-based meals have gained popularity across South African homes and as a result, fast-food chains have adopted this means of providing such foods by 16.67% since 2019.

Image Source :Better Homes&Gardens

More people are learning about the health benefits of eating plants. Chefs are getting creative, making tasty dishes like mushroom bobotie and grilled mielies. Social media has also helped, making it easier for everyone to find and try new plant-based recipes.

From colorful salads to hearty veggie stews, these dishes are not only delicious but also good for the environment. Some popular and versatile plant-based foods in South Africa include:

  • Potatoes
  • Spinach
  • Avocado
  • Nuts
  • Brown bread

south Africa’s culinary landscape is as diverse and dynamic as the nation itself. Each dish tells a story of tradition, innovation, and above all, passion for good food. So, why not embark on your own culinary adventure and discover the flavors of South Africa for yourself? The journey awaits, bon appétit.

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