Foodie destinations to visit in Southern Africa

Posted on 16 November 2024 By Nomvelo Masango

Adding culinary experiences to your itinerary is the perfect way to better understand your chosen destination and its culture.

Across the African continent lies a number of destinations which provide interesting, superb and worthwhile culinary experiences. After all, African cuisine is as diverse and fascinating as the continent’s history, cultures and traditions.

Here’s a look at three of the best foodie destinations to explore in Southern Africa:

Zambia

Picture: Sourced / The Dine & Wine

Zambia’s staple food is maize. It is mainly served as nshima which is a form of thickened porridge made from finely ground maize.

It is usually accompanied with side dishes that can range from beef to chicken, as well as some vegetables as a side.

Interestingly, nshima is also eaten in other parts of Southern Africa where it is referred to by different names including pap and sadza.

Another impressive Zambian dish is known as chikanda and is made from root tubers of orchids. The wild vegetable grows mostly in the northern parts of Zambia.

Undoubtedly, a visit to Zambia is made more special by the willingness to explore and try out new dishes.

ALSO READ: 7 delectable brunch spots around Cape Town

South Africa

South Africa offers vibrant cuisine influenced by the indigenous population as well as the Dutch, Indians, and French. Different parts of the country offer different culinary experiences.

Mutton curry bunny chow. Picture: sourced

Durban offers Indian delicacies and traditional African meals which are nothing short of mouthwatering and impressive.

Known as the City of Gold, Johannesburg is home to plenty of different restaurants which offer different kinds of cuisine from all across the world.

Cape Town also offers gastronomic experiences which are vibrant and diverse. You can expect many fine dining establishments, beer brewers and quirky restaurants to try.

Namibia

Namibia’s cuisine carries a heavy South African and German influence. It is also mostly based on meat so you can expect numerous dishes made with ostrich, zebra, antelope, beef and lamb.

Normally, the manner of preparation includes grilling the meat and then dressing it with rich and tasty sauces.

If you are a seafood lover, you can also still expect the famous Fish & Chips. 

Picture: Getaway Gallery

Other dishes worth trying when in Namibia include meat skewers, potjiekos which is a mixture of meat, vegetables, spices and herbs, as well as mieliepap which is often accompanied by peppers, onions and other vegetables.

Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured. 

TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

ALSO READ: 5 reasons to visit the wonderful Waterberg




yoast-primary - 1004403
tcat - Food & Drink
tcat_slug - food
tcat2 - Food & Drink
tcat2_slug - food
tcat_final - food-and-drink