1. Iimbotyi (boiled sugar beans)

Iimbotyi, or simply cooked beans, is a delicious protein-rich, plant-based dish that's great as a midweek dinner, but also just any time of day really. These simple beans go well with rice or pap, or as an addition to your seven colours plate.

Iimbotyi (boiled sugar beans) recipe 

2. Isibindi (ox or lamb’s liver with onion and spices)

Isibindi is eaten on all occasions – as an easy weekend lunch or midweek dinner. It’s the absolute best with lots of braised onion and just lightly seasoned. Best served with umfino for a soul-warming meal.

Isibindi (ox or lamb’s liver with onion and spices) recipe

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3. Umngqusho wezambane (samp with potatoes)

Umngqusho is already delicious, but the addition of potatoes makes it a rich, hearty meal that doesn’t even need meat. It’s best eaten warm but is also tasty the next day!

Umngqusho wezambane (samp with potatoes) recipe

4. Umqa

Known as isjingi in isiZulu, umqa is a versatile preparation that can be enjoyed any time of day. Serve with a knob of butter and a spoonful of sugar for a different breakfast.

Umqa recipe

5. Inyama yenkomo (beef stew)

Every good cook needs a simple beef stew recipe; make this one your default for those chilly winter days.

Inyama yenkomo (beef stew) recipe

6. Amanqina (trotters)

Amanqina is the trotters or feet of any animal, particularly cow, chicken or sheep, and are gelatinous and slightly sticky in texture. It’s an acquired flavour, but very tasty when cooked well.

Amanqina (trotters) recipe

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7.Amasi – Fermented cow’s milk (probiotic-rich)

Making amasi is a very impressive thing to do, because of the patience it requires, and also because it’s not something people are doing very much anymore outside the rural areas. Make amasi and make sure you have maize meal in your pantry to make umvubo!

Amasi – Fermented cow’s milk (probiotic-rich) recipe

8. Umbhona (roasted maize street snack)

This popular street snack doesn’t belong to any one culture, but amaXhosa namaZulu love the stuff. In Joburg, it’s sold on most street corners in the CBD and is a great thing to eat while you walk. Extra points if you have some Aromat to sprinkle on.

Umbhona (roasted maize street snack) recipe

ALSO READ: Imifino, a brief introduction

9. Isidudu (soft porridge)

Isidudu is the perfect start to any day – it's filling and nourishing and you don’t need a whole lot to feel satisfied. There are so many ways to make it delicious, but it’s great on its own or with a dash of vinegar to emulate the fermented version.

Isidudu (soft porridge) recipe