Have you ever found yourself craving that familiar taste of home while living far from South African shores? For many of us who’ve settled in the UK, the longing for favourite snacks and flavours is a constant reminder of where we come from. Whether it’s the unmistakable aroma of biltong or the comfort of dunking an Ouma Rusk in a morning cup of tea, food nostalgia runs deep.
South African groceries aren’t just about filling the pantry—they’re about reconnecting with memories and sharing a bit of our culture with new friends. From spicy sauces to sweet treats, these beloved foods often top shopping lists for expats and curious locals alike. If you’re searching for where to buy South African products in the UK or simply want to relive a taste of home, our guide to the top 10 missed foods is a good place to start.
Top 10 South African Foods Every Expat Misses In The UK
South Africans in the UK often mention specific foods that evoke strong memories and bridge the gap between cultures. The range spans savoury staples, spiced snacks and sweet favourites—all with unique significance for those far from home.
1. Biltong
Biltong stands as the iconic South African snack. Air-dried beef with traditional spices delivers rich, savoury flavour and chewy texture. We source authentic biltong to match the spice blend and tenderness expats remember.
2. Boerewors
Boerewors features heavily at any South African braai. Closely linked to family gatherings, this spicy beef sausage offers a distinctly coiled shape and powerful coriander aroma.
3. Rooibos Tea
Rooibos embodies comfort for many. This caffeine-free tea, reddish in colour, offers a naturally sweet, earthy taste enjoyed by all ages.
4. Ouma Rusks
South Africans layer rusks with tradition, dunking these double-baked biscuits into morning tea. Ouma rusks, in particular, blend nostalgia and practicality for breakfast rituals.
5. Mrs H.S. Ball’s Chutney
Mrs H.S. Ball’s Chutney enhances sandwiches, braai meats and stews with tangy fruit and gentle spice. Most expats keep a bottle in the cupboard.
6. Appletiser
Appletiser refreshes afternoons and gatherings with its sweet, sparkling apple flavour. This iconic drink features in celebratory moments and Sunday lunches.
7. Aromat
Aromat’s savoury seasoning elevates chips, eggs or popcorn. Its distinctive yellow container is seen as a kitchen staple among South African households.
8. Flings
Flings bring irresistible cheesy crunch. These maize snacks serve as a childhood memory and a comfort for adults missing the taste of home.
9. Romany Creams
Romany Creams deliver a chocolatey biscuit with a coconut biscuit crunch. Most expats mention these in lists of treats shared over tea.
10. Chakalaka
Chakalaka delivers fiery, vegetable-packed relish to the table. Traditionally paired with pap or braai meats, its piquant mix defines celebration meals.
South African Food
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Description
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Cultural Value
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Biltong
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Spiced air-dried beef
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Snacking, nostalgia
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Boerewors
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Coiled beef sausage
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Braai, family gatherings
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Rooibos
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Herbal tea
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Comfort, daily ritual
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Ouma Rusks
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Crunchy rusk biscuit
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Breakfast tradition
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Mrs Ball’s Chutney
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Fruity savoury sauce
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Versatility, condiment of choice
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Appletiser
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Sparkling apple drink
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Celebrations, refreshments
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Aromat
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Savoury seasoning
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Kitchen essential
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Flings
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Maize snack
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Snack nostalgia
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Romany Creams
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Chocolate coconut biscuit
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Tea-time favourite
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Chakalaka
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Spicy vegetable relish
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Braai, festival food
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Missing the taste of home in the UK? Browse our full South African foods collection and rediscover biltong, boerewors and rooibos—delivering nostalgia in every bite.
Biltong: The Ultimate Snack
Biltong stays at the heart of South African culture, offering a unique taste and a true connection to home. This air-dried, spiced beef snack shares similarities with jerky, though classic biltong always uses vinegar and traditional South African spices for its signature flavour. We prepare biltong in thick or thin slices, using beef, game or even ostrich, keeping to time-honoured recipes for authenticity.
South Africans in the UK regularly miss biltong during family braais and casual gatherings, as it transforms a simple snack into a moment of nostalgia. Expat communities recognise it for its versatility—eating biltong straight from the bag, adding it to salads, or serving it at social events. This snack also delivers high protein content without artificial additives, providing a healthier option compared to many alternatives.
