Gauteng is South Africa's smallest and most populous province, home to Johannesburg, Pretoria and Soweto.
Gauteng dining blends township braai and pap, Cape Malay and Indian-South African curries, Portuguese peri-peri and Highveld steakhouses. Meat is central; vegetarians find good options in Indian and cafe kitchens.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Gauteng.
Bunny chow
hollowed-out loaf filled with curry
Where to try: Mint Road, Fordsburg
Price: R60-R120 (~$4-$7)
Kota
quarter loaf with chips, polony, cheese and sauce
Where to try: Soweto street stalls
Price: R40-R80 (~$2-$5)
Pap and chakalaka with braaied boerewors
maize porridge with spicy relish and sausage
Where to try: Sakhumzi, Wandie's Place
Price: R120-R250 (~$7-$15)
Potjiekos
slow-cooked stew in a cast-iron pot
Where to try: Cradle-area farm restaurants
Price: R150-R280 (~$9-$17)
Biltong and droewors
cured dried meats
Where to try: Neighbourgoods Market, supermarkets
Price: R80-R200 (~$5-$12)
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Grill
Mediterranean
Portuguese
Food tours & tastings in Gauteng
Eat your way through Gauteng with a guide.
Browse food experiences in GautengWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Kota
the Soweto sandwich
Find it at: Vilakazi St stalls
Bunny chow
Durban-style curry in bread
Find it at: Mint Road, Fordsburg
Vetkoek
fried dough with mince
Find it at: Township stalls and markets
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Neighbourgoods Market
Saturday rooftop food market
Hours: Sat 9:00-15:00
Arts on Main Sunday Market
Food stalls and craft
Hours: Sun 10:00-16:00
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tip 10-15% in restaurants (about R20-R100)
Lunch runs 12:00-15:00; dinner is often from 19:00
Book weekend tables at Marble and the Carnivore
Card payments are near-universal; carry small cash for street stalls
Order meat by weight in braai houses
- Vegetarian
- Widely available in Indian, Italian and cafe kitchens
- Halal
- Strong halal scene in Fordsburg, Lenasia and parts of Pretoria
- Gluten free
- Common in cafes; ask about sauces
- Vegan
- Increasing in Rosebank, Melville and Sandton cafes
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | R60-R150 (~$4-$9) per meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | R200-R400 (~$12-$25) per meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | R600-R1,500 (~$37-$92) per meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |