Top 5 KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Food & Drink: A Tasty Review

KwaZulu-Natal, fondly called KZN, boasts, too, an unbelievably rich mix of cultures and traditions; so, that’s reflected vividly in its food. It’s almost like a delicious melting pot, a total explosion of tastes. We’re talking Indian spices mixing it up with Zulu staples, and very European touches too. In this review, that’s something we’re really having a look at, you know, the must-try foods and drinks KZN has to give. Forget the fancy stuff for now, very real eating happens here.

Bunny Chow: Durban’s Most Famous Dish

Ah, bunny chow. Basically, this is, perhaps, Durban’s claim to fame, sort of like. Imagine, if you will, a loaf of bread hollowed out and, you know, filled to the brim with seriously flavorful curry. Apparently, this isn’t just any old curry. It’s like this deeply aromatic, often quite spicy Durban curry that’ll leave you wanting more. Very usually, people seem to go for mutton, but you could, I think, get chicken or beans if you’re that way inclined. In a way, it is believed that bunny chow started way back when Indian laborers, working in the sugar cane fields, needed a handy way, too, to carry their lunch. Clever, huh? Read our full review: Bunny Chow Durban Full Review and Details

So, the thing to do, is that you don’t even ask for a knife and fork. Nope, no need for any fancy stuff at all. Instead, tear off pieces of the bread and then just, like, scoop up that incredible curry. The bread soaks up all the juices, so that’s the best bit. Each bite, you know, is a mix of soft bread, super intense curry, and then just, like, pure joy. Honestly, that’s something I think should be tried by everybody once.

Arguably, some of the best spots for bunny chow are, like, these unassuming takeaway joints dotted all across Durban. Try the ones in the Grey Street area or, apparently, out in Chatsworth. Everybody seems to have their favorite spot, so just, you know, ask around. Expect, more or less, a bit of a kick, but don’t let that, like, scare you off. The burn’s, basically, a part of the whole experience.

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Shisanyama: A South African Braai Experience

Shisanyama, or “burnt meat,” very literally, is much more, like, just a meal; it’s almost like a total social event. Usually, you go to, maybe, a dedicated shisanyama place or, I think, even somebody’s backyard. There you pick your meat – could be boerewors, chops, chicken – and watch, too, as it sizzles over open flames. I mean, that just seems awesome. Basically, the smell of the braai is very mesmerizing; really intoxicating.

Read our full review: Shisanyama KZN Full Review and Details

So, it isn’t very difficult to see why it’s such a big thing in KZN. People gather, maybe listen to some music, and, like, just chill out while the meat’s doing its thing. Basically, you share stories, share laughs, and just really bond over some amazing food. Typically, the meat gets served with, you know, pap (a maize porridge), maybe some chakalaka (a spicy vegetable relish), or, perhaps, even a salad if you’re being healthy.

Most of the time, if you’re on the hunt for an authentic shisanyama experience, check out places such as Max’s Lifestyle Village in Umlazi or, perhaps, Eyadini Lounge. These are, almost, legendary spots in Durban. These spots just have this incredibly amazing atmosphere, really amazing food. I would imagine the atmosphere makes it worth going to. Be prepared for, actually, a vibrant, energetic crowd.

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Amadumbe: A Zulu Staple with Endless Possibilities

Amadumbe, that, is that quite starchy root vegetable, is an absolutely massive part of Zulu cuisine. If you don’t know, these little guys are, almost, like sweet potatoes or yams but then again, just slightly nuttier in flavor. Often, they get boiled or steamed, or even roasted. Then they’re served whole or mashed up, really it varies.

Read our full review: Amadumbe KZN Full Review and Details

As a matter of fact, there are a million ways to eat them, I think. Like, try them served with stews, very often that’s exactly how they get eaten, or maybe with braaied meat. Some people actually like them as a sweet treat with, you know, cinnamon and butter, but I wouldn’t do that. So, it’s definitely something, you know, very worth checking out at local markets. You’ll likely find it being sold fresh. Have fun cooking it up, you know.

You should try, though, to find amadumbe in some of, maybe, Durban’s traditional Zulu restaurants. You know, it could be a nice place to, you know, test it, try it, have some fun. Basically, amadumbe is more than food; it’s like connecting back to Zulu roots. Very usually, it’s something found at family meals or special occasions.

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Umgqombothi: Traditional Zulu Beer

Now, this is something truly special: Umqombothi. It could be described as this traditional beer, usually made from maize, malt, sorghum, water, it could be so many things. Very often it’s brewed for ceremonies, for celebrations, and is pretty deeply significant in Zulu culture, more or less, you could say that it’s almost like a cultural symbol. Umqombothi’s, also, naturally pretty nutritious, apparently packed with vitamins.

Read our full review: Umgqombothi KZN Full Review and Details

So, Umqombothi isn’t really your usual beer. This brew has, I think, quite a thick, almost creamy texture. It’s like that slightly sour, earthy taste, more or less. You have to take it easy with that because it could catch up with you. In that case, try to get Umqombothi that is homemade. Typically, families or communities create it, but you know it can’t hurt to ask. You could check if some local breweries are offering the craft variety now.

Arguably, trying Umqombothi at cultural villages, like Shakaland, gives, actually, an authentic experience. So, this helps you learn about its history, its brewing methods, and then also its significance. But do respect the tradition, so, yeah, act respectfully. Remember that you should also savor it. You could really learn a lot this way.

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Gatsby: A South African Sandwich

Let’s turn our attention, very suddenly, to the Gatsby. So, what, in fact, is it? Well, basically, it is like this absolutely monstrous sandwich, almost exclusively found in Cape Town, but its influence, arguably, has really spread into KZN. What you’ve got here, is, usually, a long roll of bread, kind of sliced open. In a way, this thing just gets stuffed silly, usually with chips, and then slap chips that have been slathered in all sorts of stuff. Popular, if you ask me, stuff would be things like polony, masala steak, viennas, eggs and cheese – I would never eat it all together.

Read our full review: Gatsby KZN Full Review and Details

Apparently, eating a Gatsby can be, kind of, like this proper communal affair. Basically, these things are gigantic, as mentioned, so you generally would have to, you know, share with mates. That’s something special to me, and probably quite endearing to a lot of other people as well, you know, food that gathers friends together.

Anyway, because Gatsby’s aren’t native, I’d expect, or perhaps think it prudent that, if you really want a genuine Durban version of the Gatsby, stick to takeaway joints and ask for some advice. They’re like experts on what goes with what, to tell you the truth, so trust their gut. In other words, take a gamble, you know?

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