We see biltong in South African shops across the UK, frequently found alongside boerewors and rooibos tea. These staples bring comfort and help maintain culinary traditions far from home. Reconnecting to these flavours fosters a sense of belonging, supporting both individual memory and shared cultural identity.
Explore our biltong collection at SouthAfricanShop.uk and bring the best of South Africa’s ultimate snacks into your UK pantry.
Boerewors: The Beloved Sausage
Boerewors stands as a centrepiece at every South African braai. This coiled sausage, made using a specific blend of beef, pork, coriander, and spices, forms an essential part of social gatherings throughout South Africa. When we think of family events or milestone celebrations, the aroma of sizzling boerewors on the grill immediately comes to mind.
Unlike typical sausages found across the UK, boerewors follows a protected recipe, ensuring every bite carries the authentic taste we remember growing up. The name itself means ‘farmer’s sausage’ in Afrikaans, connecting us to a rural tradition rooted in sharing food with friends and family outdoors. Most expats associate their first taste of boerewors abroad with nostalgia, evoking strong memories of family braais and laughter-filled weekends.
Pairing boerewors with classic favourites like biltong and a cold Appletiser transforms any gathering, making it a truly South African experience, even thousands of miles from home. Traditional accompaniments usually include pap (maize porridge) and relish, and many households keep Aromat seasoning close for that savoury finishing touch.
Anyone searching for authentic boerewors in the UK can explore a wide range at our South African shop online. Craving the real taste of home? Discover the full boerewors collection at SouthAfricanShop.uk and relive braai traditions wherever you are.
Bunny Chow: Durban’s Iconic Dish
Bunny chow stands as Durban’s most iconic dish, cherished by South Africans of all backgrounds. This street food classic features a hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with spicy curry, most often made with beef, chicken or beans. In Durban, bunny chow’s origins trace back to the Indian community and its inventive use of local ingredients, creating a meal built for busy urban life.
Culturally, bunny chow embodies our shared memories—late-night stops at local takeaways, gatherings with friends and family, or festivals attended along the Golden Mile. Its robust flavours and generous portions evoke the vibrant city spirit we long for when abroad. Bunny chow is easy to share, making it perfect for group celebrations similar to the communal energy found at a traditional braai.
Practically speaking, bunny chow’s simple ingredients make it easy to recreate for expats in the UK, using authentic South African spice mixes and curry powders. Importantly, its unique bread bowl presentation distinguishes it from any British curry experience, maintaining an unmistakable taste of home. For many, pairing bunny chow with familiar classics like boerewors or a refreshing Appletiser completes the homecoming experience.
Missing that unmistakable Durban flavour? Discover authentic curry spice blends and other South African essentials in our full collection at SouthAfricanShop.uk.
Bobotie: A Taste Of Cape Malay Heritage
South African Comfort, Cape Malay Roots
Bobotie stands out with its fragrant mix of spiced minced beef or lamb, sultanas, and a rich egg custard topping. Originating from Cape Malay heritage, this dish connects South Africans with a shared culinary past. Layers of flavour—from mild curry to gentle sweetness—make bobotie a fixture at family tables and special occasions. When living in the UK, many of us crave bobotie as it captures the warmth and comfort we associate with home.
Essential Ingredients and Serving Style
Traditional bobotie recipes include curry powder, chutney, and dried fruit, delivering the sweet and savoury balance typical of Cape Malay cuisine. Many serve it with yellow rice, dotted with raisins, and homemade chutney. Bobotie pairs naturally with other South African staples, such as a rooibos tea during family gatherings. Using authentic South African aromat seasoning heightens its familiar flavour, offering a nostalgic taste few British dishes can replicate.
Bobotie at South African Gatherings in the UK
Bobotie often appears at reunions, supper clubs, and cultural events among expats. Sharing bobotie at a braai or with sides like rusk biscuits and boerewors links us directly to traditions we value. Preparing bobotie with ingredients sourced from a dedicated South African shop in the UK makes it possible to preserve authenticity and build new food memories here.
Curious about Cape Malay curries, aromat, or other essentials for bobotie? Browse our full Cape Malay collection at SouthAfricanShop.uk and revive nostalgic flavours from your childhood kitchen.
