Heritage through the lens of food

Heritage through the lens of food

From Bunny Chow to Umngqusho, dishes that define heritage day

Katlego Sekhu

Heritage Day, celebrated on 24 September, is a chance for South Africans to embrace and showcase their diverse cultures. Across the country, people took to social media to share their traditions through music, clothing, and, most deliciously, food.

Food plays a central role in telling the story of who we are. Each dish carries history, memory, and identity, passed down through generations. Here are some of the iconic meals that reflect South Africa’s rich cultural tapestry:

Umngqusho
A Xhosa staple made from dried maize kernels and sugar beans, slow-cooked until tender. Often served with meat stews, it is famously known as one of Nelson Mandela’s favourite dishes.

Potjiekos
This slow-cooked stew is prepared in a cast-iron pot over hot coals. It combines meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices, making it a communal dish often enjoyed at gatherings.

Bunny Chow
A Durban classic that originated from the Indian community. It consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with spicy curry, and it remains a favourite street food across the country.

Ting and Tjhotlo
Traditional dishes of the Batswana (Tswana) people. Ting is a fermented sorghum porridge, while Tjhotlo is shredded beef or goat, slow-cooked until it melts in the mouth. Together, they are often served at weddings, funerals, and other important celebrations.

Mashonja
A delicacy in many Southern African cultures, including the Venda, Northern Sotho, and Tsonga communities. These protein-rich worms are usually fried or stewed and are enjoyed as a snack or side dish.