Bunny Chow recipe

I absolutely love this authentic South African bunny chow recipe. It's a classic Durban-style beef or lamb curry served inside a hollowed loaf of white bread. Despite the name, bunny chow has nothing to do with rabbits, the term is believed to come from "bania," referring to the Indian trading community who helped popularise the dish in Durban.
This recipe, like my pampoenkoekies recipe, is family favourites.

this recipe

This bunny chow is the ultimate comfort food, a rich Durban style beef (or lamb) curry served inside a hollowed loaf of white bread. It's hearty, messy in the best way, and perfect for sharing.

Over time, Bunny Chow has become a beloved street food, cherished by everyone in South Africa. Trust me, once you try it, you'll find it hard not to crave it all the time!

What Is Bunny Chow?

Bunny chow is a traditional South African street food made by filling a quarter or half loaf of white bread with rich curry. It originated in Durban and became popular among workers who needed a portable, filling meal. The hollowed loaf acts as both bowl and sponge, soaking up the bold curry flavours.

Ingredients in this recipe

This beef bunny chow recipe uses traditional Durban curry spices and simple pantry ingredients.

• White bread 
• Beef or Lamb 
• Onions 
• Garlic 
• Ginger 
• Chopped tomatoes - can
• Potatoes 
• Beef or Lamb broth
• Curry powder
• Ground cumin
• Ground coriander
• Turmeric powder
• Paprika
• Garam masala
• Fresh cilantro
• Plain yogurt

The way the bread soaks up those savoury juices, creating a fusion of textures and flavours, is just divine. Topped off with fresh cilantro and served with extra bread pieces on the side, this Bunny Chow recipe isn't just a meal; it's a culinary journey that embodies the vibrant mix of cultures and traditions that define South African recipes.

Time-Saving Tips for Making this Bunny Chow recipe

• Use Pre-Cut Meat and Vegetables:
  Purchase pre-cut beef or lamb chunks, as well as pre-chopped onions and potatoes, to save on prep time.
• Ready-Made Curry Paste and canned tomatoes:
  Substitute homemade spice mixes with a good quality ready-made curry paste. This can significantly cut down on the time needed to measure and mix spices.
• Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot:
  Use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to reduce the cooking time. This can cook the meat to tender perfection in a fraction of the time compared to traditional simmering.
• Batch Cooking:
  Make a large batch of this South African bunny chow recipe and freeze portions for future use. Simply thaw and reheat when you're ready to serve.
• Use a Slow Cooker:
  Prepare the curry in a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients in the morning and let it cook on low while you go about your day, ensuring a tender and flavourful curry by dinner time.
  

These tips can help streamline the preparation process, allowing you to enjoy a delicious Bunny Chow with less effort and time in the kitchen.

FAQs for this Recipe

I absolutely adore Bunny Chow! With its variety of fillings-beef, lamb, chicken, or vegetarian curries-all bursting with rich spices and simmered to perfection, it's simply irresistible.

What to serve with this recipe

• Want to switch it up? Spoon the curry into a split, fried vetkoek instead of the bread loaf. This easy vetkoek recipe takes 20 minutes with three pantry ingredients, and works as a quick, single-serve alternative to the traditional loaf.
• Need a South African snack to start the evening? Our crispy, sweet honey roasted macadamia nuts  are ready in under 30 minutes and make a brilliant pre-dinner bite.
• Finish your South African feast on a sweet note with our no-bake peppermint crisp tart or my easy malva pudding.

Variations

For a deeply satisfying filling, try using our slow-cooked braised lamb shoulder - the tender, fall-apart meat shreds perfectly and turns this into a truly special bunny chow.

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Love this recipe? Explore all our easy South African recipes for more SA classics you can make at home.