National Dish South Africa: Bunny Chow (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Bunny Chow, one of South Africa’s most iconic street foods! Born in the Indian community of Durban, this ingenious dish tucks a rich, fragrant curry inside a hollowed-out loaf of bread. It is hearty, portable and endlessly adaptable — equally at home as a quick lunch or a relaxed supper. With its warming spices and satisfying bread bowl, Bunny Chow brings a genuine taste of South African street culture straight to your table.
About Bunny Chow
Bunny Chow is a delicious and hearty dish from South Africa with its roots firmly in Indian cuisine. Traditionally it consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with a wonderfully spiced curry. Ideal for a quick lunch or a cosy dinner, Bunny Chow is versatile and easily adapted to suit different tastes. The combination of soft bread and rich, saucy filling makes it every bit as comforting as a bowl of Cape Malay Curry.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 1 small loaf of bread (or a baguette or bread rolls)
- 200g diced chicken, lamb or beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes (400g)
- 100ml coconut milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh coriander, to garnish
Shopping for the ingredients
Most of the ingredients you need are available in any well-stocked supermarket. Fresh bread can be found at a bakery or in the bread aisle. Fresh spices and good-quality meat are what really define the flavour of this dish, so it is worth choosing them with particular care.
Preparing the dish
Before you start cooking, lay out all your ingredients and finely chop the vegetables — the onion and garlic. Cut the meat into bite-sized cubes so it cooks through evenly. A little groundwork here keeps the whole process smooth and relaxed.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and fry until golden brown.
- Stir in the chopped garlic and the meat, and cook until the meat is well browned.
- Add all the spices and mix everything together thoroughly.
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes and the coconut milk, stir, and let the curry simmer gently over low heat for about 20 minutes.
- While the curry cooks, prepare the loaf. Cut off the top and hollow out the inside to create a container for the curry.
- Once the curry is ready, spoon it into the hollowed-out loaf and garnish with fresh coriander.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Bunny Chow adapts easily to a gluten-free diet. Swap the regular loaf for one of the many gluten-free breads now widely available, so the dish suits anyone with a gluten intolerance. The curry itself is naturally lactose-free thanks to the coconut milk, making this a great choice for guests who avoid dairy without sacrificing any flavour.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Bunny Chow also works beautifully as a vegan or vegetarian dish. Replace the meat with tofu, chickpeas or a colourful mix of vegetables such as potatoes, carrots and peas. Take care to check spice blends and pre-processed products for hidden animal ingredients, and lean on fresh, seasonal produce for the best results.
More tips and tricks
If you like your food with more of a kick, add fresh chillies or a spoonful of hot curry paste. Using fresh vegetables and good-quality spices will deepen the overall flavour. Letting the curry simmer slowly also gives the aromas time to develop, much as they do in a slow-cooked Spiced Lamb Curry.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Instead of coconut milk you can use cream or a plant-based alternative such as soy milk. Adjust the spices to your own liking, or introduce new ones — a little garam masala, for example, adds an extra layer of warmth. This flexibility lets you shape the curry exactly to your preference.
Ingredient substitutions
If you cannot find a small loaf, a baguette, bread rolls or even flatbread will do the job just as well. In place of chicken you can use lamb, beef or even fish, so the recipe fits whatever you have to hand. These easy swaps make Bunny Chow endlessly forgiving in the kitchen.
Drink pairing ideas
A cold beer or a fresh white wine pairs wonderfully with Bunny Chow. For an alcohol-free option, an iced tea with lemon or a sparkling mineral water works well and refreshes the palate between mouthfuls of spiced curry.
Serving and presentation ideas
Serve Bunny Chow on a large plate surrounded by fresh herbs and lime wedges. A small salad or a spoonful of chutney on the side rounds the dish off perfectly and adds welcome colour and contrast. A dollop of Chakalaka alongside is a wonderfully South African touch.
A bit of history
Bunny Chow originated in the Indian community of Durban and grew popular during the years of apartheid. The dish was a practical and delicious way to enjoy a complete, hearty meal in a portable format — the perfect food to carry to work or eat on the go. Today it stands as one of the best-loved examples of South African cuisine, celebrated far beyond its Durban roots.
More recipe ideas
- Bunny Chow With Chicken Curry
- Bunny Chow With Lamb Curry
- Bobotie
- Traditional Curry And Rice
- Vetkoek With Mince
Summary: Bunny Chow
Bunny Chow is a versatile and delicious dish from South Africa that is easy to prepare and simple to adapt to different tastes. Whether classic with meat or entirely vegan, it offers an exciting culinary experience and brings a piece of South African culture to your plate. Give it a try and let the aromas of this Durban classic win you over.
