Whether enjoying Sunday morning koe’sisters or biryani at family gatherings, Cape Malay food is a love language of its own. To celebrate this iconic cuisine, we share some of our favourite Cape Malay-inspired recipes for Heritage Month and beyond. Enjoy!

Bredie to Bobotie – Cape Malay Recipes

Try these savoury Cape Malay classics, from starters to mains.

Wagyu Mince Samoosas

Affectionately known as ‘driehoek kerriekoek’ by locals, these tasty pockets of pastry are the quintessential Cape Malay snack, and no celebration is complete without them. This bougie version is filled with Wagyu mince and served with a garlicky yoghurt dip.

Recipe for Wagyu Mince Samoosas

Cape Malay Sosaties

What’s a braai without sosaties? Seasoned with Cape Malay curry spices and marinated in tamarind sauce, these sweet ‘n sour lamb kebabs are sensational!

Recipe for Cape Malay Sosaties

Cheesy Bobotie Jaffles

Jaffles will always be a bazaar favourite. This version of the nostalgic, savoury treat combines the best of cheese toasties and bobotie.

Recipe for Cheesy Bobotie Jaffles

Beef Meatball Tomato Bredie

Tamatie bredie and meatballs — name a better pairing!

Recipe for Beef Meatball Tomato Bredie

Curried Green Beans

Pickled veg and atchar are staples in Cape Malay cuisine. Satisfyingly spicy and tangy, these Curried Green Beans make for the ultimate condiment.

Recipe for Curried Green Beans

Curried Pickled Fish

Possibly one of the most iconic Cape Malay recipes. Though traditionally served at Easter, Pickled Fish is so delicious it should be enjoyed all year round!

Recipe for Curried Pickled Fish

Boerewors Bobotie

Another classic Cape Malay recipe! To bolster the flavour, we’ve used boerewors mince as the base for this dish. Enjoy with yellow rice and relish those sweet and savoury flaves!

Recipe for Boerewors Bobotie

Creamy Malay Chicken Curry Pie

Inspired by Cape Malay chicken curry; we’ve added a flaky pastry topping, turning this classic dish into the perfect pot pie. The whole family will love this dish.

Recipe for Creamy Malay Chicken Curry Pie

Braaied Lamb Tomato Bredie

A hearty and flavourful dish. For a super local take, we’ve made a braaied version. Lap up the sauce and tender lamb with flaky rotis for peak enjoyment.

Recipe for Braaied Lamb Tomato Bredie

Instant Pot Chicken Coconut Curry

Meet your new favourite midweek dish. This Chicken Coconut Curry is incredibly tasty, plus the Instant Pot does most of the work.

Recipe for Instant Pot Chicken Coconut Curry

Kamini’s Cauliflower Rice Lamb Biryani

Kamini Pather’s take on biryani means you don’t have to feel guilty about second helpings. Truly a savoury delight!

Recipe for Kamini’s Cauliflower Rice Lamb Biryani

Easy Chicken Biryani

One of our all-time favourite Cape Malay recipes. Biryani usually takes a bit of time to make, but this recipe will have you seated at the table and ready to nosh in no time.

Recipe for Easy Chicken Biryani

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Our Favourite Cape Malay Desserts

You’ll want to make room for these desserts…

Toasted Almond Boeber Ice Cream

A beloved Cape Malay treat, traditionally served during Ramadaan. We’ve taken everything you love about Boeber and churned it into a delish ice cream with toasted almonds.

Recipe for Toasted Almond Boeber Ice Cream

Deep Dish Condensed Milk Tart

Milk tart is a firm South African and Cape Malay fave, which is why we’ve doubled the filling in this Deep Dish Condensed Milk Tart. A decidedly delicious teatime tart.

Recipe for Deep Dish Condensed Milk Tart

Want more? Learn about the history of bobotie.