Vetkoek: Fried Dough Delight
South African Comfort in Every Bite
Vetkoek, meaning "fat cake" in Afrikaans, brings a taste of South African comfort food straight to the table. We’re drawn to its golden, crisp shell and fluffy interior—reminiscent of family gatherings, school fetes, and roadside farm stalls. Traditionally, we serve vetkoek hot and freshly fried, often stuffed with savoury mince or spread with apricot jam. During community braais, vetkoek sits alongside boerewors and biltong, connecting us to home with each bite.
Why Expats Crave Vetkoek
Cravings for vetkoek often surface because it carries strong associations with togetherness and South African hospitality. Unlike English doughnuts, vetkoek isn’t overly sweet and adapts easily to any filling. Popular fillings range from spiced mince to grated cheese and even Aromat-sprinkled chips. When we gather with friends for a braai or enjoy rooibos tea with rusk biscuits, vetkoek brings an unmistakable sense of belonging.
Easy Vetkoek in the UK
Finding authentic ingredients in the UK can be challenging, so we source our flour and yeast from trusted South African suppliers. Making vetkoek at home starts with a simple dough, fried until golden brown, resulting in a truly nostalgic treat. South Africans in Swindon, London, and beyond often recreate vetkoek for holiday celebrations, school events, or to introduce British friends to South African flavours.
Looking for authentic South African vetkoek mix, spices, or other essentials? Explore our full baking and snack collection at SouthAfricanShop.uk and fill your kitchen with the taste of home.
Chakalaka: The Flavourful Side
Chakalaka brings unmistakable South African flavour to any meal. This spiced vegetable relish often features a lively blend of tomatoes, onions, carrots, beans, and hot chillies. Chakalaka’s fiery, tangy taste instantly elevates staples like boerewors rolls, grilled chicken, or bread at a braai. For many South Africans in the UK, chakalaka carries memories of casual weekend gatherings and community celebrations.
Chakalaka provides versatility and convenience for expats craving authentic South African sides. Serve it hot or cold alongside savoury classics such as boerewors or biltong for a taste of home. Many enjoy it slathered on grilled meats or dolloped onto vetkoek, while others use it as a flavour-packed topping for sandwiches. Its naturally vegan profile makes it popular for diverse gatherings, and its bold seasoning pairs perfectly with a chilled Appletiser.
Chakalaka’s cultural significance lies in its roots as a cost-effective dish that brings people together across all backgrounds. Its homemade taste and shared tradition make it a staple for both everyday meals and special occasions. In the UK, access to authentic chakalaka recipes or ready-made options lets us preserve this heritage.
Craving the bold taste of chakalaka in your UK kitchen? Explore our South African grocery collection at SouthAfricanShop.uk and bring the unmistakeable flavours of home to your table.
Pap: A Staple Comfort Food
Pap captures the essence of traditional South African home cooking and stands as a daily staple at many tables. This soft, white maize porridge forms the foundation of countless meals, pairing seamlessly with boerewors at a braai or serving as the base for rich tomato and onion sauce. We find that pap fills a unique role in the South African diet, combining affordability, versatility, and a satisfyingly mild flavour profile. For South Africans in the UK, the taste and texture of pap can instantly bring back memories of family gatherings and communal meals.
Preparing pap involves finely milled maize meal, cooked until smooth and creamy or firm and crumbly, depending on personal preference. Many serve pap hot alongside boerewors or chakalaka, often using Aromat seasoning for an extra burst of familiar flavour. Whether eaten as part of breakfast with a rusk biscuit or as the main event at dinner, pap provides both comfort and sustenance.
The practical value of pap for expats lies in its simplicity, cultural resonance, and ability to bring people together. Sharing pap at a braai or around the dinner table continues traditions and fosters a sense of belonging even far from home.
Searching for authentic maize meal and South African condiments? Explore our maize collection at SouthAfricanShop.uk to bring the taste of home to your UK kitchen.
Koeksisters: Sweet Syrupy Indulgence
What Makes Koeksisters Special
Koeksisters carry deep cultural roots for South Africans living in the UK. These plaited dough treats, soaked in cold syrup, deliver a unique blend of crisp texture and sticky sweetness. Families often prepare koeksisters together on weekends, connecting generations through both tradition and taste.
How Koeksisters Evoke Home
Every koeksister bite triggers memories of Sunday afternoons, school bazaars and family celebrations. For many expats, the search for authentic koeksisters in the UK represents a quest for home comforts just as vital as biltong or rooibos tea. Our community often shares these syrup-drenched pastries at gatherings, keeping cherished customs alive.
