What is the best way to learn about and explore the culture of South Africa? Two words: food and wine. This country doesn’t just stop at wildlife safaris and marvelous scenery. South African cuisine is unlike any other, and A Moveable Feast Travel has the ins and outs to prepare your stomach for the food journey of a lifetime.
Maybe it’s because South Africa was raised on hunter-gatherers. Or maybe it’s the rich, ancient soils that helped the agriculture prosper. But South Africa’s unparalleled gastronomy is one of the main reasons this country is rooted so deeply in history.
One of South Africa’s historic favorite’s is called biltong. Biltong consists of a variety of cured, dried meats that are cut into strips. Similar to beef jerky, biltong is spiced and cut into varying thickness. Beef and game are the most common types of biltong, including some animals of the South African bush: ostrich, wildebeest and antelope. This distinct snack embodies a unique process, uncommon ingredients, and most importantly, a special story.
The indigenous Khoikhoi people of South Africa needed a way to preserve their hunted meat. They would slice it into strips, cure it with salt, and hang them from the trees to dry to prevent it from spoiling. When the European settlers came to South Africa in the 17th century, they improved this process by adding vinegar and spices to the curing method.
Today, the process of making biltong remains extremely similar from back in the day. Choosing a good piece of meat and distinct spices is crucial, and letting it sit for a few days is a very important step. You can pick up this quick bite to eat at a gas station on your way to the Cape Town coast, at any grocery store, and even in upscale restaurants all over South Africa.
But wait…the cured meat doesn’t stop with biltong. Bobotie, another popular South African dish is something you aren’t going to want to pass up. This hearty meal is made of minced meat and curry, baked with an egg custard on top. Considered the national dish of South Africa, bobotie roots all the way back to when the Dutch settlers set up camp in Cape Town as a resting stop on their way to and from Indonesia. This dish is a historic example of two cultural influences coming together to make something great.
Located in Cape Town, overlooking the stunning views of Table Mountain, is a luxurious restaurant that serves a fusion of African classics, mixed with rich and cultural heritage. Karibu Restaurant has been awarded eight titles from dining awards, to wine and spirits awards. But Karibu doesn’t forget where its roots came from. Their menu consists of traditional specialties, one of them being the famous bobotie, offered in a vegan option as well as the original version.
Paired perfectly with bobotie is a nice glass of wine, and South African wine is another staple of this country. Their international reputation for quality wine not only comes from the biodiverse ecosystem, but the dedication of the winemakers. Because of the diversity of soils and climates, the wines range from earthy European reds, all the way to tropic whites. But for the predominantly red wine lovers of the world, South Africa has you covered. The Stellenbosch and Banhoek Valleys offer some of the best silky, smooth, and full-bodied reds.
What better way to immerse yourself in the South African lifestyle than feasting on some traditional favorites. Make sure you’re hungry when you come to South Africa because A Moveable Feast Travel has all of the hot spots for dining, drinking, and enjoying.
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