# data[].attributes.headline
1) - Hi. I'm Georg. I'm the President of South Africa.

# data[].attributes.subject
1) - Hi. I'm Georg. I'm the President of South Africa.

# data[].attributes.headline
3) South Africa's international code: ZAR.

# data[].attributes.subject
3) South Africa's international code: ZAR.

# data[].attributes.body
Flag colors are considered to be associated with various groups and often symbolize unity

# data[].attributes.headline
10) South African National dishes (南非民族菜餚)

# data[].attributes.subject
10) South African National dishes (南非民族菜餚)

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.chefspencil.com/top-10-south-african-dishes/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
South African cuisine is as diverse as its culture. It is no wonder that people call it the rainbow nation, as the country is home to many ethnicities from almost every country around the globe. Interestingly, foreign dishes that migrated to the country saw an evolution in their original recipes but remain respectful to their origin.

Most of the world views racial differentiation as black or white, while South Africans are a blend of almost everyone. Caucasians from Europe are a blend of mostly Dutch, German, French, and English. People of color could be blends from several tribes, which have different, unique cultural dishes that play a vital role in creating South Africa's pallet.

Here are the top ten dishes that evolved to become the most popular favorites among the locals. Each comes with a variety of recipes, but we'll explain the core ingredients that make these dishes unique. It will be interesting to see how they evolve in the next 1,000 years.

1. Bobotie (pronounced ba-bo-tea)

Bobotie; Photo credit: LISA GOLDFINGER AND PANNING THE GLOBE ·

Many argue about the origin of Bobotie. The Roman writer Apicius described a similar dish that has layers of meat and spices. The Dutch, however, recorded a recipe in 1609 that migrated to South Africa and that the Cape Malay community spiced up to what is today.

Bobotie is minced meat spiced with medium heat curry, turmeric, garlic, lemon zest, onions, herbs, salt and pepper. Most like to add raisins. Baked until fully cooked, the dish is topped with an egg and milk mixture and placed back into the oven to set.

Once the top custard-type layer has set, the dish is cut into squares and served on top of yellow rice (long grain white rice cooked with turmeric and raisins) and melted apricot jam and fruit chutney.

2. Biltong and Droëwors (Dried Sausage)

Biltong and Droëwors are cured meat consumed as tasty snacks. This delicacy is culturally associated with watching rugby, cricket, and football (soccer), the most popular sports in the country, or while traveling on long road trips.

Biltong is meat cuts soaked in a brine and hung to cure. This is an ancient maritime method of preserving meat. Although not healthy, locals prefer biltong with generous layers of fat.

Droëwors (dried sausage) goes through a similar process, but instead of meat cuts, ground beef mince and mutton fat are mixed together with spices to make a thin sausage. The sausage hangs to cure.

3. Potjiekos

Potjiekos translates literally as "food made in a pot". The flavor of the dish thanks its significance to a type of potjie, also called a Dutch oven, and the cooking process. Any stew recipe works well, but the traditional method is to layer fresh vegetables on top of meat with a little sauce-the cast-iron pot cooks on a low heat, usually outside on a small fire. Control of fire heat is an art that most indigenous South Africans were taught from a young age.

Experienced cooks avoid lifting the lid to check the dish as much as possible so that the pot's contents retain its heat and moisture. The cooking time is determined by the number of layers and chunky meat, which is usually at the bottom.

When the food is ready, it isn't stirred, but is dished up with one scoop from the bottom. Sinewy chunks of meat turn to jelly, making the meat tender and tasty.

4. Biryani

Biryani is made from Indian spices, rice, and meat. The meat is usually beef mince or chicken, but traditionally goat, prawn, pork, lamb, or fish were used. The word birian in Persian means "fried before cooking". The dish is made precisely in this way, and the rice and meat are mixed after cooking. This dish recently became popular in the rest of the country as people of color with Muslim ancestry released their secrets.

The mixed spices usually have a strong but balanced flavor. Locals incorporate their own twist by adding lentils and vegetables.

