Did you know South Africa has seen a remarkable 50% increase in veganism since 2020?
From Cape Town’s busy streets to Johannesburg’s markets, plant-based food is changing South African cuisine!
I’ve explored the exciting blend of traditional African cuisine and modern vegan foods in South Africa.
Let’s explore this culinary world. It combines local ingredients with global trends to create unique plant-based dishes.
Let Me Share My Favorite Traditional South African Vegan Dishes
What’s impressive about South African cuisine?
Some of our most beloved traditional dishes are naturally vegan!
I’ve spent years exploring these plant-based treasures. I can’t wait to share them with you.
Let me start with umngqusho. It’s a fantastic mix of samp and beans that will blow your mind.
Source: Thabile_theCook
Fun fact: it was Nelson Mandela’s favourite dish!
I make this at least twice a month. It’s comforting how the beans and corn come together. The trick is getting that perfect texture – not too mushy or firm. I learned this recipe from my neighbour’s grandmother, and let me tell you, her secret was patience!
Oh, and we need to talk about Chakalaka!
Chakalaka dish
This spicy vegetable relish is my go-to when I want to add some excitement to any meal. It’s a vibrant mix of carrots, peppers, and beans with a fantastic blend of spices.
I remember the first time I tried making it – let’s say there was a bit too much chilli! 😅 Now I’ve got my signature spice blend that makes everyone ask for the recipe.
Have you ever tried morogo?
It’s wild African spinach, and it’s completely changed my perspective on greens. I forage for it at local markets (because my gardening skills are still a work in progress!).
The traditional prep method uses a hint of salt and sometimes peanuts. It brings out incredible earthy flavours not found in regular spinach.
As for pap – oh my goodness, getting this maize porridge right was quite the journey!
But now? I make it like a pro.
The key is the wrist action when you stir. It’s incredible how this simple dish becomes the perfect base for many other flavours. I love serving it with my homemade Chakalaka or stewed wild greens.
Can I geek out about indigenous vegetables for a minute?
There’s this incredible variety most people don’t even know about! I’m talking about amadumbe (taro root), imifino (wild greens), and amazing wild mushrooms that pop up during the rainy season. Whenever I visit a local market, I discover something new to experiment with in my kitchen.
https://www.southafrica.co.za/amadumbe
Trust me. Once you try these vegan dishes, you’ll see why they’ve been loved for generations. They’re not just delicious – they tell the story of South African culinary heritage in every bite.
And the best part?
They’re entirely plant-based without trying to be! Our ancestors knew exactly what they were doing when they created these recipes.
My Guide to the Best Vegan Spots in South African Cities
Join me on a tasty journey to my favourite vegan spots in South Africa!
After countless meals, food photos, and happy food comas, I’ve made this guide to places that deserve your attention.
Cape Town: My Plant-Based Paradise
Oh, my goodness, where do I even begin with Cape Town? This city is my vegan heaven!
Lekker Vegan in Observatory has an excellent Gatsby, a sizeable local sandwich. I still dream about it! Every time I visit, I tell myself I’ll try something new, but who am I kidding? That Gatsby calls my name every single time!
Hidden away in Woodstock, there’s this gem called Raw and Roxy. Trust me on this one – their raw cheesecake changed my life. I tried to recreate it at home… let’s say some things are better left to the professionals! 😅
And don’t even get me started on Plant Café at the V&A Waterfront. The view is spectacular, but their mushroom burger? That’s what keeps me coming back. I’ve brought non-vegan friends here who couldn’t believe their burgers were plant-based!
Johannesburg: My Unexpected Vegan Adventure
Joburg surprised me with its amazing vegan scene!
Lexi’s Healthy Eatery in Rosebank has become my go-to spot in the city. Their Buddha bowls are pure art – I’ve stolen some of their plating ideas for my home cooking (sorry, Lexi!).
Here’s a secret: this tiny place in Maboneng called Fresh Earth Food Store. It looks unassuming, but their Sunday buffet? It’s like vegan Christmas! I once drove two hours to make it to their brunch. It’s worth every minute.
Durban: Where Vegan Meets Indian Spices
Okay, can we discuss how Durban is crushing it with vegan Indian food?
I found a family-run place called Earthmother Organic on Florida Road. Their curry changed my view on vegan cooking. The owner shared her masala recipe with me – though mine has never tasted as good as hers!
