📍Eastern Food Bazaar – 96 Longmarket St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
🌍Country: South Africa           
🔥Must-try dish: Bunny Chow 
👍The high: This is the feast of feats that originated right in South Africa. 
👎The low: The whole process makes a lot more sense if you go with a local, or if it’s not your first time. 

If you’re wondering what a “Bunny Chow” is, then I was right with you a few weeks ago. Originating from the Indian community in Durban, South Africa, this gigantic feast starts with an entire loaf of white bread (picture wonderbread) that’s hollowed out and filled to the brim with a rich lamb or chicken curry. For all you bread lovers in the house, don’t worry, the inside of the loaf is placed on the side to use for dipping. There’s even a cabbage salad included on the side that’s so tiny in comparison – it’s pretty much a David meets Goliath situation but in this case, everyone is showing up for Goliath! 

There are a few things to consider when getting your own “Bunny”, because let’s be honest, you kind of do what it all to yourself even if you can’t finish the entire thing. Either the lamb or the chicken are delicious, and both have bones in, so it’s more what you’re in the mood for. It’s also expected to not be able to finish it alone, and if you can then more power to you. The curries are velvety in texture without having too much spice. It’s the type of gravy that locals, foreigners, and even apprehensive picky eaters can appreciate. 

Now for the location. Eastern Food Bazaar is as downtown as it gets in Cape Town, close to offices, schools, and the Castle of Good Hope. It’s essentially a long overground tunnel with five or so food stalls all serving street food from Indian, Chinese, and Turkish communities. The Bunny Chow one is right in the middle of it all, and once you get your prize, there’s seating on the main floor or upstairs. The decoration hanging from the ceiling and the wooden doors give it Eastern character making it unique from other restaurants in the city. 

As a foreigner, Cape Town and South Africa in general, may feel like a bargain especially for the high quality of food that you can devour, but the Bunny experience is even less expensive than everything else, especially for the quantity delivered. It’s worth a taste because this dish is beloved across South Africa within all communities, and you’ll be able to find it in most corners of the country in Indian restaurants. 

Following a bit of research, there doesn’t seem to be an established Bunny Chow place in the Toronto area, but there are a couple South African restaurants that specialize in the traditional Braai – a meat heavy barbecue that brings friends and family together. So, not a bad alternative!   

Eat with you soon in Toronto, 

Mandrea Bike 
(Mat & Andrea)