5. Boerewors (translated as farmer sausage)

To foreigners, boerewors looks like a plain sausage, but butchers in South Africa are very familiar with the strict rules for making this sausage authentically. Locals classify the quality of a butcher by the quality of their boerewors. There is leeway for butchers to put their own creative spin on the dish, as long as they follow the guidelines, which are:

The sausage should contain at least 90% meat.

The remaining 10% should only be spices and other ingredients.

The meat blend must always be a majority of roughly ground beef. Pork and lamb may be added for flavor and consistency.

The meat must not contain more than 30% fat.

Locals traditionally braai (barbeque) boerewors over a fire, and while cooking, it is essential not to prick the casing-all the juices will run out, resulting in a dry sausage.

6. Mealie Pap (Maize Porridge / Meal)

This coarse maize meal is a staple in a majority of households. It is cheap, doesn't need to be refrigerated, and stays fresh for a long time. The maize is cooked with water. The water to mealie meal ratio depends on the consistency required for the meal. Generally, stywe pap (thickness of polenta) is cooked with a 1:1 ratio with water and is good to eat with stews and meat. Crumbly porridge, almost like couscous, is the alternative to stywe pap, but slap pap (runny porridge) is usually eaten for breakfast with milk, sugar, and butter.

7. Vetkoek (Fried Bread)

A vetkoek is an unhealthy version of a burger bun. It is crispy and golden on the outside while fluffy on the inside. Locals stuff them with curried mince or chicken mayo mixtures. Smaller ones are eaten as fritters or with a dollop of butter and jam, very much like flapjacks.

8. Sosaties

Another dish of Malay origin is sosaties, more commonly known in the rest of the world as kebabs. They are skewered meat and vegetables marinated in a spicy sauce. Sosatie meat usually consists of either lamb, chicken, beef or pork. Locals typically cook them on a braai (barbeque) to add a smoky flavor.

9. Koeksisters

A koeksister is a sweet snack of twisted and plaited dough infused (INFUSED WITH WHAT?)and fried until golden and crunchy. It's much like the Chinese bowtie but smaller, thicker, and much sweeter. The twisted or folded strips of dough are fried in hot oil and then immediately dunked into cold syrup or honey. The dough sucks up the sweet stuff and becomes crispy. The koeksister is slightly hard on the outside while soft and sweet on the inside. They are so revered that the town of Orania erected a koeksister statue to celebrate women who sell their baked goods to raise money for churches and schools.

10. Melktert (Milk Tart)

The most famous South African dessert is a melktert (milk tart). It is made with a sweet pastry crust and a filling like a very light cheesecake. The ingredients of the filling are milk, flour, sugar, and eggs. The ratio makes sure that the filling sets while it tastes predominantly of milk. The tart is always topped with powdered cinnamon. Over the years, locals have created recipes that don't involve baking, and the substitution of milk with powdered milk allows the lactose intolerant to enjoy it too.

The dessert shouldn't be confused with an alcoholic beverage of the same name created by locals that tastes similar.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Top 10 Most Popular South African Foods - Chef's Pencil

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
South African cuisine is as diverse as its culture. It is no wonder that people call it the rainbow nation, as the country is home to many ethnicities from almost every country around the globe. Interestingly, foreign dishes that migrated to the country saw an evolution in their original recipes but remain respectful to their origin.

# data[].attributes.headline
8) Our biggest city in South Africa is Johannesburg. (我們最大的城市是...)

# data[].attributes.subject
8) Our biggest city in South Africa is Johannesburg. (我們最大的城市是...)

# data[].attributes.body
Average temperatures in South Africa range from 15℃ to 36℃ in the summer and -2℃ to 26℃ in the winter

