When it comes to comfort food with a fascinating history, few dishes are as iconic as bunny chow. This flavorful South African street food is more than just a meal it’s a cultural symbol. Packed with spicy curry served inside a hollowed-out loaf of bread, bunny chow is a filling, affordable, and delicious dish enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
What makes it even more special is the way the bread soaks up the curry, turning every bite into a rich, hearty experience. Whether eaten on the streets of Durban or made at home, bunny chow continues to bring people together and showcase the vibrant flavors of South Africa.
Bunny Chow How to Cook
To make bunny chow, first hollow out a loaf of bread to create space for the filling. Cook a curry by frying onions, garlic, and spices, then add tomatoes, potatoes, and your choice of meat or beans. Let it simmer until the curry thickens. Finally, spoon the hot curry into the bread loaf, cover with the bread lid, and serve warm.
The Origins of Bunny Chow
Bunny chow originated in Durban, South Africa, during the 1940s. It was created by the Indian community as a convenient way to serve curry to workers who needed a quick, portable meal. The bread acted as both a container and a utensil, eliminating the need for plates or cutlery. Unique Dish
Over the years, bunny chow has become a national treasure, enjoyed in homes, restaurants, and street food markets. Today, you can find different variations filled with lamb curry, chicken curry, beans, or even vegetarian options.
Why Bunny Chow is Loved Worldwide
There are plenty of reasons why bunny chow continues to attract food lovers:
- Convenience: The bread doubles as a bowl and utensil.
- Flavor: The curry soaks into the bread, making each bite rich and satisfying.
- Variety: From spicy lamb to mild vegetarian curries, there’s a bunny chow for everyone.
- Cultural significance: Eating bunny chow is a way to connect with South African heritage.
Ingredients For Bunny Chow
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White loaf of bread | 1 (unsliced) | Use fresh, square loaf |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tbsp | For frying |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 large | Adds sweetness |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | For flavor |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 tsp | Optional but recommended |
| Curry powder | 2 tbsp | Adjust to taste |
| Tomatoes (chopped) | 2 medium | For the base sauce |
| Potatoes (diced) | 2 medium | Adds texture |
| Chicken, lamb, or beans | 2 cups | Choose your preferred filling |
| Green chilies | 1–2 | Adjust spice level |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Seasoning |
| Fresh cilantro | For garnish | Optional |
Bunny Chow Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the bread loaf
- Take a whole white loaf and cut out the top in a square shape.
- Hollow out the middle to form a deep cavity.
- Keep the cut-out bread aside for serving.
Step 2: Cook the base of the curry
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in garlic and ginger until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the spices
- Mix in curry powder and fry for about 1 minute.
- This step brings out the rich flavor that makes bunny chow so special.
Step 4: Build the curry sauce
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
- Stir in diced potatoes and green chilies.
- Add a little water if needed and simmer until potatoes start to soften.
Step 5: Add the protein
- Stir in chicken, lamb, or beans.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Let it simmer until fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Assemble the bunny chow
- Spoon the hot curry into the hollowed bread loaf.
- Fill generously so the bread soaks up the sauce.
- Place the bread lid back on top.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Serve hot with the bread pieces on the side.
How to Make Bunny Chow at Home
Making bunny chow at home is easier than you think. Follow these steps:
- Prepare the loaf: Cut a square section from the top of the bread and hollow out the middle to create a cavity. Keep the removed bread aside.
- Cook the curry: Heat oil in a pan, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until golden. Add curry powder and stir until fragrant.
- Add base ingredients: Stir in tomatoes, potatoes, and chilies. Let them cook until softened.
- Add protein: Mix in your choice of chicken, lamb, or beans. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer until the curry thickens.
- Assemble the bunny chow: Spoon the hot curry into the hollowed bread loaf. Top with cilantro and serve with the bread pieces.
Variations of Bunny Chow
- Lamb Bunny Chow – Rich and spicy, perfect for meat lovers.
- Chicken Bunny Chow – A lighter option with mild spices.
- Vegetarian Bunny Chow – Made with beans, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables.
- Mini Bunny Chow – Served in smaller bread rolls, perfect for parties.
Tips for the Perfect Bunny Chow
- Use day-old bread so it holds the curry without falling apart.
- Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the full flavor.
- Don’t forget to eat the bread lid and sides—they’re soaked in curry goodness.
FAQs
1. What is bunnny chow traditionally made of?
Traditionally, bunnny chow is made of a hollowed bread loaf filled with a spicy meat or bean curry.
2. Is bunnny chow vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, bunnny chow can be vegetarian by using beans, chickpeas, or mixed vegetables instead of meat.
3. Can bunnny chow be made in advance?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the curry in advance and assemble the bread just before serving.
4. What bread is best for bunnny chow?
A square white loaf works best since it can hold the curry without crumbling.
5. Why is it called bunnny chow?
The name is believed to come from the “Banias,” an Indian community in Durban, who first sold the dish.
Conclusion
bunnny chow is more than just food—it’s a story of culture, resilience, and flavor. Whether you try it on the streets of Durban or recreate it in your own kitchen, this dish never disappoints. Its spicy curry, combined with soft bread, creates a unique dining experience that has stood the test of time.
If you’re looking for a meal that’s filling, flavorful, and packed with history, give bunnny chow a try. It’s a dish that brings people together, one loaf at a time.
