Chakalaka, sauce, pickle or ferment from South Africa: what it is and how it is eaten

Chakalaka is a spicy vegetable relish from South Africa, made with tomatoes, beans, onions, and often chili. It is commonly served with pap (maize porridge), bread, or stews, and is a staple at braais (barbecues) and Sunday lunches. The dish varies by region and family tradition.

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Chakalaka is a spicy vegetable relish from South Africa.
It is often served with pap, bread, or stews.
The dish was created by Mozambican mineworkers near Johannesburg.
Chakalaka can be made with beans, tomatoes, onions, and chili.
It is a staple at South African braais (barbecues).

What is Chakalaka?

Chakalaka is a relish made from a mix of vegetables, most often tomatoes, beans, onions, and chili. It is known for its spicy flavor and chunky texture. Some versions also include cabbage or butternut squash. The relish is bright and colorful, with a strong aroma from the cooked vegetables and spices. It is typically served as a side dish to complement starchy foods like pap (a maize porridge) or bread, and can be enjoyed either cold or at room temperature.

Where does Chakalaka come from?

Chakalaka is believed to have started in the townships of Johannesburg or the gold mining areas nearby. Mozambican mineworkers are said to have created it by cooking tinned tomatoes and beans with chili, drawing on Portuguese-style relishes. Over time, it became a staple in South African homes and at gatherings, with each family or region developing its own version. The dish reflects the blending of cultures and practical use of available ingredients in urban South Africa.

How is Chakalaka made?

To make chakalaka, vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, and beans are cooked together, often with chili and garlic for heat and flavor. Some recipes add cabbage or butternut squash for extra texture and sweetness. Canned baked beans and tomatoes are commonly used for convenience. The mixture is simmered until the vegetables are soft and the flavors combine. Curry paste may be added for extra spice, and the relish is left to cool before serving.

How and when is Chakalaka eaten?

Chakalaka is usually served as a side dish with pap, bread, samp (crushed maize), stews, or curries. It is a popular addition at braais, which are South African barbecues, and is also enjoyed at Sunday lunches. The relish is served cold or at room temperature, making it easy to prepare ahead of time. It is found in eateries and supermarket delis that offer traditional South African or Botswana food.

Kinds of Chakalaka

There are many ways to make chakalaka, with ingredients and spice levels varying by region and family. Some versions are simple, using just beans, tomatoes, and chili, while others include cabbage, butternut squash, or curry paste. The use of canned baked beans and tomatoes is common, but fresh vegetables can also be used. Each cook may adjust the heat and texture to their taste.

What Chakalaka means

Chakalaka is a familiar part of South African meals, especially at social gatherings like braais. It is a symbol of home cooking and adaptability, reflecting the mix of cultures in South Africa's urban centers. The dish is widely available at traditional eateries and supermarket delis, and is also known in Botswana. Its role at communal meals makes it a dish that brings people together.

Questions people ask about Chakalaka

What is chakalaka made of?

Chakalaka is made from vegetables such as tomatoes, beans, onions, and chili. Some versions also include cabbage, butternut squash, garlic, or curry paste. Canned baked beans and tomatoes are often used.

Where does chakalaka come from?

Chakalaka comes from South Africa, with its origins linked to Johannesburg and the surrounding gold mining areas. It was created by Mozambican mineworkers.

How is chakalaka usually served?

Chakalaka is typically served as a side dish with pap (maize porridge), bread, samp, stews, or curries. It is common at braais (barbecues) and Sunday lunches.

Is chakalaka always spicy?

Chakalaka is usually spicy because it contains chili, but the level of heat can vary depending on the recipe and personal taste.

Is chakalaka vegetarian or vegan?

Chakalaka is vegan, as it is made entirely from vegetables and does not contain any animal products.

Good reading and sources

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Chakalaka", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.

Chakalaka