Where to Find Koeksisters in the UK
Authentic koeksisters are available at South African shops in the UK. We source directly from trusted South African bakers to guarantee freshness and quality. These sweet treats frequently sell out, reflecting their popularity among the local expat community.
Koeksisters in South African Culinary Culture
Koeksisters rank among the most beloved desserts in traditional cuisine, often served alongside rusk biscuits or as a reward after a community braai. Their unique flavour and striking appearance make them an essential addition to any South African celebration abroad.
Looking to rediscover koeksisters or any nostalgic favourites? Explore our full sweet treats collection at SouthAfricanShop.uk and reconnect with the classic flavours of home.
Milk Tart: Creamy Dessert Favourite
Milk tart stands as one of the most cherished South African desserts, loved for its silky custard filling and delicate cinnamon-dusted surface. This classic treat appears at family gatherings, church fairs, and celebrations, instantly sparking memories for expats across the UK. Its smooth texture and subtle sweetness set it apart from typical cream-based desserts found elsewhere.
Originating from Dutch settlers in the Cape, milk tart (melktert) represents more than just a pudding—it's a symbol of comfort and shared heritage. Every bite brings thoughts of home, especially when paired with a rusk biscuit or served alongside hot rooibos tea. Many expats recount childhood afternoons spent savouring slices with loved ones, making milk tart a cultural touchstone.
Recreating milk tart in the UK sometimes proves challenging. Ingredients like full-cream milk and authentic sweet pastry bases are essential for nailing the traditional taste. We’ve seen an increasing demand for bakery mixes and imported tarts at our South African shop, particularly during festive periods. For those eager to make it from scratch, a blend of cornstarch, eggs, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon reliably captures its iconic flavour.
Those missing this creamy dessert will find ready-made options and baking essentials at SouthAfricanShop.uk. Relive your favourite teatime moments and browse our collection for authentic South African sweet treats, including milk tart, rooibos, and rusk biscuits to complete your experience.
Braai: The South African Barbecue Tradition
A braai is more than grilling—it's a social event rooted in South African culture. We gather around open flames with family and friends, often pairing biltong and boerewors with lively conversation and Appletiser in hand. For South Africans in the UK, our craving for a true braai signifies a longing for community and tradition.
Braaibroodjies
Braaibroodjies bring a taste of nostalgia to every braai. These grilled sandwiches combine fresh bread, cheese, tomato, onion, and sometimes Aromat seasoning for a familiar kick. We grill them over coals until golden and slightly smoky. Sharing braaibroodjies recalls family gatherings, complementing grilled meat and linking us back to sunny afternoons at home. For those missing these moments, authentic South African breads and seasonings offer an easy way to recreate classic braaibroodjies in the UK.
Sosaties
Sosaties are iconic skewers featuring marinated cubes of lamb or chicken threaded with dried fruit and onions. The signature marinade blends curry, apricot, and garlic, fusing sweet and savoury. Sosaties always form part of the braai spread, tying together festive gatherings and cherished memories. Preparing sosaties evokes the scent of Cape Town markets and Sunday lunches, uniting memories of home for South Africans abroad. Original sosatie spice mixes and dried fruits remain available through UK-based South African shops, helping maintain this culinary link.
Where To Find South African Foods In The UK
Specialist South African Shops
South African shops in the UK offer a direct source for authentic products like biltong, rooibos tea, and rusk biscuits. These shops stock staples such as boerewors for braai, Appletiser for celebrations, and Aromat seasoning for every table. Locations include Swindon, London and other major cities, while many provide online ordering for nationwide delivery. South African shop owners prioritise community, offering not just groceries but a familiar space for expats to reconnect.
Online South African Grocery Stores
Online grocery stores dedicated to South African food let expats order essentials like rooibos, boerewors, biltong, and rusk biscuits from anywhere in the UK. These sites guarantee regular access to favourites, even in remote areas. Options like express shipping and curated product boxes bring South African comfort directly to UK homes.
Local Markets and Food Festivals
Local ethnic markets and food festivals in cities such as London, Manchester and Glasgow often feature South African food stalls. Shoppers regularly find biltong, boerewors, and authentic sauces or snacks, especially during cultural festivals or international market days.
