National Dish South Africa: Bunny Chow with Chicken Curry (Recipe)
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Meet Bunny Chow with Chicken Curry, one of South Africa’s most iconic street foods. Born in the busy port city of Durban, this hearty dish takes a hollowed-out loaf of bread and fills it to the brim with a fragrant, coconut-rich chicken curry. It is comforting, deeply satisfying and endlessly adaptable — perfect for a relaxed weeknight supper or for sharing with friends. Bring a taste of Durban’s vibrant food culture straight to your own kitchen.
About Bunny Chow with Chicken Curry
Bunny Chow is a hearty South African dish that has grown steadily in popularity in recent years. Originally from Durban, it was introduced by the city’s Indian community and has since become a firmly established part of South African cuisine. The centrepiece of this dish is a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with an aromatic chicken curry. That combination makes Bunny Chow not only irresistible but also wonderfully filling and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 1 large bread loaf or 2 small rolls
- 300 g chicken breast fillet, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 piece of ginger, grated
- 1 tin coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander, to garnish
Shopping for the ingredients
For making Bunny Chow, the ingredients are usually available in any well-stocked supermarket. Look out for fresh chicken to achieve the best possible flavour. The spices and the coconut milk are just as easy to find, while Indian grocery shops often offer a wider selection of specialist spices. The bread can either be freshly baked at home or picked up from your favourite bakery, depending on your preference and how much time you have.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Bunny Chow is straightforward and can be done in just a few steps. Start by cutting the chicken breast into small cubes and getting the onion and garlic ready. Be sure to clean the piece of ginger well before grating it. This is important to release the aromas fully and to guarantee a harmonious balance of flavours.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat a little oil in a pan and fry the onion until it turns translucent.
- Add the garlic and ginger and fry everything for a further minute.
- Add the chicken to the pan and fry until lightly browned.
- Sprinkle over the curry powder and cumin and stir well so the spices are evenly distributed.
- Pour in the coconut milk, bring everything to the boil and then let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- While the curry cooks, carefully hollow out the bread loaf to create a neat bread shell.
- Fill the bread shell with the finished curry and garnish with fresh coriander.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Bunny Chow is easy to make gluten-free by using gluten-free bread. Take care that all the spices and ingredients you choose are gluten-free as well. For a lactose-free version, you can rely on the coconut milk that is already part of the recipe. This makes the dish not only safe for people with intolerances but also gives it a wonderfully creamy taste.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan or vegetarian version of Bunny Chow, you can replace the chicken with tofu or a mixture of different vegetables. Red lentils or chickpeas also make a great source of protein and pair beautifully with the spices. Follow the same preparation steps to bring out the flavours at their best. These adjustments make Bunny Chow not only versatile but also accessible for a range of dietary needs.
More tips and tricks
An important tip when making Bunny Chow is to toast the spices well before adding the other ingredients. This helps the aromas develop more fully and gives the curry a more intense flavour. Use fresh herbs, too, to keep the dish bright and lively. On top of that, you can adjust the heat of the curry by adding chilli flakes or fresh chillies if you like things a little spicier.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The versatility of Bunny Chow means you can adapt the recipe entirely to your own preferences. Experiment with different types of meat or even fish to discover a new flavour direction. Adding a variety of vegetables, such as carrots or peas, can bring extra texture and colour to the dish. You can also try different curry pastes or powders to create distinctive variations that match your personal taste — much like the bolder Bunny Chow with Lamb Curry.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have certain ingredients to hand, there are plenty of alternatives you can use in your Bunny Chow. The chicken breast, for example, can be swapped for turkey, while the coconut milk can be replaced with almond milk. If you cannot find fresh herbs such as coriander, parsley makes a good garnish too. Be creative and use whatever you have available to adapt your dish.
Drink pairing ideas
A range of drinks pairs nicely with Bunny Chow and complements the spicy notes of the dish. A freshly brewed chai tea is an excellent choice, as it echoes the spices in the curry beautifully. Alternatively, you could serve a light lager or a crisp white wine to underline the flavours. For a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing mint lemonade makes a good companion and provides a pleasant lift.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation can make all the difference in making Bunny Chow even more appealing. Serve the curry in the hollowed-out bread shell and garnish it generously with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lime juice. Present the dish on a rustic wooden board to create an inviting look. You also have the option of offering small bowls of extra sides, such as pickled vegetables, to surprise your guests.
A bit of history
Bunny Chow has a fascinating history and originated in the Indian communities of South Africa. It was first sold as street food, a way to feed and satisfy workers in the surrounding area. This creative use of bread to serve curry blends practical cooking traditions with delicious flavours. Today Bunny Chow is a symbol of the cultural richness and culinary diversity that South Africa has to offer, and it is served in many variations and with different fillings — a proud example of South African cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Bunny Chow with Chicken Curry
Bunny Chow is a delicious and unique dish that brings together the flavours and traditions of South African cuisine. With its hollowed-out bread loaf and aromatic chicken curry, it is both filling and a real treat for the taste buds. Whether for a festive meal or simply a cosy evening at home, Bunny Chow brings joy and passion to the table. Let it inspire you and give this wonderful dish a try yourself!
