What to eat South Africa? culinary specialties and gastronomy

In South Africa, you'll have no problem enjoying both early and late breakfasts. Many of the trendy cafes offer eggs and cappuccinos at almost any time. While cafés and snack bars will serve you at all hours, this is not the case with more conventional restaurants where the breaks between lunch and dinner are respected. In general, people have an early lunch and an early dinner, although in the big cities this is becoming less common.

There is something for everyone, but eating out in South Africa is quite affordable, especially by European standards. You can eat on the run for nothing at all, or indulge in a six-course gourmet meal, accompanied by local wines, with a great view and attentive service for a very reasonable price.

The service is not included in the bill. You should therefore give at least 10% of the amount in tip, "tip", if you have not received your chicken and French fries on your pants. This amount should be written on the bill, especially if you pay by card.

Although vegetarian and vegan menus are on the rise in restaurants, butcher shops are still the king of the country and South Africans are still big meat eaters. The braai, or local barbecue, is a must, as is the biltong . These strips of dried meat, beef, ostrich, kudu, more or less spicy, are nibbled at any time and especially as an aperitif. You can't miss it. In the same way, if you are passing through Durban, you must try the mutton chow. This super-copious and spicy sandwich is served in Indian restaurants. At one time, when coloured people were not allowed to eat meat, the cooks prepared these sandwiches in which they hid mutton.

It all depends on the location and region, but if you are sensitive, it is always best to avoid tap water and opt for well-sealed water bottles.

In South Africa, children are kings. You will see that in any restaurant, there are adapted menus, but also playgrounds, coloring... and the waiters are real baby-sitters!

From morning coffee in the coffee shops that usually open between 7:30 and 8:30 am, to the small beer before lunch, to the evening aperitif that, for the more discerning, will translate into a cocktail facing the sea, the savannah or on a rooftop in Maboneng, to the local amarula after dinner, there is always a time to have a drink in South Africa, sometimes even until very late at night in the bars of Long Street in Cape Town. The bars close between midnight and 3am. In the townships, the shebeens are king. These small "underground bars" only close when the last customer has left.

Be aware that the law has recently changed and the sale of alcohol to people under 21 is now prohibited

In Cape Town, Long Street and Kloof Street are the places to go for drinks and to immerse yourself in the Cape Town nightlife. If the student atmosphere appeals to you, the Observatory area of Cape Town is a good place to go. Hipster locals can also opt for Woodstock in Cape Town, or Maboneng in Johannesburg. Throughout the country, the pub has remained an institution, as has the very local shebeen in the townships