Community Groups and Social Networks
South African expat groups on social media frequently organise meetups or information exchanges about where to buy biltong, boerewors, Aromat, and rooibos. Community noticeboards and online forums often give up-to-date tips on pop-up shops or special South African product sales across the UK.
Browse our full South African grocery collection for authentic biltong, rooibos, Appletiser and more—bringing home closer, wherever you are in the UK.
Key Takeaways
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South African expats in the UK commonly miss iconic foods like biltong, boerewors, rooibos tea, Ouma rusks, and Mrs H.S. Ball’s Chutney, which offer both comfort and a cultural connection to home.
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Foods such as pap, vetkoek, bobotie, and chakalaka are essential to daily routines and celebrations, evoking strong nostalgia and reinforcing traditions among the South African community abroad.
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Sweet treats like koeksisters, milk tart, and Romany Creams provide a unique taste of childhood memories and play a key role in bringing people together over tea and social gatherings.
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The tradition of a braai, including braaibroodjies and sosaties, remains central to South African identity, fostering community spirit even in a new country.
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Authentic South African products are accessible in the UK through specialist shops, online grocers, local markets, and expat community groups, helping expats maintain cherished culinary customs.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the taste of home to spark fond memories and bring us together. Whether we’re craving a classic braai, a sweet treat with our tea, or a spicy curry shared with friends, South African food always has a way of making us feel closer to our roots.
Thanks to specialist shops and online stores in the UK, we don’t have to leave our favourite flavours behind. By keeping these iconic foods on hand, we can celebrate our heritage and share a piece of South Africa with loved ones—no matter where we are.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular South African foods people miss in the UK?
The most missed South African foods include biltong, boerewors, rooibos tea, Ouma rusks, Mrs H.S. Ball’s chutney, Appletiser, Aromat seasoning, Flings, Romany Creams, Chakalaka, vetkoek, bobotie, pap, koeksisters, milk tart, and braai favourites. Each food holds cultural significance and evokes fond memories for expats.
Where can I buy authentic South African groceries in the UK?
You can find authentic South African groceries at specialist shops in major cities and online retailers like SouthAfricanShop.uk. These stores offer biltong, boerewors, rooibos tea, rusks, and more, and provide delivery across the UK. Local markets and food festivals sometimes feature South African food stalls as well.
What makes biltong different from beef jerky?
Biltong is air-dried beef seasoned with vinegar and traditional South African spices, giving it a unique flavour and texture. Unlike jerky, biltong is usually thicker, more tender, and less sweet. It's a popular snack rich in protein and cherished among South Africans.
How do I recreate a South African braai in the UK?
To enjoy a traditional South African braai, use key ingredients like boerewors, biltong, sosaties, and braaibroodjies, grilling them over open flames. Pair with sides such as Chakalaka and pap. Authentic braai essentials are available at SouthAfricanShop.uk to help replicate the experience.
What is bunny chow, and can I make it in the UK?
Bunny chow is a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with spicy curry, originally from Durban. It is easy to make in the UK using authentic South African curry spices, which can be found at specialist South African shops or online.
What is the cultural significance of milk tart and koeksisters?
Milk tart and koeksisters are beloved South African desserts associated with family gatherings and celebrations. Both are deeply rooted in South African heritage and represent comfort and tradition for expats.
Are there any ready-made South African foods available in the UK?
Yes, many South African staples such as biltong, boerewors, rusks, Appletiser, koeksisters, and milk tart are available ready-made from specialist South African shops and online retailers throughout the UK.
How do I stay connected to South African food culture while living in the UK?
Connect with South African community groups on social media for recommendations, shop at dedicated South African groceries online or in-person, and attend food festivals or local markets. Cooking traditional dishes at home also helps maintain cultural ties.
Can I order South African food online and have it delivered anywhere in the UK?
Absolutely. Several online stores, like SouthAfricanShop.uk, offer nationwide delivery of a wide range of South African groceries, snacks, and ready-made products, so you can enjoy your favourites without leaving home.
What are some unique South African foods I should introduce to British friends?
Introduce your friends to biltong, boerewors, rooibos tea, Ouma rusks, Chakalaka, bobotie, vetkoek, pap, koeksisters, and milk tart. These foods offer a delicious way to share South African culture and create new memories together.