GoBeyond.SGYou don’t need a passport to explore South African flavours, just head to local supermarkets here in Singapore and you’ll discover a treasure trove of iconic treats and pantry staples. From the unmistakable kick of Nando’s Peri-Peri sauces to the smooth richness of Black Cat peanut butter, these imported favourites bring Cape Town markets and Johannesburg cafés to your kitchen shelf.
Whether you’re a homesick expat longing for a taste of home or an adventurous foodie eager to try something new, these ten best-sellers are your perfect introduction to the Rainbow Nation’s renowned culinary heritage.
Also read: 21 Famous Local Foods to Travel The World For
1. Nando’s Peri-Peri Sauces
If you are a fan of the South African chain Nando’s, then you have to see the wide variety of Nando’s products here with your own eyes.
2. Endearmints
Sounds familiar? Does Fish & Co. ring a bell? Recognise their post-meal mints? Endearmints are candy coated soft mints produced by Cadbury only in South Africa. These candies are highly addictive and one is never enough, which explains why it has become one of the commonly searched terms on Google Singapore.
3. Rooibos Tea
Rooibos has been gaining popularity amongst the tea drinkers in Singapore. Literally translated from Afrikaans, Rooi-bos (Red-bush) Tea comes from South Africa. It has been a staple similar to what Lipton Black tea is to Singapore. Rooibos tea has immense health benefits, zero caffeine and is said to be a cure for everything from headaches, insomnia, hypertension and even premature aging. Freshpak Rooibos is a budget-friendly alternative to the chi-chi brands sold elsewhere.
4. Black Cat Peanut Butter
The South African equivalent of Skippy Peanut Butter. Apparently, this brand is less oily than other brands, which is why some Singaporeans love this. Peanut butter is packed with protein, fiber, healthy fats, potassium, antioxidants and magnesium. When consumed in moderation, peanut butter helps in improving heart health, boost your energy level and even aids weight loss!
5. Mini-Cheddar Biscuits
1-2-3, say ‘Cheese’! These South African favourite snacks are doing so well that they are constantly out of stock. The mini cheddars are individually packed for children and adults on the go, so they serve as great snack. Cheese lovers should definitely give this a go.
6. Simba Potato Chips
Potato chips are universally-loved junk food. But with flavours like Smoked Beef, Mrs H.S. Balls Chutney, Steers Monkey Gland Sauce and Mexican Chili, Simba has put an undeniably South African spin on these chips. We loved the thick ruffle cut that most potato chips in Singapore lack.
7. Mrs Balls Chutneys
Chutney is a family of condiments mainly associated with South Asian cuisine that usually contain some mixture of spices, vegetables, and/or fruits. These sauces are well received by Singaporeans as they do magic to simple dishes such as flat bread or as a party dip for your taco chips. Time to stock them in your kitchen rack before your next party, refer to the list of top 10 ways to use Chutney before you start your mini collection of these yummies.
8. Spices and Herbs
The next time you have a barbecue, forget about carrying a basket-full of spices and herbs for your marinating. The South Africans have got them brilliantly packed in a pack of four. This container contains a total of 4 different spices and herbs to satisfy your different marinating needs.
9. Bakers Biscuits
Apart from tasty snacks, the South African brand Bakers also offers a wide range of biscuits. We simply couldn’t get enough of their lemon biscuits! The love of lemon biscuits transcends borders. These are slightly larger than the ones from Khong Guan.
10. Fizz Pops & Fizzers (Lollipops & Fruit Chews)
No grocery list is complete without some tangy chewy bites. The fizzer chews are sold in threes for the price of $1 while the fizz pops are available at forty cents each. We tested each flavour and our top pick is the bubbegum fizz pop that has sorbet oozing from the lolly-core. Definitely a pleasant surprise for the kids and adults!
Your South African Pantry Checklist
Ready to embark on a flavour journey? Stock up on fiery peri-peri sauces for your next barbecue, swap your usual tea for caffeine-free rooibos, and keep mini-cheddar biscuits on hand for a quick savoury snack. Don’t forget the Mrs Balls chutney for a sweet-tangy lift, and grab some Simba chips in exotic flavours like Monkey Gland or Mrs H.S. Balls chutney. Top off your haul with a nostalgic bag of Endearmints and a few fizz pops for the kids (and the young at heart). With these South African goodies in your pantry, every meal becomes a culinary adventure: no travel required.
Also read: Morocco vs South Africa: Which African Country Should You Visit First?
Contributed by GoBeyond.SG. All images are credited to GoBeyond.SG.
