Bunny Chow is a South African street food classic, consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with rich, spicy curry. This Best Bunny Chow Recipe guides you through making the perfect curry, whether with mutton, beef, chicken, or vegetables, all served in a bread bowl for a unique and hearty meal. A delicious blend of flavors and textures, Bunny Chow is the ultimate comfort food and a must-try for anyone interested in South African cuisine.

A South African Street Food Favorite
Bunny Chow is a beloved South African street food dish that originated in Durban. It consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with spicy curry, making it both a hearty meal and a portable snack. This Best Bunny Chow Recipe is packed with flavor, combining tender meat or vegetables with a rich, fragrant curry, all served in a bread bowl that soaks up the delicious sauce. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a casual gathering, Bunny Chow is a must-try dish for anyone who loves bold flavors and unique culinary experiences.
What is Bunny Chow?
Bunny Chow is a popular South African dish, particularly in Durban, where it was created by Indian immigrants. Despite its name, Bunny Chow doesn’t contain any rabbit. Instead, it refers to a loaf of bread that has been hollowed out and filled with curry. The bread serves as an edible bowl, soaking up the spicy, flavorful curry as you eat. Traditionally, Bunny Chow is made with a mutton or beef curry, but variations with chicken, beans, or other vegetables are also common.
How Should Bunny Chow Taste?
A well-made Bunny Chow should be rich, spicy, and deeply flavorful. The curry should be thick and aromatic, with tender pieces of meat or vegetables simmered in a blend of curry powder, garlic, ginger, and spices. The bread should be soft, but firm enough to hold the curry without becoming soggy. As you eat, the bread absorbs the curry, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors—soft, spicy, and comforting.

Tips for Making the Best Bunny Chow
Making the best Bunny Chow at home is easy with the right ingredients and techniques. Here are a few tips to ensure your Bunny Chow is full of flavor:
- Use Fresh Spices: The spices are the heart of Bunny Chow, so make sure your curry powder, cumin, coriander, and other spices are fresh for the best flavor.
- Simmer for Flavor: Letting the curry simmer slowly allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender. Be patient and cook the curry on low heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Hollow Out the Bread Carefully: When preparing the bread, be sure to leave enough bread around the edges to hold the curry. The scooped-out bread can be used for dipping, so don’t discard it!
Read More: Best Jollof Rice Recipe: Spicy, Flavorful, and Easy to Make
Serving Ideas for Bunny Chow
This Best Bunny Chow Recipe can be customized with your choice of protein and vegetables, making it versatile enough for any meal. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Traditional Mutton or Beef Curry: Use tender mutton or beef chunks for a traditional Durban Bunny Chow.
- Vegetarian Bunny Chow: Swap the meat for a hearty vegetable curry made with chickpeas, beans, or lentils.
- Serve with Sides: While Bunny Chow is often served on its own, you can add sides like a fresh cucumber salad, chutney, or pickles for added flavor and texture.

Bunny Chow Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Bread knife
Ingredients
For the Curry:
- 1 Ib (450)g Beef, Lamb or chicken
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 large tomatoes diced
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup carrots, peeled and sliced
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
For the Bread:
- 2 large white loaves of bread for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the CurryHeat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.2. Add the Spices and MeatStir in the curry powder, coriander, cumin, turmeric, and paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices. Add the cubed meat to the pot, and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.3. Simmer the CurryAdd the diced tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, and broth. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook on low heat for about 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.4. Prepare the BreadWhile the curry is simmering, prepare the bread. Cut the loaves of bread in half, and hollow out the center of each half, creating a bowl shape. Be sure to leave a thick enough wall of bread to hold the curry.5. Assemble the Bunny ChowOnce the curry is ready, ladle it into the hollowed-out bread bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately with the scooped-out bread on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Adjust the Spice: Bunny Chow is traditionally quite spicy, but feel free to adjust the amount of curry powder and chili to suit your spice preference.
- Bread Type: While traditional Bunny Chow uses white bread, you can substitute it with whole wheat bread or other types of bread if preferred.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian Bunny Chow, replace the meat with beans, lentils, or more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Conclusion
Bunny Chow is more than just a meal; it’s a cultural experience that combines the comforting flavors of curry with the simplicity of bread. This Best Bunny Chow Recipe brings the taste of South Africa to your kitchen, offering a spicy, hearty, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering, enjoying it for lunch, or making it for a casual dinner, Bunny Chow is sure to impress with its bold flavors and unique presentation. Try it with your favorite curry, and experience the joy of this South African classic.