SOUTH AFRICAN FOOD

The various communities that live in South Africa are reflected in the eclectic local cuisine. Here is a list of the ‘must try’ foods to eat when in South Africa. Enjoy!

Bobotie - Considered the national dish, fruity curried mince with an egg custard topping Braai - South African for BBQ - synonymous with their culture Biltong - Cured dried raw meat Boerewors - Sausages Pap - Mielie-meal, similar to polenta, crumbly harder version; Krummelpap Chakalaka - Spicy vegetables Bunny Chow - A bread loaf filled with meat curry Vetkoek - Fried dough bread filled with beef mince Koeksister - Doughnuts soaked in lemony syrup Springbok & Kudu - Interestingly even though indigenous, when the health benefits came to light - prices went up - now pricer than lamb and beef! Snoek - Popular fish - hard to find elsewhere, so get it while you can! Rooibus - Caffeine free tea, grown locally Buchu - Leaves are used to make a tea Num Num - Carissa Macrocarpa - Natal Plum Sour Fig - Often used to make a conserve Wine - If you drink alcohol, this is one of the best countries to sample local wines Amasi - Popular fermented milk drink Mrs Balls Peach Chutney - In every SA household, the ‘to go to’ condiment

South Africa’s Top Restaurants

GAUTENG The Blockman

The Head Chef & Owner, Vassilios Holiasmenos, has taken a new approach for the Blockman with a menu that celebrates all aspects of the animals used. The middlemen are cut out, and The Blockman focus’ on the process of breaking down and aging all the meat, using the whole animal in celebration of its flavors and textures.

bookings@blockman.co.za www.blockman.co.za Les Créatifs

Les Créatifs Restaurant is the first of its kind in South Africa where fine dining meets a world-class wine list, cocktails, visual art, outstanding décor, interior design and ceramic art in an exclusive dining space.

www.lescreatifs.co.za

WESTERN CAPE Kloof Street House

At the foot of Cape Town’s vibrant Kloof Street, risen from a fairy-lit garden, lies a dining oasis. Set in a magnificent Victorian house, Kloof Street House is an experience as enigmatic as it is intimate. Our grand old dame is more than just a restaurant, it is a collection of interesting rooms and spaces, each bursting with a character of its own. The venue is everything for every occasion – live jazz over Sunday lunch, romantic candle lit dinners in our dining rooms or cocktails under the trees in our garden. Our delicious meals, cozy ambiance and friendly staff will make you feel right at home.

www.kloofstreethouse.co.za The Greenhouse at the Cellars-Hohenor

Guests may choose from three special locations – the main dining section, with stunning views of our historical garden with its Camphor trees; the ‘breakfast room’; and the terrace overlooking the garden. Executive Chef, Tronette Dippenaar has created a classic menu with a focus on firm favourites, including some of Liz McGrath’s personal recipes. From traditional Cape Malay bobotie, Crispy Tempura Prawns, and Charred Springbok tataki, the menu has something for everyone, with a special lightness to dishes such as her signature Boland Cheese Soufflé with Cheesy Gin Sauce.

www.greenhouserestaurant.co.za MPUMALANGA Oliver’s

At Oliver’s restaurant, we pride ourselves on cooking with only the freshest ingredients, with as many as possible being locally sourced – some even from our own vegetable garden! Choose delicious mouth-watering dishes from our seasonal a-la-carte menu which are complemented with a selection of fine South African wines found in our well-stocked wine cellar! Our popular signature Apple Strudel and Pork Belly dishes remain as we have many return guests for these. This together with our professional, personalised and friendly service, in a relaxed country atmosphere provide the perfect dining experience. We are a family-friendly restaurant with our smaller guests catered for with a dedicated kiddies menu and outdoor play area. For us, food is our passion and our overriding philosophy aligns with that of Virgina Wolf’s, ‘That one cannot think well, love well or sleep well if one has not dined well.’ This philosophy is carried through to the ‘fun dining experience’ of raclette and fondue that we offer guests, which is hosted in our private wine cellar.

www.olivers.co.za

Orange Restaurant

Orange is situated in a perfectly serene spot on the premises of Loerie’s Call Guest House in Nelspruit. The restaurant has received more than 12 awards for excellence and being overall outstanding. We have a breathtaking view of the city from a vantage point atop a hill. The city lights at night coupled with the warm atmosphere inside or the starlit outside tables makes for the ideal romantic setting.

www.eatatorange.co.za

KWA-ZULU NATAL Platinum Belt Restaurant & Lounge

The Platinum belt restaurants offer an exclusive contemporary fine dining experience in the heart of Umhlanga, KZN. The restaurant takes on a modern style with a wide variety of cocktails and bar selections. Its atmosphere appeals to every kind of patron – single diners, couples, families, and business people, making it a great space for individuals to connect over a beautifully presented meal and drink.

www.instagram.com/platinumbelt_restaurant

Les Créatifs The Chef’s Ta ble Pont de Val Restaurant Kloof Street House Ginger, The Restaurant

