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Homepage / Where To Eat
Where To Eat

Durban Dining

SeafoodEver nibbled on kudu?  Or experienced the delights of a bunny chow?

Durban is a gastronomic journey of discovery that owes much to its seaside location and the ethnic mix of its residents. 

Fresh fish and seafood are specialties in Durban, as are interesting game meats such as kudu, springbok and even crocodile! 

African restaurants offer dishes from all over the continent - from the couscous and chick pea North African-inspired cuisine, to the fiery hot peri-peri flavours of Mozambique.

KwaZulu-Natal has the highest Indian population outside India, and spicy Asian food has become an integral part of the Durban diet. 

You’ll also find Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Italian, French and all flavours of the world in our restaurants.  If all you want is a big, juicy char-grilled steak, then you’ve come to the right place!  Barbeques, or braais, as we call it here, are the national pastime.

What is a bunny chow?

BunnyA bunny chow (or bunny), is a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry.  It is eaten by pulling off pieces of the loaf and dipping them into the spicy meat or vegetable curry nestling inside.

How did the bunny chow get its name?

The origins of the name 'bunny chow' are as varied as they are interesting - typically Durban, in fact!

One theory credits the name as evolving from Hindus known as Banias or Baniyas (from Sanskrit va-n.ijya). Indian civil rights activist Mohandas Gandhi, who led the Passive Resistance movement against colonial oppression in Durban and India, was Gujarati Bania.
Bunny chow legend one credits Bania cooks who used hollowed-out loaves of bread as makeshift containers to hold curries.

Bunny chow legend two credits the name to migrant Indian labourers in the sugarcane fields of Port Natal (now known as KwaZulu-Natal), who are said to have created this edible food 'container' to carry their lunches to the fields. It is said that these delicacies were named 'Bunny-' (relating to Bania or Gujerati people),' -chow' (the South African slang for food).  This innovative way of carrying hot food could also cater to the working class, who would quickly nip out for a hot 'take-out' meal.

Bunny chow legend three suggests the unthinkable(!) - that the origins of our prized bunny lie outside KwaZulu-Natal: in the Western Cape.  It is said that the tasty meal was known there as 'curry bunny', because of its contents: a curry-filled bun. 

Whatever the true origins of this Durban delicacy, the beauty of the bunny chow is that it requires no serving dish, plate or cutlery, and can be eaten anywhere!

Bunnies are sold as quarter-loaf, half-loaf or full-loaf servings, depending on your appetite.
From its humble origins, the Bunny Chow has developed into a KZN institution.  Whether you choose to eat a ‘quarter mutton’ from a takeaway, or order a mini ciabatta filled with delicately spiced lobster at a fine restaurant, you shouldn’t leave Durban without trying one. 

Hungry?  Find a KZN restaurant here

Tourism KZN Restaurant Guide: www.zulu.org.za/index.php?restaurants

Coffee Finder

Use our useful coffee shop guide to find that perfect cuppa.

> Coffee Finder

The Mercury - Eating Out in the Zulu Kingdom.

Your guide to the restaurants of Durban and KwaZulu-Natal with Anne Stevens

> Find restaurants

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As the world gets ready for this year’s FIFA World Cup, South Africa’s host cities have been preparing stadiums and infrastructure to ensure that it will be a memorable, exciting experience for all. Durban is famous as a family-friendly coastal destination, and those who visit for World Cup matches can spend time at Durban’s beautiful beaches. Online resources on Durban’s World Cup homepage can provide visitors with information on accommodation as well as attractions around the city which can be enjoyed in-between games.


Why Choose Durban for the FIFA 2010 World Cup?

In addition to Durban’s solid reputation as a seaside destination, Durban is also sunny most of the year round, with a warm sea temperature even in winter. Due to the sub-tropical climate, Durban experiences most of its annual rainfall in the summer – since the games will be taking place in winter, visitors can expect clear skies for the most part. Games played at other venues around the country can be viewed at a Fan Fest situated right on the beach, so that fans can cool down in the water at half time or after the game.

 

Durban Accommodation for the FIFA World Cup

There is plenty of accommodation to go round for the FIFA World Cup games held in Durban. There are many B&B accommodations within close proximity to the new stadium, and there are hotels in the heart of the city as well as game lodges in the bush a little way out of Durban. Some homeowners have also made plans to go away for the duration of the World Cup, so that it is possible to rent out fully-furnished homes rather than stay at a hotel or game lodge.

 

Transportation around Durban for the World Cup

In preparation for the World Cup, Durban’s entire transport system has undergone a makeover to ensure that affordable, safe and efficient transport will be available for all. The newly-built King Shaka International Airport enables visitors to travel to other cities where games are being held, so that they can not only see all their favourite teams in action, but can also experience the unique treasures of South Africa’s individual cities. It will be simple for visitors to get around, as the new stadium and the location of the Fan Fest has been planned in such a way that these locations are within walking distance of most accommodation.


Explore Culturally Diverse Durban during FIFA 2010

Durban is a culturally diverse city, where visitors can enjoy traditional African fare in addition to the spicy fare offered by Durban’s large Indian community, along with more Mediterranean cuisine. The buzz from the games will be electrified and visitors can go out and party with the locals until the small hours. Via online resources, visitors can keep abreast of events happening in Durban for the duration of the World Cup, and can make the most of their stay.