Jayhawks Abroad

Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa is known as the “rainbow nation” for its diversity of cultures and landscapes. The foods popular in this fascinating country are just as diverse, with many reflecting a cultural exchange between the various ethnic groups living in this country. From Afrikaners living in the rural Western Cape to hipsters in urban Johannesburg, South African society reflects a tremendous diversity of races, classes, and cuisines that have borrowed from each other. Here are just a few to whet your appetite!

If you want to try these foods for yourself, you can study abroad for a semester in South Africa through the KU Study Abroad Office. For more information, visit this website or stop by the Study Abroad Info Center in 105 Lippincott.

Bunny chow

An Indian dish from Durban

Biltong

Dried, cured meat

Boerewors

Traditional Afrikaner sausage that is “braaied” (grilled)

Braaivleis

South Africa’s version of barbecue

Mageu

Traditional Southern African drink made from “fermented mealie pap”

Chakalaka

Spicy vegetable dish

Umngqusho

Bantu dish made of “samp” and beans

Vetkoek

Deep fried bread sandwich, typically served with snoek fish and jam

Bobotie

spiced minced meat with egg-based topping

Koeksisters

Deep fried dessert pastry!

Gatsby

Similar to a hoagie, popular in Cape Town

Mashonzha

Dish made with mopane worms, popular food among rural Southern Africans

Some other South African food blogs to check out, if you get a chance:

http://jetsettimes.com/2014/06/23/14-foods-youve-gotta-try-in-south-africa/

http://answersafrica.com/best-south-african-food.html

http://buzzsouthafrica.com/south-african-food/