A Perfect (Vegan) Weekend in Johannesburg
Art, nightlife, and a cornucopia of culinary delights including a vegan take on South Africa’s famous “bunny chow”
There’s so much to do and see in this city bursting full of culture. Known for its superlative art, talented entertainers, and ever-growing nightlife scene, Johannesburg has become a go-to destination for people looking to experience a piece of African life on the continent. If you have ever heard of the Zulu tribe, if you remember the dance (called “gwara gwara”) that Rihanna performed during her Grammy’s performance, or if you’ve listened to the late, great jazz trumpeter Hugh Masekela, then you may know more about Johannesburg than you thought.
When it comes to eating, the city has a cornucopia of flavors and food fixtures that highlight the diversity of traditional South African cuisine. The city’s cuisine is influenced by a variety of tribes, including Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tswana, and others — but there are also influences from Indian, Dutch, French, and Malaysian cuisine, due to the country’s history with settlement and colonization. You can find anything from samp (dehulled kernels of maize) and pap (porridge/polenta made from coarsely ground maize), to bunny chow (a hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with curry) and samoosas.
