Gastronomy

                                                                                                                          FOOD IN DAILY LIFE

It consists of the traditionally simple meal of starches and meats

characteristic of an agricultural and frontier society. Early pioneer

Afrikaner farmers sometimes subsisted entirely on meat when conditions

for the grain trade were not favourable.

There is only one specialized cuisine in the Cape, with its mix of Dutch, English

and Southeast Asian cuisine. Food plays a central role in the family and

community life of all groups, except perhaps the British.

EATING CUSTOMS ON CEREMONIAL OCCASIONS

The gift and provision of food, centered on the ritual slaughter of livestock,

are central to all rites of passage and notable occasions in black communities.

The slaughter and brewing of traditional cereal beer are essential to ensure the

participation and goodwill of ancestors, who are considered the guardians of

good fortune, prosperity and well-being.

 

Indigenous communities maintain their native culinary traditions and apply them

on Islamic and Hindu ritual and ceremonial occasions. Afrikaners and people of

color gather on weekends and on special occasions at multi-family barbecues

called braais, where community ties are strengthened.

By: Alexis Rios Piña