South Africa’s Bunny Chow: Zulu Lessons with Every Bite
By: Chimdindu Ken-Anaukwu
Few dishes can rival the cultural fusion and deliciousness of South Africa’s bunny chow. This iconic street food, born in Durban, is a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with rich, spicy curry. A favorite among locals and visitors alike, bunny chow is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary story steeped in history.
Today, we’ll dive into the history of this unique dish while learning some Zulu vocabulary to enhance your language skills as you savor every bite.
What is Bunny Chow?
Bunny chow, affectionately called "bunny" by locals, is thought to have originated in the Indian community of Durban. During the apartheid era, when segregation laws were in place, it became a practical way to serve curry to workers without the need for plates or utensils. A loaf of bread served as the vessel and the meal itself, making it portable and filling.
Now, bunny chow has transcended its origins, becoming a beloved staple across South Africa.
Ingredients
To make a classic Durban-style bunny chow, you’ll need:
For the Curry
500g inyama (meat, like lamb, chicken, or beef)
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
2 tablespoons curry powder
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 cup water
1 cup diced potatoes
Salt to taste
A handful of fresh coriander for garnish
For the Bunny
1 loaf of white bread (unsliced)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Curry
Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and fry until golden. Stir in the garlic, ginger, curry powder, turmeric, and chili powder, letting the spices release their aroma.
Add the inyama (meat) and cook until browned. Mix in the tomatoes and let them break down into a sauce. Pour in the water, add the potatoes, and simmer until the meat is tender and the potatoes are cooked through. Season with salt and garnish with fresh coriander.
2. Hollow Out the Bread
Cut the loaf of bread into quarters and carefully hollow out each piece to create a bowl. Keep the removed bread pieces to use as “lids” for your bunny chow.
3. Assemble and Serve
Fill each bread bowl with the curry, place the bread “lid” on top, and serve. Eating bunny chow is a hands-on experience—tear pieces of the bread bowl to scoop up the curry.
Learn Zulu, One Bite at a Time
As you enjoy your bunny chow, here’s a quick Zulu vocabulary guide to make your meal even more enriching:
Meat: Inyama (Did you notice that Inyama in Zulu is Nyama in Swahili?)
Olive: Umnqumo
Bread: Isinkwa
Curry: Ikheri
Potatoes: Izambane
The Significance of Bunny Chow in Durban
Durban is home to South Africa’s largest Indian population, and bunny chow reflects the city’s vibrant cultural diversity. While its origins are rooted in practicality and resilience, today it’s a symbol of unity and innovation in South African cuisine.
Learn Zulu, One Meal at a Time
Every meal is an opportunity to explore language and culture. With bunny chow, you’re not just enjoying a hearty dish but also engaging with the history and diversity of South Africa.
Did you know? The term "bunny" doesn’t come from rabbits but is believed to derive from "bania," a term used to refer to an Indian community that popularized the dish.
P.S. Next time you serve bunny chow, impress your friends by saying, “Ikheri isilungele ukudliwa!” (The curry is ready to be eaten!). It’ll add a flavorful touch of Zulu to your meal.