South Africa’s long coastline brings together two mighty oceans, creating a seafood paradise that locals have turned into culinary art.
From Cape Town’s bustling harbors to Durban’s spicy kitchens, people here know how to make fish and shellfish sing with flavor.
Each dish tells a story of culture, tradition, and the magic that happens when fresh ocean bounty meets creative cooking.
1. Pickled Fish (Kaapse Kerrievis)

Golden curry spices dance with tender fish in this Cape Town classic that makes every holiday table complete. Families guard their secret recipes like treasures, passing down the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors through generations.
Originally created by Cape Malay cooks, this dish transforms simple fish into something extraordinary. The pickling process gives the fish a unique texture while curry powder, turmeric, and vinegar create layers of taste that develop beautifully over time.
Best enjoyed cold on fresh bread, pickled fish brings people together during special celebrations and quiet Sunday meals alike.
2. Braai’d Snoek with Apricot Glaze

Smoke rises from backyard fires as South Africans work their magic on snoek, a local fish that becomes pure poetry when kissed by flames. The sweet apricot glaze caramelizes perfectly, creating a sticky coating that makes taste buds sing with joy.
Local fishermen bring fresh snoek straight from the cold Atlantic waters, where this silver beauty thrives in the nutrient-rich currents. Smart cooks butterfly the fish, allowing the marinade to penetrate deep into every flaky layer.
Weekend braais wouldn’t be complete without this showstopper that fills neighborhoods with irresistible aromas and brings families rushing to the table.
3. Seafood Potjie (Potjiekos)

Cast iron pots bubble slowly over glowing coals, creating seafood magic that would make any chef jealous. This traditional cooking method turns simple ingredients into complex flavors that develop layer by layer over hours of patient cooking.
Prawns, mussels, and fresh fish mingle with vegetables in a rich broth that captures the essence of the ocean. The three-legged pot distributes heat evenly, ensuring every morsel cooks to perfection without burning or sticking.
Friends gather around the fire, sharing stories while the potjie works its slow magic, creating memories as rich as the stew itself.
4. Cape Malay Curried Mussels

Black shells crack open to reveal plump, orange treasures swimming in aromatic curry sauce that tells the story of Cape Town’s spice route heritage. Each mussel absorbs the complex flavors of cardamom, cinnamon, and coriander that define Cape Malay cooking.
Fresh mussels from the cold Atlantic waters provide the perfect canvas for this fragrant curry that balances heat with subtle sweetness. The shells become natural bowls, holding the precious curry sauce that begs to be soaked up with fresh bread.
One taste transports diners to the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap, where this recipe first took root centuries ago.
5. Hake and Chips – Hout Bay Style

Crispy golden batter shatters to reveal flaky white hake that practically melts on the tongue, proving that simple dishes can be absolutely perfect. Hout Bay’s fishing boats bring this prized catch straight from the deep Atlantic waters to local kitchens.
The secret lies in the light, airy batter that protects the delicate fish while creating a satisfying crunch. Hand-cut chips, fried to golden perfection, provide the ideal companion to this coastal classic that never goes out of style.
Enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of salt, this humble dish captures the essence of seaside dining at its finest.
6. Mozambican-Style Peri-Peri Prawns

Fire meets the sea in this explosive dish that brings Mozambican heat to South African tables with prawns that pack a serious punch. The peri-peri marinade penetrates every curve of these succulent crustaceans, creating layers of flavor that build with each bite.
African bird’s eye chilies provide the signature heat while garlic, lemon, and herbs balance the intensity with fresh, bright notes. Skilled cooks know exactly how long to grill these beauties, achieving perfect char without overcooking the tender meat inside.
Fingers get messy and faces get flushed, but nobody cares when these spicy treasures hit the table with their irresistible combination of heat and sweetness.
7. West Coast Crayfish Tails

Sweet, firm meat emerges from spiny shells like hidden treasure, making West Coast crayfish the crown jewel of South African seafood. These cold-water lobsters develop incredible flavor in the nutrient-rich Atlantic currents that sweep along the rocky coastline.
Simple preparation lets the natural sweetness shine through, whether grilled with garlic butter or baked with herbs and wine. The meat has a firm texture that satisfies without being tough, creating the perfect balance that seafood lovers crave.
Local fishing communities have perfected the art of catching and preparing these delicacies, turning each tail into a celebration of ocean bounty.
8. Chakalaka-Spiced Calamari

