Chakalaka

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Synthesised from Google · TripAdvisor · Reddit · Yelp · 1 food blog · Updated August 2026

The story the reviews tell

Chakalaka is a South African vegetable relish born in the gold mines around Johannesburg, where Mozambican workers transformed tinned tomatoes and beans with chili into something spicy and Portuguese-inflected to eat alongside pap. It's a dish of region and family variation—some versions add beans, cabbage, butternut squash, curry paste—that moves easily from braai to Sunday table to supermarket deli counter, served cold or warm, a practical relish that asks only for good bread and appetite.

What makes this version distinct

Chakalaka is a South African vegetable relish, usually spicy, that is traditionally served with bread, pap, samp, stews, or curries. Chakalaka is said to have originated in the townships of Johannesburg or in the gold mines surrounding Johannesburg, when Mozambican mineworkers leaving their shift cooked tinned produce (tomatoes, beans) with chili to produce a spicy Portuguese-style relish to accompany pap. Many variations of Chakalaka exist, depending on region and family tradition. Some versions include beans, cabbage and butternut squash. For example, canned baked beans, canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, and curry paste can be used to make the dish. It is frequently served at a braai (barbecue) or with a Sunday lunch. It can be served cold or at room temperature. It is also served at eateries and supermarket delis that have traditional South African or Botswana menu.

Signature elements