# data[].attributes.headline
11) South Africa’s National Flower: The King Protea

# data[].attributes.subject
11) South Africa’s National Flower: The King Protea

# data[].attributes.headline
12) South Africa’s National Animal: The Springbok

# data[].attributes.subject
12) South Africa’s National Animal: The Springbok

# data[].attributes.headline
14) South Africa’s National Tree: Real Yellowwood

# data[].attributes.subject
14) South Africa’s National Tree: Real Yellowwood

# data[].attributes.headline
13) South Africa’s National Fish: Galjoen

# data[].attributes.subject
13) South Africa’s National Fish: Galjoen

# data[].attributes.headline
15) South Africa’s National Bird: The Blue Crane

# data[].attributes.subject
15) South Africa’s National Bird: The Blue Crane

# data[].attributes.headline
17) 10 Historical Landmarks to See in South Africa

# data[].attributes.subject
17) 10 Historical Landmarks to See in South Africa

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Big Hole, Kimberley

Kimberley was put on the mining map when it became clear, it the late 1860s, that the area is rich in diamonds. Massive excavations started in 1871 and the aptly named Big Hole and its surrounding buildings are what remains of the diamond rush.

The Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town

One of the oldest buildings in South Africa, Castle of Good Hope, completed in 1666, was the hub of political and military activity in the country. The Castle is to this day, one of the best examples of 17th-century Dutch East India Company architecture in the world.

Isandlwana Battlefield, Isandlwana

The Battle of Isandlwana took place on January 22, 1879, when approximately 20,000 Zulu warriors, under King Cetshwayo's command, successfully ambushed and defeated a British camp. This was a major, yet unexpected, moment in the history of the Zulu nation.

Nelson Mandela Capture Site, KwaZulu-Natal

Nelson Mandela 's arrest occurred on August 5, 1962, at this spot in KwaZulu-Natal after which The Rivonia Treason Trial followed. Its infamous adjudication sentenced Mandela to 27 years in prison, until his release on February 11, 1990.

The Cradle of Humankind, Maropeng

The Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the Sterkfontein Caves, and could very well be the birthplace of mankind as we know it. This famous excavation site is where an approximately 3.5 million-year-old hominid fossil, Australopithecus Africanus, ('Mrs. Ples'), was found in 1947.

Robben Island, Cape Town

Former South African president Nelson Mandela was imprisoned at Robben Island for 18 of his sentenced 27 years. The original jail building still remains and three tours are conducted daily, some by former political prisoners.

The Afrikaans Language Monument, Paarl

The Huguenot Memorial Monument, Franschhoek

The Huguenots immigrated to South Africa during the 17th and 18th centuries and had a major impact on traditional Afrikaans culture. This monument, inaugurated in 1948, is dedicated to this influence and the history of the Afrikaner nation.

Union Buildings, Pretoria

The Union Buildings in Pretoria, designed by star architect Sir Herbert Baker, is the official seat of the South African government and contains the president's office. The complex boasts beautiful surrounding gardens, rolling lawns and panoramic views over the city.

Voortrekker Monument, Pretoria

The Voortrekker Monument, situated in a Pretoria nature reserve, won the Trip Advisor Traveller's Choice award for 2016. The granite edifice, which opened in 1949, honours the pioneer history of South Africa, as well as that of Afrikaners, and boasts the world's longest historical marble frieze.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Historical Landmarks to See in South Africa

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Big Hole, Kimberley Kimberley was put on the mining map when it became clear, it the late 1860s, that the area is rich in diamonds. Massive excavations started in 1871 and the aptly named Big Hole and its surrounding buildings are what remains of the diamond rush.

# data[].attributes.headline
18) The Most Popular South African Sport (最受歡迎的南非運動) is Rugby.

# data[].attributes.subject
18) The Most Popular South African Sport (最受歡迎的南非運動) is Rugby.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Color + Design Blog _ The World's Most Colorful Currencies, Part 2 by COLOURlovers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Dry curing was a method used to preserve meat by the indigenous tribes of South Africa before fridges were invented. Usually made from beef or game, such as springbok, biltong (a thinly sliced, air-dried meat) and droewors (an air-dried sausage) are traditionally eaten as snacks. The meat is cured in a mixture of vinegar, salt, sugar and spices such as coriander and pepper, then hung to dry. The finished product is prized by health enthusiasts for its high protein and low fat content. Nowadays, biltong and droewors producers often add flavourings such as chilli or garlic to the meat and use a variety of meats, such as ostrich and wild boar.

