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9 Best Sunday Lunch Dishes in South Africa Perfect with Your Family
Sunday is perfect for family bonding, as everyone takes a break from work or school, making it ideal for shared meals.
My siblings and I started a Sunday tradition of eating at each other’s homes. When it was my turn, I made traditional dishes like pap, braai, and malva pudding, which they still rave about.
To help you create memorable get-togethers, here’s a list of the best South African Sunday lunch dishes that bring loved ones together and spark great conversations.
Chakalaka and Pap
Media From: sakhumzirestaurant
Where to Eat: Sakhumzi
Address: 6980 Vilakazi St, Orlando West
Start your Sunday lunch with a classic South African duo: chakalaka and pap.
Chakalaka is a spicy vegetable relish made with ingredients like onions, bell peppers, carrots, and baked beans, all seasoned with curry powder and chilli.
Pap, a maize porridge, acts as the perfect partner, balancing the zesty kick of the chakalaka with its smooth and neutral flavour.
I remember having a plate of chakalaka and pap at Sakhumzi in Soweto. It hit all the right notes! The veggies were fresh and perfectly spiced, and the pap was smooth, just the way I like it. Together, they created that comforting balance of heat and heartiness.
Tip: Consider pairing your chakalaka and pap with grilled meats or boerewors (South African sausage) for a more filling meal. |
Bobotie Spring Rolls
Media From: thebluecranerestaurant
Where to Eat: The Blue Crane Restaurant and Bar
Address: 156 Melk St, Nieuw Muckleneuk
Kick off a hearty Sunday lunch with a local twist on South Africa’s national dish: bobotie spring rolls. Packed with spiced mince, curry powder, dried fruit, and a hint of chutney, the filling is pure comfort. The crispy spring roll wrapper adds just the right crunch, balancing out the soft, flavourful centre.
These spring rolls are a breeze to prepare, especially as a starter. You can assemble them ahead of time and pop them in the oven or fryer just before serving. It’s an easy way to bring a bit of flair to the table.
I recently tried bobotie spring rolls at The Blue Crane Restaurant and Bar in Pretoria, and they hit all the right notes. The balance of savoury and sweet, wrapped in a golden, crunchy shell, made it a standout dish.
Tip: Serve the spring rolls with a side of traditional South African chutney, like Mrs. Ball’s. The sweet and tangy chutney complements the savoury spices of the bobotie filling, adding a bold, delicious twist. |
Sunday Roast
Media From: suikerbossie_restaurant
Where to Eat: Suikerbossie Restaurant & Estate
Address: 1 Victoria Dr, Hout Bay, Cape Town
For the main course, Sunday roast is a comforting choice, perfect for a laid-back lunch. And honestly, who can resist tender, flavour-packed meat?
This dish usually is either beef, lamb, chicken, or pork, marinated with herbs and spices that highlight its natural flavour. It comes with roast potatoes that hit the sweet spot—crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. The textures work together beautifully, making every bite satisfying.
One of my favourite Sunday roasts was at Suikerbossie Restaurant & Estate. The portions were hearty, and the meat was roasted just right—juicy and perfectly crusted.
They nailed it with their Yorkshire pudding too! Light and airy, it soaked up the rich gravy like a dream.
Tip: For roast potatoes with that golden crisp, go for starchy varieties like King Edward. They’ll give you that irresistible crunch with a soft centre. |
Roast Chicken
Media From: jelly_bean17
Where to Eat: Galito’s
Address: Shop 7, Carlton Court, 13 Rosmead Ave, Claremont
Roast chicken is a classic family favourite that’s a hit at Sunday gatherings. It’s simple and versatile, with just a handful of ingredients needed to create something special. Best of all, it lets you spend more time with loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
The key is crispy, golden skin paired with tender, juicy meat. Season it with herbs, garlic, and a squeeze of citrus to infuse those subtle but vibrant flavours. Toss in some lemon and rosemary, and your kitchen will be filled with a mouthwatering aroma as the chicken roasts to perfection!
When I’m not making it at home, my go-to spot is Galito’s in Cape Town. Their roast chicken is always a winner—well-seasoned, juicy, and perfectly crisped. They pair it with chips and pap, rounding out the meal in true comfort-food style.
Tip: Before serving, drizzle the pan juices over the chicken. Known as “liquid gold,” they bring extra moisture and amplify the dish’s flavour. |
Braai (Barbecue)
Media From: kariburestaurantsa
Where to Eat: Karibu
Address: Shop 156 Breakwater Blvd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Braai is another staple in South African Sunday lunches. It’s more than just grilled meat; it’s a cultural tradition that embodies the spirit of Ubuntu.
