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South African cuisine is a diverse mix of indigenous African, European, and Asian culinary traditions, which have been influenced by centuries of colonialism and immigration. The country's varied geography and climate have also contributed to a range of different ingredients and styles of cooking. And recently giving a taste of South African flavours Crowne Plaza Greater Noida hosted South African Food festival in collaboration with the South Africa Tourism Board. Masterchef Abigail & Siphokazi took in charge of the kitchen to give us a taste of South African dishes.
South African cuisine is known for its bold flavours, spicy seasonings, and a mix of meats and vegetables. It is a reflection of the country's diverse cultural influences and unique history. Highlighting the similarity between the two Chef Siphokazi who loves her Indian version of Biryani added “One of the most notable similarities between South African and Indian cuisine is the use of spices. Both cuisines feature a wide range of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, and chili. Many South African dishes, such as bunny chow and samosas, are influenced by Indian cuisine and feature a spicy blend of these spices”
The festival saw a mix of flavours and dishes that one could easily draw parallels too, but "chakalaka," which a spicy vegetable relish made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and other vegetables, often served as a side dish or condiment with meat dishes caught my palate. No to miss that the curries too had a much familiar flavour profile to that we have in India.
One of Durban's most well-known meals, shisa nyama ("burn meat," is a Zulu word), also made it to the table which happened to be Siphokazi favourite. Every province offers this famous style of braai (or barbecue), which is perfect in it’s own way. She further added that many spices are used to make ShisaNyama. Braai meat should be heavily spiced. Serve it with freshly baked bread and chakalaka (a dish comprised of beans, fresh vegetables, onions, pepper, and tomatoes that can be either mild or spicy), and barbecue it to your liking, she advised.
There were many dishes in South African cuisine, reflecting the country's diverse cultural influences and culinary traditions. Not many may know that both cuisines use similar cooking methods, such as slow-cooking stews and curries. The use of rice as a staple food is also common in both South African and Indian cuisine, with dishes like biryani and breyani being popular in both cultures.
From Bunny chow to ginger beer to some chakalaka, this festival showcasing the South African flavour was an absolute bomb od taste and experiences.