Tender rings of calamari get a uniquely South African makeover with chakalaka spices that transform this Mediterranean favorite into something completely new. The traditional relish flavors of tomato, onion, and curry powder create a coating that’s both familiar and surprising.
Fresh squid from local waters provides the perfect texture when cooked quickly over high heat, staying tender while absorbing all those bold South African flavors. The spice blend adds warmth without overwhelming the delicate seafood underneath.
Street food vendors and upscale restaurants alike have embraced this fusion creation that proves South African creativity knows no bounds when it comes to seafood.
9. Grilled Yellowtail with Lemon-Herb Marinade

Firm, meaty yellowtail steaks soak up bright lemon and fresh herbs, creating a dish that celebrates the pure taste of the ocean. This prized game fish develops incredible flavor in South African waters, making it a favorite among local anglers and chefs.
The marinade penetrates the dense flesh, adding brightness without masking the fish’s natural character. Grilling over high heat creates a beautiful crust while keeping the inside moist and flaky, achieving the perfect balance of textures.
Simple ingredients let the quality of the fish shine through, proving that the best dishes often require the least manipulation of premium ingredients.
10. Seafood Gatsby Sandwich

Cape Town’s legendary submarine sandwich gets a seafood makeover that turns lunch into an adventure requiring serious appetite and multiple napkins. This massive creation stuffs fresh fish, calamari, and prawns into crusty bread with enough chips and sauce to feed a small army.
Originally created in the Cape Flats, the Gatsby represents South African ingenuity in creating maximum satisfaction from simple ingredients. The seafood version elevates this working-class hero into something special while maintaining its generous, no-nonsense spirit.
Sharing becomes essential when facing this monster sandwich that brings people together over messy, delicious chaos that somehow makes perfect sense.
11. Smoked Snoek Pâté

Silky smooth pâté transforms humble snoek into an elegant appetizer that graces both casual braais and fancy dinner parties with equal success. The smoking process adds deep, complex flavors that complement the fish’s natural richness without overwhelming its delicate character.
Local smokehouses use traditional methods passed down through generations, creating the perfect balance of smoke and fish. Cream cheese and herbs blend seamlessly with the flaked fish, creating a spread that’s both luxurious and comforting.
Served on crispy toast or fresh bread, this versatile creation proves that South African ingenuity can elevate any ingredient into something truly special.
12. Crumbed and Fried Calamari Rings

Golden breadcrumbs create the perfect armor for tender calamari rings that shatter with satisfying crunch before revealing sweet, succulent squid inside. This beloved pub food has found a special home in South African coastal towns where fresh squid meets expert frying techniques.
The secret lies in not overcooking these delicate rings, keeping them tender while achieving that perfect golden exterior. Local cooks have mastered the timing, creating calamari that never turns rubbery or tough under its crispy coating.
Served with tangy dipping sauces and cold beer, these addictive rings disappear faster than they can be made, proving their universal appeal across all ages and backgrounds.
13. Butter-Basted Grilled Kingklip

Delicate kingklip fillets bathe in foaming butter while flames work their magic below, creating a dish that showcases South Africa’s most prized eating fish. This deep-water beauty has firm, white flesh that holds together perfectly on the grill while absorbing every drop of that golden butter.
The basting technique keeps the fish moist while building layers of rich, nutty flavor that complement rather than compete with the kingklip’s subtle taste. Timing becomes crucial as this premium fish deserves careful attention to reach its full potential.
Restaurant chefs and home cooks alike treasure kingklip for its forgiving nature and exceptional flavor that makes every meal feel like a special occasion.
14. Durban-Style Prawn Curry

Durban’s Indian community has perfected the art of prawn curry, creating a dish that balances fiery spices with sweet, succulent prawns in perfect harmony. Each family guards their own blend of spices, but all share the common goal of creating curry that sings with complex flavors.
Fresh prawns from the warm Indian Ocean provide the ideal foundation for this aromatic curry that fills kitchens with irresistible scents. The sauce develops depth through careful layering of spices, creating heat that builds gradually rather than overwhelming the palate.
Served with fluffy rice and fresh roti, this curry represents the beautiful fusion of cultures that makes South African cuisine so uniquely delicious and satisfying.