Preparing braai is easy: just toss boerewors, lamb chops, chicken, or steak on a grill and let it cook. The distinct smoky flavour comes from using local wood or charcoal, while marinades of garlic, herbs, and spices add depth. Plus, cooking outdoors lets you soak up South Africa’s gorgeous weather!
When I’m craving a restaurant-style braai, Karibu in Cape Town is my go-to. They serve prime cuts of beef, lamb, and venison cooked over an open flame to perfection—juicy, smoky, and full of flavour. Plus, you can enjoy it while admiring the view of the waterfront.
Tip: For an authentic braai experience, go for a ribeye. It’s tender, flavourful, and cooks beautifully over open flames. |
Biltong
Media From: karoopadkos
Where to Eat: Karoo Padstal
Address: Farm Kantfontein, N1, Richmond
For a taste of communal South African culinary traditions, try biltong.
This dried meat is a high-protein, low-fat treat often enjoyed as a starter when families gather around. Its rich, meaty flavour is like a perfectly aged steak, and it pairs beautifully with all kinds of dishes, from braais to fresh vegetable salads.
One of the most unforgettable biltong experiences I’ve had was at Karoo Padstal, where they reimagined it as a hearty soup. The meat was tender and juicy, while the thick, creamy broth was packed with flavour. It was the perfect twist on a classic favourite.
Tip: For a great pairing, try biltong with a Belgian Dubbel. Its malty, caramel notes bring out the richness of the meat, creating a delicious balance. |
Potjiekos
Media From: pitsos_kitchenza
Where to Eat: Pitso’s Kitchen Waterfront
Address: V&A Waterfront, The Cruise Terminal
If you’re planning an outdoor Sunday lunch, potjiekos is a fantastic choice for a family gathering.
Cooked over an open fire, potjiekos is a stew with a twist. Instead of stirring, it’s layered in a cast-iron pot and left to simmer slowly. A splash of beer or wine can deepen the flavours, creating a perfect balance of tender meat, sweet and savoury vegetables, and a thick, flavour-packed sauce.
One of the most memorable potjiekos dishes I’ve had was at Pitso’s Kitchen Waterfront in Cape Town. Their lamb potjie was rich and aromatic, layered with garlic, rosemary, and bay leaves.
Tip: Serve potjiekos with rice, mash, or crusty bread. These sides are perfect for mopping up the delicious, hearty sauce. |
Malva Pudding
Media From: pigallebedfordview
Where to Eat: Pigalle Restaurant Bedfordview
Address: Village View Shopping Centre, Cnr Van Buuren Road
Wrap up your Sunday lunch with Malva pudding, a dessert deeply rooted in Dutch and Cape Malay traditions. Sweet, spongy, and infused with apricot jam, it offers a rich flavour with a subtle caramelised edge.
The pudding has a warm, syrup-soaked characteristic. With simple ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and milk, it’s an accessible treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
I enjoyed this with my family at Pigalle Restaurant Bedfordview in Joburg. Their pudding was warm and gooey. Instead of the usual custard, fresh cream, or ice cream topping, they considered strawberries, adding tartness that cut through the sweetness of the pudding.
Tip: Sprinkle in a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to balance the sweetness and add a warm, spiced twist to your Malva pudding. |
Melktert (Milk Tart)
Media From: karoopadstal
Where to Eat: Karoo Padstal
Address: Farm Kantfontein, N1, Richmond
Melktert, or milk tart, is a classic dessert that’s perfect for Sunday lunches. Its roots trace back to the Dutch settlers, making it a cherished part of South Africa’s culinary diversity. Many families hold onto their own special recipes, passed down through generations, adding a personal and nostalgic touch to this beloved dish.
The tart combines a crisp, buttery pastry crust with a soft, silky custard filling. It’s light and fluffy with a dash of sweetness from condensed milk. A dusting of cinnamon on top adds a warm, earthy spice that ties the flavours together beautifully.
One of the best melkterts I’ve had was at Karoo Padstal in Richmond. Their crust was perfectly baked, providing just the right amount of crunch, while the filling was lighter and creamier, thanks to a higher milk-to-egg ratio.
Tip: Enjoy melktert with a cup of rooibos tea or a glass of dessert wine. Both pair perfectly with its creamy sweetness, offering a delightful contrast to the tart’s rich flavours. |