A Flavorful Exploration of South Africa's Langa Street Food Scene in Cape Town

A Flavorful Exploration of South Africa's Langa Street Food Scene in Cape Town

  • An American traveller kicks off his culinary adventure in Langa, Cape Town, sampling fresh street food from a bustling bus station that serves quick, flavorful meals for passersby.
  • At a restaurant, Chris enjoys a hearty plate filled with beetroot, carrots, beans, and fresh chicken, a staple in South African meals.
  • The journey ends with a visit to a local woman’s home to try Rockbun, a freshly baked cake made with carrots and raisins.

South Africa is captivating international food lovers, and Americans are taking notice. One viral Instagram video was posted on 11 August 2025, showing an American traveller diving into the rich street food culture of Langa, a township in Cape Town, offering a firsthand experience of local flavours.

An American visitor is trying all the traditional SA food and Mzansi can't get enough.
American tries street food in South African township and Mzansi is loving it. Image: Chris The Authentic Traveller/ Instagram and Daniel de la Hoz/Getty Images.

An American visitor is trying all the traditional SA foods, and Mzansi can't get enough.
An American tries street food in South African township and Mzansi is loving it. Image: Chris The Authentic Traveller/ Instagram and Daniel de la Hoz/Getty Images.
Source: UGC

The adventure begins at a busy bus station in Langa, where food vendors prepare mouthwatering fresh meals for passersby. The first stop? A quick but satisfying meal straight from the heart of the township's vibrant food scene.

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Food for the soul

The video was shared by @dezemba_sa, showing the side of Cape Town we hardly see, the Langa township. Chris, the traveller, heads to 7 Colours, a well-known local spot where he enjoys a traditional South African dish. The plate shows a medley of beetroot, carrots, beans and fresh chicken, a delicious combination that represents the country's diverse culinary influences.

The experience continues with a visit to a nearby butchery where Chris tries meat paired with pap, a beloved South African side dish made from maize. The hearty meal shows the true essence of South Africa's food culture.

South Africans left smiling after American eats like a local in the township.
Mzansi is impressed by the American eating in Langa township. Image: Morsa Images/Getty Images.
Source: Getty Images

There's nothing like home-cooked meals

The journey ends with a visit to a local woman's home to try Rockbun's. A freshly baked cake made with carrots and raisins. This sweet treat offers a perfect ending to a day full of South African food delights.

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Explore the vibrant street food scene of Langa, Cape Town, through an American visitor's journey. From fresh meals at a local bus station to traditional dishes at 7 Colours and a homemade Rockbun, discover the flavours that make South Africa's food culture truly unique.

pam_001_25 commented:

"@authentic_traveling @dara_for_enjoyment_only you are trending this side 🙌🙌🙌"

mpofuluwela wrote:

"Let's go 🇿🇦."

masuphadavid said:

"By the time he went back to the States, he had gained weight."

mmeiks stated:

"We eat real meat akere."

mihlalitwala commented:

"Trust my city for clean street food 👏👏that’s Cape Town for you."

Watch the Instagram video below:

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Authors:
Divani Coopoosamy avatar

Divani Coopoosamy (Editor) Divani Coopoosamy is a human interest reporter at Briefly News (joined September 2025). She graduated from Durban University of Technology in 2021. She obtained her Advanced Diploma in Journalism in 2023 at Cape Peninsula. She is currently completing her Honours in Media Studies and Communication. Divani is a journalist with three years of experience in news reporting, feature writing and digital media. She worked at Durban Youth Radio until June 2022 before joining Newskoop. Contact her at divani.coopoosamy@briefly.co.za