Mzansi Snacks: Six typically South African foods

Mzansi eats are unique to South Africa, and something you’ll see everywhere. These are the foods you’ll miss when you’re missing home – and everyone has their idea of what their perfect local foods are.

Which snacks get South Africans through their day?

We’ve taken a look at some of the most popular Mzansi eats out there.

Here are six of SA’s most popular snack foods, ranked.

MZANSI EATS: BILTONG

Biltong is like jerky, but also very unlike jerky.

Meats are spiced and dried, eaten in a variety of different ways. Biltong makes great soups, excellent stews, but can also be a snack for any time of the day.

Most stores sell biltong somewhere.

You can also make it yourself with the right YouTube guide.

MZANSI EATS: MAGWINYA

Magwinya is the traditional phrasing for a vetkoek, or a savoury dough thrown into oil and fried. These are one of South Africa’s staple eats, found almost everywhere you can buy salt and flour.

They’re sold in batches or singles, meant to be eaten as is or with your chosen filling.

Some restaurants sell filled magwinyas, though some prefer them plain.

Never had one?

You’re missing out.

MZANSI EATS: MAKEKE

Makeke can mean sno-balls or scones.

The phrase just means cake, and South Africa has many different kinds. They’re sold at stores and sometimes by street vendors.

Choose your cake type and eat it.

If it’s too dry, here’s a clue: you’re supposed to have them with coffee or tea.

You can also buy some margarine from the next store, just saying.

MZANSI EATS: SHISANYAMA

Shisanyama is the colloquial name for fire-grilled meat.

Everyone has their method, means, and idea of a perfect braai.

Taxi ranks sometimes have shisanyama restaurants close to them. If you smell smoke, there could be a shisa near you.

Meat includes chicken or beef.

Meats can be spiced (or not).

It’s one of the perfect anytime Mzansi eats.

MZANSI EATS: BUNNY CHOW

Bunny chow isn’t simply a snack. It’s a traditional South African delicacy, consisting of hollowed-out bread filled with your chosen food. Fillings include curries, but can also be stews, or simple mixes of whatever you can imagine.

These days there are even luxurious, high-end bunny chows.

It’s one of the most classic Mzansi eats.

LOCAL EATS: RUSSIANS

Russians are a meat type, which can be closer to a kielbasa.

There’s nothing “Russian” about them, however the name stuck.

“Russians” are sausages. South Africans usually eat these with helpings of chips, and covered in different sauces. Spaza shops usually sell them, or you can buy them in packs from your local supermarket.