SOUTH AFRICAN CUISINE IS A MIX OF TASTES AND TEXTURES

Heavily influenced by Dutch, French, German, Portuguese, Malaysian, Indian, Chinese, and Indonesian cuisines — South African fare is one of the most interesting and colourful cuisines in the world. Be it street foods, sweet curries or meats, they believe in a good meal.

Meat is the centre of their meals and hence braais (BBQ), a much-loved tradition. A social outdoor event — it brings together friends and family, who contribute towards cooking sausages, chops, kebabs, and steaks over hot coals. South Africans continue to be known for their dried meats and their liberal use of salts for the preservation of foods. However, they love green leafy vegetables too.

Spices like cinnamon, cardamom, coriander, and chillies are used generously while cooking. Boerewors are highly spiced African farm-made sausages and a favourite with the foodies. Savour the dish at Kiza (04 4539038), DIFC. They’ll come spiced with cloves and coriander and will be served with pap and Chakalaka relish. Pap, a polenta-like meal made out of mielie-meal (is similar to corn flour) is a staple food. Interestingly, the cuisine is known as much for its taste as for the nutrition value. A must-try dish is Bobotie, sometimes called the national dish of South Africa. It is a baked dish made with spiced minced meat and dried fruit with an egg and milk topping.

At Tribes (043950663), Mall of the Emirates, you can sample Bunny Chow, the Durban special and Cape Malay Curry, coconut and coriander rice served with pappadums and cucumber dip. If you have a South African friend, you would have sampled milk tarts with a dusting of cinnamon. Guava ice cream, pumpkin cheesecake, and yogurt bread are just a few other treats that you’d find on their dessert table. We recommend, don’t overindulge — these delights are said to be extremely fattening.

Potjiekos A traditional stew prepared with meats, vegetables, and Dutch-Malay spices — cooked in layers in a three-legged cast iron pot.

Bunny Chow A hollowed-out white loaf filled with curry. It can be made with lamb, beef chicken, mince or vegetables. It originated in the Durban Indian community.

koeksisters A traditional South African flavoured syrup or honeyinfused fried dough treat served at teatime. It’s like a sticky donut.

Chakalaka A spicy preparation of onions, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, and beans. It’s served with bread, salad or stew.

Malva Pudding Sweet and sticky baked sponge pudding prepared with apricot jam and served on a bed of hot cream sauce.

Biltong A favourite snack — it can be made with a variety of dried, cured meat. Salty and spicy, it makes for a nice garnish too.