Oh, and this spot at the beachfront market does the most amazing vegan bunny chow. I won’t share the exact location (sorry!), but here’s a hint: look for the longest queue around lunchtime. You can thank me later!
Pretoria: My Hometown Vegan Favourites
Living in Pretoria, I’ve become quite the expert on our local vegan scene. Real Food Co. My Sunday morning ritual is Menlyn Maine. Their smoothie bowls are breakfast dreams come true. Pro tip: get there early because the good spots on their patio fill up fast!
And let me tell you about this hidden gem in Hazelwood called Kind Kitchen. Their mushroom risotto is so good that I did a happy dance in my seat the first time I tried it. It was not my proudest moment, but one of my tastiest! 😂
Small Town Treasures I’ve Discovered
Don’t forget the smaller towns, folks!
Some of my favourite finds have been in places you’d least expect. There’s this fantastic café in Stellenbosch called Pure Plant. The owner makes everything from scratch, and her chocolate brownies? Let’s say I’ve been known to drive there just for dessert!
I found a charming market stall in Knysna run by a lovely couple. They make the best vegan koeksisters, a traditional South African dessert. They’re only there on Saturday mornings, but trust me—set your alarm for this!
I’ve got many more recommendations, but these spots have stolen my heart. Each one has a special memory, a favourite dish, or a friendly face that keeps me coming back.
These places will show you how excellent South African vegan food can be. They’re for long-time vegans and the curious.
Why I’m So Excited About Modern South African Vegan Food
There’s an incredible vegan food revolution happening in South Africa!
I’ve followed this scene for years, and the recent innovation blows my mind.
Let me share some amazing things happening in our local vegan food world!
Our Local Vegan Food Producers Are Crushing It!
You won’t believe the fantastic products from South African kitchens!
I found a small company in Johannesburg called Herbivore. Their mushroom biltong changed my life.
Seriously, I had to double-check the package to make sure it wasn’t actual meat!
There’s also this fantastic woman in Cape Town who started Urban Vegan. Her cashew cheese range?
Oh, my goodness. I may have embarrassed myself at a food market. I squealed with joy when I first tried her smoked cheddar-style spread. The best part? She sources all her nuts from local suppliers!
How I’m Reimagining Traditional Recipes
I’ve been experimenting with veganizing traditional South African dishes. The results are incredible!
My proudest achievement?
A vegan malva pudding that my non-vegan ouma requested the recipe for!
I’ve found that aquafaba (chickpea water) works perfectly in koeksisters. Also, black salt gives my tofu scramble an egg-like taste. It’s a perfect vegan version of a classic breakfast.
Trust me; there were many kitchen fails (let’s not discuss my first attempt at vegan milk tart 😅). But the successes have been worth it!
These South African Vegan Influencers Are My Heroes
Have you seen what @VeganBraai is doing on Instagram?
Their posts completely transformed how I think about traditional South African barbecue!
They taught me a fantastic trick. It uses mushrooms and seitan to create the perfect vegan boerewors texture.
Then there’s Chef Mokgadi. She combines traditional African ingredients with modern vegan cooking techniques.
I attended one of her workshops last month. Her use of morogo in vegan sushi had me taking notes on my phone between bites!
My Favorite Twists on South African Classics
You should see what’s happening with classic South African dishes! I recently tried a jackfruit bobotie that honestly brought tears to my eyes – it was that good.
The secret?
A perfect blend of traditional spices and clever use of chickpea flour for binding.
And don’t even get me started on the vegan peppermint crisp tart I discovered at this little café in Pretoria.
They use coconut cream and homemade vegan caramel. I may or may not have ordered a whole one for “research purposes.”
The Vegan Versions That Changed Everything
Let me tell you about this game-changing vegan boerewors I found at a local market.
The maker uses a blend of mushrooms, quinoa, and spices. It’s so good that my braai-loving friends prefer it to the meat version!
I’ve been trying their techniques at home. I haven’t mastered them yet.
And the vegan biltong scene? It’s exploding!
A great company in Durban uses local mushrooms and seaweed to create the perfect chewy texture. I always keep a stash in my bag for road trips—it’s addictive!
I’m seeing innovations every week in our local vegan food scene.
