Bunny Chow

Country Of Origin: South Africa 🇿🇦

Often referred to simply as “bunny” by locals, bunny chow is a South African street food that originated with the Indian community in the city of Durban. Stories of the origin of bunny chow date as far back as the migrant Indian workers' arrival in South Africa. One account suggests that Indian laborers who came to work the sugar cane plantations of KwaZulu-Natal (Port Natal) required a way of carrying their lunches to the field; a hollowed-out loaf of bread was a convenient way to transport their vegetarian curries. These days, the hollowed out bread loaf is usually filled with mutton, lamb, chicken or bean curries. The dish, which is traditionally eaten by hand, is also usually accompanied by a side of salad made up of grated carrots, onion and chili.

History: Bunny Chow originated in Durban's Indian community during the apartheid area. From 1948 to 1994, apartheid laws forbid blacks from entering restaurants or cafes, so they took to ordering take-out meals from the sides or back doors of restaurants. The bread was used as a holder, or a plate, so that nothing needed to be returned after eating.

Our Favorite Recipe: https://www.africanbites.com/bunny-chow/

Take a look at these South African cookbooks for more inspiration: Traditional South African Cooking, The Complete South African Cookbook & Growing up South African Cookbook

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