Durban's one of the top street food destinations in the world - here are 10 foodie havens to check out

If I had to choose only one destination in South Africa to eat street food, the choice would be an easy one. And even before Durban was named one of the best street food cities in the world - alongside other big street food names like Hong Kong, Bangkok, Mumbai and Rome - South Africans knew that Durban was the hottest spot in Mzansi to enjoy the world-class street fare. 

We've come to love the East Coast city for its hot hearty meals - from the iconic South African bunny chow to those spicy masala pineapple kebabs. 

Hitting up a street food vendor after a night of partying in Florida Road is like a right of passage before you can get your dizzy self home.

They also have an array of famous food trucks that will always be rolling up to the various festivals and events that keep the city pumping, making sure that the spices and smells keep flowing to hungry stomachs. There's even a Durban Street Food Festival that takes place every year around September just for the occasion.

Here are 10 Durban street food dives you must try this when visiting the city.

Afro's Chicken Shop 

This super quirky mustard yellow container serves delish chicken and "tjips" or slaw and is an awesome spot for a coffee after a run or bike ride along the promenade. 

It’s also a rad place to watch the surf as its right in front of a shipwreck!

The Spice Emporium

This is technically a spice shop, but The Snack Bar in the flagship store in the heart of Durban also serves the best vegetarian Indian food. 

The Snack Bar takes inspiration from the riotous colours, vibrancy and flavours of Indian Street food, or ‘chaat,’ as it’s known in India.

"Chaat is the Indian version of fast food whereby people stop, stand, and have a quick snack on the side of the road, either on their way to/from work or as a break from shopping," as Spice Emporium describes it. 

If you're a foodie like me, it's the best way to stock up on your spice cabinet while 'testing' some of the ingredients you're buying... for quality control, you know! 

The Prawn Shak 

This unique, rustic restaurant cooks up a selection of delightful local’s favourites far from the madding crowd on the beautiful unspoilt Mtunzini, located on the North Coast, 140km from Durban.  

Yeah, I know. It's a bit of a drive, but the beach vibe and finger-licking grub make it all worth it.

Sunrise Chip & Ranch aka Johnny's Rotis

Aka the ONLY place to go after a night out partying in Durbs. This is as street food as it gets in Durban, but there's also another branch in Cape Town's Mowbray for those looking for some Durban flair in the Mother City.

Fudart strEATERY

This food truck caters mainly at big events, like the Durban Street Food Festival and the likes. But we can't get enough of its goodness! 

Especially their Cajun beef burger layered with cream cheese, sweet corn and red kidney bean salsa... Ooooo! 

TurnUp Food Truck

Grilled, layered with melted cheese. TurnUp literally turns up at every Durban foodie event you need to know about, serving their morish on the masses' demand. 

I can't wait to get my next fix!

CaneCutters

When you ask locals where is the best bunny chow in the city, many will point you towards CaneCutters - who even has an award for the best bunny in Durban! Ranging from the classic sugar beans to deluxe mutton to chicken and prawn, there's a bunny chow out there for everyone.

Victoria Street Market

This is Durban's oldest market, with over 200 vendors selling anything and everything - including the spiciest food. Walking through here will make you seriously hungry just through your nose, and luckily you can even take spices home with you to recreate the hypnotising fragrances in your own home.

Max's Lifestyle

If you're itching for some flame-grilled shisa nyama in a township setting, head through to Umlazi for this vibey hangout, and on Sundays DJs keep the heart satiated with sweet mixes.

I Heart Market

If you're looking for a variety of vibrant street food vendors in one place, the I Heart Market takes place on the first Saturday of every month at The Hay Store near uShaka Marine World.

Besides food, it also offers up a lot of local craft and fashion, the perfect place to spend your weekend.

Apart from these 10 dives to check out, Durban is literally with INCREDIBLE street food on every corner. 

Don't leave without trying at least 50 samoosas from at least 10 different vendors (it's easier than it sounds to consume 50 samoosas, let me tell you). 

And don't leave without eating at least a bunny a day, it's good for your health I'm told.

Source: Traveller24