From small home kitchens to large producers, South Africans are proving that plant-based eating can preserve our beloved traditional flavours. These innovations are adding an exciting new chapter to our rich culinary heritage!
Want to know the best part?
This is the beginning!
Every food market I visit and new restaurant I try shows me that South African vegan innovation is just getting started. And believe me, I’ll be first in line to try whatever comes next! 🌱
My Ultimate Guide to Vegan Shopping in South Africa
I will share my hard-earned secrets. They are here to find the best vegan ingredients in South Africa!
After years of hunting for the perfect products, I’ve found some hidden gems. I have excellent tips to share with you.
Trust me, your grocery shopping is about to get so much better!
My Favorite Supermarket Chains for Vegan Finds
Oh my goodness, let me tell you about Woolworths first!
Their plant-based range has saved my dinner plans countless times. Pro tip: their vegan mayonnaise is the best I’ve found (and I’ve tried them ALL!). I always stock up when it’s on sale.
Checkers has stepped up their game lately! Their Simple Truth range has some incredible vegan options. Would you believe that I found frozen vegan croissants there last week? My Saturday mornings will never be the same!
Pick n Pay is my go-to for staples like legumes and grains.
I found a money-saving hack. Their bulk section often has the same ingredients as the packaged ones but at half the price! I always bring my containers to stock up.
Spar and Shoprite are still catching up in the vegan food shop revolution.
My Secret Weapon: Local Farmers’ Markets
I have a weekend ritual.
I go super early to the Oranjezicht City Farm Market in Cape Town (like, bring a flask of coffee early) to get the best produce.
The mushroom guy there knows me by name. He saves some exotic varieties for my vegan experiments!
My favourite place for fresh, seasonal veggies is the Bryanston Organic Market in Joburg. I once found the most amazing purple sweet potatoes there – they made the most Instagram-worthy smoothie bowls!
Just remember to bring cash and your bags.
These Speciality Stores Changed My Vegan Life
Can we talk about Jackson’s Real Food Market?
I did a happy dance in the aisle when I found nutritional yeast! Their bulk section has a fantastic selection of nuts and seeds. They’re perfect for making my plant-based milk.
I found a tiny Indian spice shop in Fordsburg. It has changed my cooking game completely. Their masala blends are incredible. They have the best price on chickpeas in the city. Don’t ask me to share the exact location – some secrets are worth keeping! 😉
How I Keep My Vegan Shopping Budget-Friendly
My best money-saving trick is visiting the local vegetable markets right before they close.
I’ve scored some fantastic deals this way! Last week, I got a whole box of slightly ripe avocados for the price of two – hello, frozen guacamole stash!
I’ve also started growing my herbs. After killing three basil plants (oops!), I finally got the hang of it. Now I have this gorgeous little herb garden that saves me money and makes my balcony look fancy!
My Favourite Places for Indigenous Superfoods
You last lived when you’ve tried fresh moringa powder!
I found a fantastic supplier at the Pretoria Boeremark. They sell everything moringa-related, including powder, tea, and beauty products.
The powder makes my smoothies taste like grass (honest!).. but I feel like a superhero after drinking them.
A wonderful lady sells amazing amaranth and quinoa at the Durban Botanical Gardens market. They are grown right here in South Africa. Her cooking tips have transformed my grain game—who knew you could pop amaranth like popcorn?
My Top Shopping Tips for Fellow Vegans
- Always check the “accidentally vegan” products in regular stores. You might be surprised at what you can discover! Those tennis biscuits? They are vegan!
- Download the local store apps for special offers. I once got coconut milk for half price because of an app notification!
- Make friends with your local greengrocer. Mine now messages me when he gets fresh jackfruit in stock!
- Join local vegan Facebook groups. That’s how I found most of my favourite speciality stores.
Building your perfect vegan shopping routine takes time, and that’s okay! I still remember feeling completely overwhelmed in the beginning.
I now look forward to my shopping trips. They’re like treasure hunts for delicious food!
And, if you see someone dancing in the vegan section of your local supermarket, that might be me. I found a new product to try! 🌱
My Insider Tips for Traveling Vegan in South Africa
I’ve learned all the tricks after years of vegan travel in this beautiful country. They make plant-based travel not just possible but amazing!
