Introduction
Bunny Chow is a delicious and hearty South African street food that originated in Durban. It consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with spicy curry, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal. Traditionally, Bunny Chow was created by Indian immigrants who needed a portable way to serve curry, and today, it has become a beloved dish across South Africa.
Bunny Chow can be made with chicken, lamb, beef, or vegetarian options, often served with carrot salad, pickles, or chutney on the side.
Ingredients for Traditional Bunny Chow
For the Curry Filling:
- Meat of choice (chicken, lamb, or beef) or chickpeas/lentils (for a vegetarian version)
- Onions & Garlic (for flavor)
- Tomatoes (to create a rich curry base)
- Potatoes (adds texture and thickness)
- Curry Powder & Turmeric (essential spices)
- Cumin & Coriander (for authentic flavor)
- Chili Powder (adds heat)
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
For the Bread Bowl:
- A white loaf of bread (unsliced, hollowed out to hold the curry)
Famous Restaurants & Food Shops for Bunny Chow in South Africa
- Capsicum Restaurant (Durban) – Famous for authentic Durban-style Bunny Chow.
- Gounden’s Restaurant (Durban) – A local favorite known for its spicy mutton Bunny Chow.
- Patel’s Vegetarian Refreshment Room (Durban) – Offers a delicious vegetarian Bunny Chow.
- The Bunny Bar (Johannesburg) – Serves a variety of Bunny Chow flavors, from mild to extra spicy.
- House of Curries (Durban) – A go-to spot for flavorful, homemade Bunny Chow.
Benefits & Drawbacks of Bunny Chow
✅ Benefits:
- Rich in Flavor: A bold, spicy dish packed with Indian-inspired seasonings.
- Filling & Satisfying: The combination of bread and curry makes it a complete meal.
- Customizable: Can be made with different meats or vegetarian options.
- Portable: Originally designed as a takeout meal, it’s great for eating on the go.
❌ Drawbacks:
- High in Carbohydrates: The bread and potatoes make it calorie-dense.
- Messy to Eat: The bread can soak up the curry, making it a bit challenging to handle.
- Spicy for Some: The traditional version can be quite hot, which might not suit everyone.