Must-Try Dishes: Bunny Chow: Hollowed bread loaf filled with curry (South African favorite). Boerewors: Spiced sausage served with pap. Sago & Milk: Traditional dessert. Sosaties: Meat skewers with apricot glaze.
Restaurants: Maboneng and Melville offer diverse cuisines: Ethiopian, Thai, Italian, Fusion. Rosebank features upscale dining. Sandton has fine dining establishments.
Township Food: Soweto restaurants serve authentic South African cuisine. Book township food tours for guided culinary experiences with cultural context.
Markets: Braamfontein Organic Market offers fresh produce, local cheese, and street food. Weekend markets provide diverse international cuisines.
Beverages: South African wines (Stellenbosch region) are world-class. Local craft beers are popular. Rooibos tea is traditional and caffeine-free.
Safety: Eat at established restaurants in well-traveled areas. Avoid street food from uncertain sources. Tap water is safe in Johannesburg.
Tipping: 10-15% tip is standard in restaurants and for services.