Here are my tips for vegan travel in South Africa.
My Restaurant Menu Hacks That Work
Let me tell you about my foolproof strategy for eating out!
I’ve learned that even restaurants without vegan options often have great plant-based dishes. You need to know how to ask.
First, my secret weapon phrase that works like magic is “Ngiyivegan” (I’m vegan in Zulu).
The moment I learned to say this, doors opened! Most chefs get excited about creating something unique. Last month, a chef in Durban made me the most incredible mushroom curry that wasn’t even on the menu!
I always look for sides that I can combine into a meal.
Trust me. I once made a fantastic feast from umngqusho, grilled vegetables, and Chakalaka. The waiter was so impressed he wrote down my combination to suggest to other vegan customers!
How I Navigate Cultural Situations (Without Awkwardness!)
Okay, let’s discuss something tricky—traditional ceremonies and family gatherings.
I’ve learned that respect and communication go a long way!
Before attending any cultural event, I always contact the hosts. You would be amazed at how accommodating people can be when you politely explain your needs.
Here’s a story that changed my approach. I was invited to a traditional Zulu ceremony and wanted to find food.
I found many traditional dishes were accidentally vegan! So, I spoke with the family beforehand. They were excited to share their plant-based traditional recipes with me.
My Must-Know Phrases in Local Languages
Let me share the phrases that have saved me countless times:
“Ngicela ukudla kwamaveji kuphela” (I would like only vegetable food – Zulu)
“Ek is ‘n vegetariër” (I am a vegetarian – Afrikaans, then I specify no eggs or dairy)
“Ga ke je dinama” (I don’t eat meat – Setswana)
I learned these phrases hard after I had chicken in my “vegetable” curry! 😅 Now, I always carry a little card with these phrases written down—it’s been a total game-changer.
My Perfect Self-Catering Strategy
Listen up, because this is important! I always book accommodations with at least a small kitchenette. My first stop in any new town is the local supermarket for these essentials:
- Fresh fruit (South African fruit is AMAZING!)
- Nuts and dried fruit (perfect for hikes)
- Hummus and bread (quick lunch sorted!)
- Local vegetables for easy stir-fries
Pro tip: Most shopping centres have an Indian spice shop. They have amazing vegan ingredients. I once found the best curry powder in a tiny shop in Pietermaritzburg!
How I Connect with Local Vegan Communities
Social media has been my best friend when travelling vegan!
I always check Facebook groups, like “Vegan Society South Africa,” before visiting a new area. These groups are goldmines of info. That’s how I found a secret vegan market in Port Elizabeth!
Instagram has been incredible, too.
I follow local vegan hashtags, like #VeganSA and #VeganCapeTown. I’ve made some amazing friends this way. Last year, a local vegan showed me a great restaurant in Johannesburg. I’d never have found it otherwise!
My Emergency Vegan Travel Kit
Let me tell you about my lifesaving travel kit (because I learned the hard way!):
- Protein bars (saved me during a long bus ride!)
- Mixed nuts and dried fruit (perfect for safari trips)
- A small container of nutritional yeast (makes any meal better!)
- I loaded my phone with the Happy Cow app and local vegan restaurant contacts.
Remember that time I got stuck at a small-town rest stop? My emergency kit meant I could still have a decent meal while everyone else had bland gas station pies!
The best part of being vegan in South Africa is the fantastic foods you’ll discover. You might have missed them otherwise.
Each challenge has led me to a new favourite dish or restaurant. Trust me. Eating fresh local fruits will prove that vegan travel in South Africa is incredible!
It’s not just possible—it’s amazing! You’ll be watching the sunset over Table Mountain. Or, you’ll be enjoying a veganized bobotie in a local home. 🌱
Planning is excellent, but some of my best food discoveries happened when things didn’t go as planned. Stay open to adventures; you might find your new favourite dish in the most unexpected place!
Conclusion
South Africa’s vegan food scene perfectly blends traditional wisdom with modern innovation.
The country has endless vegan delights. Locals want plant-based options. Travellers wish to buy South African food.
Join local vegan social media groups. They will update you on new restaurants and products!
Ready to start your vegan food journey in South Africa?
Start with a traditional chakalaka. Or, try a trendy vegan cafe in Cape Town. Your taste buds will thank you!
Leave a Reply