Dining in Southern Africa
The many different countries in southern Africa each have their own traditional cuisine and travellers are strongly advised to abandon their normal eating preferences and give local dishes a try.
Mozambique, the Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar are famous for their fresh seafood. Mozambique is particularly famous for its large prawns with many beach restaurants simply grilling them and serving them with a bottle of wine.
As Madagascar and Mauritius are influenced by Chinese, Indian...
Dining in Southern Africa
The many different countries in southern Africa each have their own traditional cuisine and travellers are strongly advised to abandon their normal eating preferences and give local dishes a try.
Mozambique, the Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar are famous for their fresh seafood. Mozambique is particularly famous for its large prawns with many beach restaurants simply grilling them and serving them with a bottle of wine.
As Madagascar and Mauritius are influenced by Chinese, Indian, Arabian, European and African cultures, the food is especially exotic. The menus at local restaurants abound with delicious seafood, slow roasted pork, spicy vegetables and complementary coconut rice.
Ground maize, called pap in South Africa, nshima in Zambia and sadza in Zimbabwe, is a staple on most of Africa. This is accompanied by rich stews, grilled chicken or fish. Some camps and resorts in game parks offer pap-based dishes to complete the authentic African experience. If you’re eating at ordinary local restaurants you’ll also find pap and assorted local food on the menu, but some of the more expensive establishments pride themselves on menus with international flair.
Furthermore, as restaurant franchises permeate every corner of the globe you’ll probably be able to find a McDonald’s or Nando’s for more familiar family fare.
Fine dining
Refined palates will enjoy the restaurants and bistros at the top hotels and resorts which cook to international standards.
Stellenbosch, in the Western Cape, even has a restaurant owned by Michelin-starred chef, so you know that the food will be good.
The Western Cape is also famous for its vineyards. The wine estates that dot Cape Town and Stellenbosch provide exceptional wine tasting and equally exceptional fine dining. Be seduced by the viticulture of the region and in turn the restaurants at the estates will wine and dine you into a state of pure bliss.
Consult restaurant guides (online and print) to find the best restaurants in your destination. Most guides include categories such as fine dining, pubs, nightclubs, and buffet and also drill down into cuisine-type, such as sushi, Italian or Chinese restaurants.
Pubs and nightclubs
Pubs are a good old standby when it comes to food. You know what to expect from pub grub, which is nice when you want something uncomplicated to accompany your drink after a hard day’s sightseeing.
But standards are rising and these days pub food is more varied than traditional sandwiches and burgers. You might even find some Thai or Indian food on a pub restaurant menu.
Most nightclubs don’t serve food, at least not proper meals. You might find some snacks at the odd nightclub but don’t bet on it. You’re better off eating at a nearby restaurant or starting your evening at a pub that serves food before hitting the clubs for the rest of the night.