Try our incredible twist on chilli con carne with our beef biltong chilli & smoked cheddar recipe.

2. Boerewors

This is a traditional South African sausage made from beef, mixed with either pork or lamb and a mixture of spices. Boerewors are traditionally served in a coiled shape, similar to the Cumberland sausage and cooked on a braai (barbecue). The word boerewors comes from the Afrikaans and Dutch words boer (farmer) and wors (sausage).

3. Cape Malay curry

In the 17th century, the Dutch and French landed and settled in Cape Town, bringing slaves from Indonesia, India and Malaysia, along with their spices and traditional cooking methods. When combined with local produce, the aromatic spices such as cinnamon, saffron, turmeric and chilli created fragrant curries and stews, which are still popular in the area today.

Try making your own... Cape Malay chicken curry.

4. Malva pudding

A Dutch import, malva pudding is a sweet and sticky baked sponge pudding made with apricot jam and served smothered in a hot cream sauce. This is South Africa's answer to the British sticky toffee pudding, served in many restaurants but mainly baked at home for Sunday lunch.

5. Chakalaka & pap

Chakalaka and pap are mainstays on every South African dinner table. Chakalaka is a vegetable dish made of onions, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, beans and spices, and is often served cold. Pap, meaning 'porridge', is similar to American grits and is a starchy dish made from white corn maize. Chakalaka and pap are often served together, along with braaied (barbecued) meat, breads, salad and stews.

Try our low-fat chakalaka.

6. Braai/Shisa nyama

For a real taste of South Africa an authentic braai or shisa nyama ('burn the meat' in Zulu) is an eating experience not to be missed. Braais originated in the townships of Johannesburg, with butchers who set up barbecues in front of their shops at weekends to grill their meat and sell it on the street. Nowadays, local communities gather at braais at the weekends to share food. Pop along to soak up the vibrant atmosphere, listen to music and take your pick from the meat on offer, usually comprising of beef, chicken, pork, lamb and vors (sausages) - this is not an outing for vegetarians!

Get your meet on the barbecue and try our next level BBQ chicken or pull apart piri-piri pork ribs.

7. Bunny chow

This street food of Durban has become popular across South Africa and is now starting to hit our food markets back in London. Hollowed out loaves of bread, stuffed with spicy curry were originally created by the immigrant Indian community in the Natal area of Durban and served to workers for lunch. Try chicken, pork or vegetarian varieties containing lentils and beans.

8. Amarula Don Pedro

This cocktail-come-dessert uses South African Amarula, a cream liqueur made from the indigenous marula fruit, blended with ice cream. Find it in every bar or take a bottle of Amarula home from duty-free to make your own!

If you've got a sweet tooth, check out our sweet cocktail recipes.

9. Bobotie

Another dish thought to have been brought to South Africa by Asian settlers, bobotie is now the national dish of the country and cooked in many homes and restaurants. Minced meat is simmered with spices, usually curry powder, herbs and dried fruit, then topped with a mixture of egg and milk and baked until set.

Try making your own... bobotie.

10. Melktert

Similar to the British custard tart or Portuguese pasteis de nata, melktert consists of a pastry case filled with milk, eggs and sugar, which is usually thickened with flour. The finished tart is traditionally dusted with cinnamon. A real South African comfort food, it is served as a dessert, and also available in many bakeries.

Want more delicious travel suggestions?
Top 10 foods to try in Morocco Have you visited the South Africa? Feel we've missed a dish out? We'd love to hear your favourites. For more global cuisine and authentic local dishes, visit our Travel section. Travellers are advised to read the FCO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for the country they are travelling to.
Best foodie holidays in Italy
What foods can I take on a plane?
Top 10 foods to try in Rome

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In South Africa, you'll find dishes influenced by the indigenous population, along with the Dutch, French, Indians and Malaysians and as such it offers a vibrant cuisine that's sure to excite the palate.

# data[].attributes.headline
3) South Africa's international code: ZAR.

# data[].attributes.subject
3) South Africa's international code: ZAR.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Franja du Plessis - Lisensie (Official Music Video)