Popular SA dishes: Discovering their origins

Many people enjoy popular SA dishes and treats such as milk tart and bobotie without necessarily wondering where it started. Here is a look at the origins of some firm SA favourites.

Who made the first milk tart?

Many people believe that milk tart originated from Afrikaner tradition and culture. However, according to a study by Rochel Botes, women of different cultures and backgrounds have adopted and adapted milk tart into South Africa’s heritage.

Some historians believe that it is an adaptation of the Dutch Mattentaart, a cheesecake-like dessert. Errieda du Toit, a culinary commentator and culture buff, suggests that milk tart’s origin can be traced back to the Romans, who were pioneers of egg custard. She also points out the similarities between milk tart and other desserts from different regions such as Portuguese pastéis de nata, Greek galaktoboureko filo custard tarts, French-Basque almond custard bakes, and others. 

What is the origin of malva pudding?

Similar to milk tart, the origin of malva pudding is not clear cut. Various theories exist around the history of malva pudding and many experts believe it has a Dutch origin. However, it was thanks to Maggie Pepler that we still have this popular pudding today, as reported by Times Live. Although Pepler did not necessarily invent it, she’s certainly responsible for its popularity.

Pepler was a self-taught cook who grew up in the farming community of Robertson in the Western Cape. During the 1960s she worked as a cook at the residence of the South African ambassador in London, Carel de Wet, who very often requested her malva pudding for dinner. Many years later, back in South Africa, food critic Michael Olivier was in charge of a prestigious restaurant and asked Pepler to run the kitchen and teach the staff how to make malva pudding. Her recipe spread like wildfire across the country.

Pepler said it was her mother’s recipe and used to be called telefoonpoeding (telephone pudding) because farmers’ wives would call each other and read the recipe over the phone.

Blissful bobotie

People often associate bobotie with Afrikaners although the origin country of this dish is Indonesia. It is also a prominent dish in the Cape Malay community in South Africa. While the exact origin of bobotie is difficult to pinpoint, most historians agree that it dates back to 17th century Indonesia. Some believe it comes from the Indonesian dish called bobotok or botok, which consists of shredded coconut, bay leaves, and vegetables. Others believe that bobotie comes from the Malayan word boemboe, which means curry spices. The dish made its way to South Africa through the Dutch Settlers in the 1600s.

What is the origin of chakalaka and pap?

Chakalaka and pap is one of the most popular SA dishes. It dates back to the late 1800s when mineworkers flocked to Johannesburg during the gold rush. Apparently, mineworkers cooked canned foods such as beans to eat with their pap. Some of the workers who came from Mozambique were the first ones to add chilli to the heated canned food. From there came the relish we now know as chakalaka. This was probably due to the Portuguese influences of Mozambique.