South Africa's Most Extreme Indian Food: Bunny Chow & Shisanyama in Durban

The Iconic Bunny Chow

• 💡 Bunny Chow is a unique South African dish originating in Durban, consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry.
• 📌 The name "Bunny Chow" comes from "Banya," the Indian caste that invented the dish, and "Chow," a South African slang term for food.
• 🔑 At Patel Vegetarian Restaurant, a historic institution since 1911, the vegetarian bunny chow featured a flavorful mix of dahl, potatoes, and broad beans, with a fluffy, absorbent bread.
• 🍽️ Gounden's Restaurant is highlighted for its legendary mutton bunny chow, a massive half-loaf creation with incredibly tender, flavorful mutton curry.

Durban's Shisanyama Culture

• 🍖 Shisanyama is a quintessential South African barbecue experience, often enjoyed while cars are washed and serviced.
• 🥩 At Mojo's Car Wash and Shisanyama, a variety of meats like chicken wings, spicy bur, kidneys, and liver were selected, seasoned, and grilled over real wood.
• 👨‍🍳 A tradition involves the male of the group tasting each type of meat first to ensure it's safe for the family before it's chopped and shared.
• 🌶️ The grilled meats are typically enjoyed with salt, fresh green chilies, and sides like steamed bread (similar to mantou) and chakalaka (a tomato, onion, and chili relish).

A Taste of Durban's Coast

• 🐟 Skipper's Fish and Chips, a legendary spot near the beach, serves crispy hake fish with a thin, seasoned batter and hot, seasoned fries.
• 🍋 The fish and chips are best enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon, highlighting the flaky texture of the fish and the crispiness of the batter.
• 🏖️ Durban offers a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of Zulu and Indian cultures, evident in its unique culinary traditions like bunny chow and shisanyama.
• ✨ The overall experience in Durban is described as a delicious exploration of South African culture, with bunny chow being a standout, unique-to-Durban dish.