Bunny chow is Durban’s gift to the culinary world—a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with fragrant curry. Born in South Africa’s Indian community in the 1940s, this ingenious street food was originally created by Indian migrant workers who needed a portable, utensil-free way to enjoy their lunch. Today, it’s a beloved South African institution that represents the country’s unique Indian-African fusion cuisine.
The Secret Technique: The Bread Bowl
The genius of bunny chow lies in the bread vessel. A quarter loaf of unsliced white bread is carefully hollowed out, leaving a thick crust that absorbs curry while maintaining structural integrity. The removed bread ‘lid’ serves as both cover and dipping tool—never waste a single bite!
Ingredients
- 1kg lamb or chicken, cubed
- 4 unsliced white bread loaves (quarter each)
- 3 large onions, finely chopped
- 4 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 tbsp Durban curry powder
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp garlic paste
- 3 tomatoes, chopped
- 4 potatoes, cubed
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Fresh coriander leaves
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat oil in a large pot. Brown the meat in batches and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pot, sauté onions until golden brown (15-20 minutes). Add ginger-garlic paste and cook 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add curry powder, bay leaves, and cinnamon. Toast for 1 minute.
Step 4: Return meat to pot. Add tomatoes and cook until softened.
Step 5: Add stock and potatoes. Simmer covered for 45-60 minutes until meat is tender and potatoes are cooked.
Step 6: Cut bread quarters. Hollow out centers, leaving 2cm walls. Fill with hot curry. Top with bread ‘lid’.
Pro Tips
- Use day-old bread—it holds up better to the curry
- Don’t discard the scooped bread—use it for dipping
- The curry should be thick, not soupy
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Slicing the bread too thin—walls will collapse
- Making curry too liquidy—it soaks through quickly
- Overcooking the potatoes—they should hold their shape
Delicious Variations
- Bean Bunny—use sugar beans for a vegetarian version
- Quarter, Half, or Full—portion sizes to suit your appetite
- Mutton Bunny—traditional favorite with lamb
Nutrition Information
Per serving (approximate): Calories: 650 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 68g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 6g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is it called bunny chow?
A: It comes from ‘bania,’ the Indian merchant class, not rabbits!
Q: Can I use sliced bread?
A: Unsliced is traditional, but you can use a round bread bowl.
Q: How spicy should it be?
A: Durban curry is fiery—adjust to your taste.
Bring a taste of Durban’s streets to your kitchen with this iconic South African dish!