Today’s topic is food. I love food. Its one of the best things about traveling. Getting a chance to try something new and delectable is awesome. It also lends one insight into a country, its cultures, and its history bite by bite.
South Africa is definitely a country with a lot on its Smörgåsbord. Food varies from dried fish (snoek) to curry bread bowls to a mashed potato-grit hybrid called Pap (said like pop). The food here is truly a reflection of the many cultures and people’s that gather in this Rainbow nation, with influences from throughout Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
And you know what food is on the mind. People think about food here a lot. The food in the market is usually seasonal, minimizing variety, but providing increased availability of fresh fruit and vegetables. Also portion sizes are different. Smaller. I grabbed a single size of chips the same size as my camera case. The oversized “do it big” portions that America is known for are pretty much absent here, except at a Braai.
Roosterkoek (image provided by cooksister.com)
What is a Braais you ask? Its Thanksgiving on a grill. An array of sausage, chicken, steak, and beef (or vegetables for those who dont eat meat) come to a fine crisp on the grill. Once off, they are soon served with either Pap and Salsa or Roosterkoek (grilled bread). The Braai is so beloved in South Africa, there’s even a national holiday for it. If you don’t believe me, look it up! (http://braai.com/)
Another interesting aspect of eating in Cape Town is the abundance of vegetarian and Halal (food that follows Islamic dietary guidelines) options. There are usually vegetarian options on the menus in Cape Town. And there seems to be shops that sell Halal goods within many communities.
The only shadow on my Rainbow Nation food tour is that great variety comes with a price. Food is expensive here! Well food from the grocery store anyhow. I can buy a bag of vegetables for about the same price I can buy a meal at some restaurants. While meat and carb laden staples are fairly inexpensive (with 2lbs of rice costing 19R, Pap (small bag) costing 7R, and a loaf of fresh bread being as cheap as 5R), vegetables and fruits can be somewhat costly. Thus moving from the land of big portions and plentitudes of cheap food, to my local Pick n Pay or Woolies supermarket was a bit of a shock to the system.
Well with all comes a silver lining. In my case, the shining light is that now I do not have to feel too guilty about eating out. After all I am saving money!
Wanna make some South African fare yourself? Check out these websites:
1) Want to know about Nelson Mandela’s favorite dish, check this site out:
http://cooking-varieties.blogspot.com/2012/05/umngqusho-recipe-nelson-mandelas.html
2) If you want to try Modern day South African recipes
http://www.foodandthefabulous.com/
3) South African Afrikaans Comfort Food
http://www.cooksister.com/recipes_south_african/
4) Some Real South African Favorites
http://www.whats4eats.com/africa/south-africa-cuisine