The Chefs’ Table Restaurant

The Chefs’ Table has earned its place as one of the more sophisticated dining experiences in Durban, while remaining contemporary and approachable. Beautifully designed, with luxurious detail The Chefs’ Table offers gracious hospitality, located in the heart of the Umhlanga village. Executive Head Chef Mathew Armbruster presents a modern, seasonal menu inspired by the best fresh, seasonal ingredients that Kwa-Zulu Natal has to offer. The open plan kitchen is at the heart of the restaurant, allowing diners to watch the chefs at work and feel the connection to the food and the beautifully plated dishes being prepared. A world class wine cellar, stocked with unique, vintage wines from South Africa, as well as a selection of International wines, specifically French and New Zealand wines, rank among the noteworthy highlights of the restaurants wine programme, headed by manager of the programme, George Dzubinsky.

www.thechefstable.co.za

EASTERN CAPE Ginger, The Restaurant

Ginger the Restaurant is situated right on the beachfront of Port Elizabeth. The friendly city atmosphere carries across into our restaurant, where good food, great service and a luxurious setting combine to create a memorable and gratifying dining experience.

www.ginger-restaurant.co.za Muse Restaurant

Muse prides itself on making everything they serve in house from pasta, sauces, bread and cakes. We strive to leave a green footprint as far as possible. Using local, seasonal and sustainable produce. Muse, which opened in November 2015 is owned and run by married couple Allan and Simone Bezuidenhout. Muse offers Nouvelle cuisine which means the aim is on serving the best and freshest ingredients available with emphasis on presentation.

www.muserestaurant.co.za

FREE STATE De Oude Kraal Country

De Oude Kraal restaurant is in the original farmhouse with four meter high ceilings and wooden floors built in 1885 by a German missionary named Saltzmann, and added to by Judge A.J. Smit (Marie’s grandfather). The separate dining rooms have open fireplaces and original antique furniture, some dating back to the early 1900’s. As you walk through the old house you get to admire Gerhard and Marie’s stunning art collection, collected over the years. Five Course Gourmet Dinner - Served each evening. Booking is essential. The five-course meal has become our principal meal for dinner at our Main House restaurant, where the daily menu variations include a diversity of the season’s best foods. Marie-Louise and her team’s philosophy is that food must be prepared and presented with love.

www.deoudekraal.com Pont De Val Restaurant

A relaxed yet classy escape from the rush of city life with drinks lounges and dining areas enjoying spectacular views of the Vaal River.

www.pontdeval.co.za/restaurant

Oliver’s Muse Restaurant The Orange

NORTHERN CAPE The Hussar Grill Kimberley

The Hussar Grill first opened its legendary brass doors in 1964 and today, after over 55 years of excellence, it is regarded as one of South Africa’s premier grill rooms. Having garnered a loyal following over the years, they are known for their award-winning speciality steaks and wine selection, superb service and warm ambience.

www.hussargrill.co.za Die Blou Nartjie Gastehuis en Restaurant

A family friendly restaurant that stock the best of wines in South Africa. The restaurant boasts of the best lamb dishes in the world.

www.nartjie.co.za/restaurant

NORTH WEST Silver Orange Bistro

Silver Orange Bistro is a unique restaurant set in Hartbeespoort on a lush green citrus orchard called Altyd Mooi which has been in the family since 1978. Over the years this farm has transformed into a perfect location to create something I have been passionate about from a young age and my passion and desire has led me to where the restaurant stands today. Silver Orange Bistro was established in 2004, with strong European influences and African flair, each dish is carefully created.

www.silverorangebistro.co.za/restaurant-home-2 Vista’s Restaurant at The Feather Hill

Vista’s at The Feather Hill, is a reference to the spectacular views of Potchefstroom that can be seen from the top of the hill. The view from Vista’s restaurant is mirrored in its food – their chefs have created a menu that almost seems too beautiful to eat, yet is too delicious not to. With Vista’s, you can enjoy a well-planned dinner with carefully chosen ingredients that will blow you away. They change their menu seasonally to keep up with the latest trends and to use produce that is in season.

www.thefeatherhill.co.za/restaurant

LIMPOPO Saskias Restaurant

Recline amid modern versions of traditional paintings by Rembrandt while indulging in the Executive chef’s fusions of traditional dishes with a contemporary twist. Every item on their menu is a work of exquisite culinary art and is spectacularly mouth-watering.Their extensive knowledge of food and wine pairing will astound even the most accomplished foodies and make for some interesting dinner conversation.

www.fusionboutiquehotel.co.za The Kitchen @ Khaya Ndlovu

Overlooking the magnificent Klein Drakensberg Mountains is an alfresco dining area, serviced daily from a farm-style kitchen. Their dining area comfortably seats up to 30 guests in a COVID compliant, fresh-air environment and all dietary requirements can be accommodated.

www.khayandlovu.co.za/restaurant

Left to right: Oliver’s, Muse Restaurant, The Orange, The Chef’s Table, Kloof Street House

The Chefs’ Table Kloof Street House