Indigenous food dates back to the ancestors of 10,000 years ago and what they could cultivate from the land and livestock. Grains, like maize and sorghum, would be cooked or fermented (and served as “pap” and “ting”), while meat from chickens, sheep and cattle would be roasted (what South Africans commonly refer to as braai-ing) or dried and preserved (what South Africans commonly refer to as biltong).

Traditional beer has played a significant role in indigenous culture for centuries. Offered at special occasions (like weddings and funerals), these home-made tonics brewed from fermented grains, were some of the very first tokens of South African hospitality. With the onset of the mining industry, traditional beer became more commercial, being sold – even to this day - from the many shebeens that have popped up across the country.

Cape Dutch cuisine was brought to South Africa by the Dutch East Company which set up a base in the Cape on the spice route between the East and Europe. Influence of Malaysian and Bengalese culture, from the slaves that were brought over at the time, is evident in the spicy dishes (like curries, pickled fish and bobotie) that South Africans are so fond of today.

South Africa’s Indian slave trade in the 19^th Century also left a big impression on the country’s diverse range of foods. Curries, samoosas and bunny chow are just some dishes that have emerged from Durban’s large Indian community, and are being increasingly adopted as house-hold favourites across the country.

As the Europeans (Dutch and French) arrived in the Cape, they brought with them the practice of winemaking – the cultivating of grapes in vineyards to produce wine. The first bottle was produced in 1659 and South Africa has been known for its prestigious wine industry ever since.

South Africa’s fast food and diner sectors have been largely westernised in the past few decades. It is not uncommon to find global brands (such as McDonalds, KFC and Wimpy) in cities and towns across the country. However, a number of locally started chains have been just as successful with the fast food model. Steers, Chicken Licken and Debonairs are amongst some of South Africa’s most popular fast-food chains, while Nandos has reached global popularity.