 In Durban, the cuisine is as diverse as the population. You'll find Portuguese, Moroccan, Greek, French, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Italian, Mexican and German eateries, among others. But Natal curries are what this city is best known for, and no visitor should leave without tasting some of the local Indian delights.
Durban is said to have the largest population of Indians outside of India, and their presence has greatly influenced the local appetite. Curries can be mild, hot, very hot or "exterminator" hot, and unless you're accustomed to pungent foods, we suggest you tell your server "mild, please." While there, try breyani (a specialty offered at many restaurants), samosas (three-sided, deep-fried triangles with spicy curry fillings) and roti (a flat, round pancake-type bread).
If you're lucky enough to get invited to lunch or dinner at the home of an Indian family you know, definitely accept the offer. You will experience a feast fit for royalty, as Indians are known for putting on a big spread. And don't be surprised if your hosts eat with with their fingers: It's common.
"Bunny chow" is a favorite local dish, eaten with your fingers, and it's unique to Durban. As the story goes, bunny chow got its start during the apartheid era when blacks were not allowed to be seated inside restaurants, but could be served takeaways from a back window of restaurants. An innovative restaurateur got the idea to scoop out the middle of a half-loaf of white bread, fill it with curry and replace the inside as a lid. Today, bunny chow is a staple food of students, surfers and laborers, as it's tasty, filling and inexpensive. Bunnies come in halves and quarters and can be found at many takeaways.
Not surprisingly, fresh seafood features prominently on area menus, with langoustines and prawns from Mozambique among the most popular dishes offered. And in the past few years, several restaurants serving traditional African fare have opened in the city. Try pap, which is made from maize meal (Africa's staple food); mogodu (dumplings), umqushu (tripe), samp and beans, smiley's (boiled sheep's head), amadumbe (a potatolike tuber), morogo (African spinach) and always inyama (meat).
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Durban Scheduled Tours
 Durban Scheduled Tours. Read More
Durban Accommodation
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Fact FileEstablished: 1835
Estimated Population: 3,5
Ethnic Groups: Black 68.3%, Indian or Asians19.90%, White 8.98%, Coloured 2.82%,
Literacy: 84.6%
Government: Republic
Points of interest: Durban Waterfront is host to many events including the annual and prestigious Mr Price Pro Surfing Championship; City Hall which was completed in 1910; The old station which currently houses Tourist Junction and was built in 1892; Elephant House at 745 Ridge Road which is the oldest house in Durban having been built in 1850.
GeographyBeing situated on the south-eastern seaboard of South Africa in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban is adjacent to the Indian Ocean in the east, and is bordered by the Drakensberg Mountains in the west and to the south lies the Atlantic Ocean.
Durban Weather
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Durban, South Africa
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Temp:
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20°C
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Wind Chill:
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20°C
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Humidity:
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73%
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