We’ve all been there. It’s the last day of your holiday back home. You’ve just about emptied Dischem and Pick n Pay in a frantic, last minute shop. After packing, re-packing and eventually swearing your suitcase closed, you get on the bathroom scale with your suitcase just to confirm what you already know – 1) you’ve picked up a staggering amount of weight in the two weeks you’ve been home (garage pies and Steri Stumpies for breakfast, anyone?) and 2) you’re going to pay the equivalent of your plane ticket in overweight luggage if you don’t leave some things behind.
Decision time…
You start wondering if you really need to take all those clothes back to Hong Kong. And as you hold a Tupperware container filled with your mom’s homemade rusks in one hand and a heavy winter jacket in your other, you decide which one sparks joy faster than you can say ‘ouma’. Fast forward to two weeks post-holiday. Despite your best efforts, you’ve failed miserably at rationing your treats from home. Your clothes still don’t fit because you’ve basically been following a Voortrekker camp diet of coffee and rusks, droëwors, biltong and NikNaks. And along with the post-holiday blues that always hit after coming back from sunny South Africa, you’ve also run out of Bar Ones to cheer you up.
Lucky for us, South African culture in the 852 has grown immensely over the past few years. We have multiple suppliers of South African products in Hong Kong – each bringing something unique to the table, while providing the all-important BBD (biltong, boerewors and droëwors) combo. If you’ve run out of your South African favourites and need to restock or just crave a taste of home, check out our comprehensive guide to all things South African right here in Hong Kong.
South African Food
Africa to Asia
Africa to Asia brings good food and people together. They carry selected products including iconic South African wines, award-winning Rooibos tea and red espresso ranges, themed spices, rubs and seasonings. If you’re missing South African braais, check out their Barry Hilton merchandise and Megamaster braai accessories. They also stock gift sets – the perfect present for your South African foodie friends!
Biltong Chief
If you’re craving delicious, fresh meat for a braai or everyday cooking, look no further than Biltong Chief. They work in partnership with a trusted family-run butchery in South Africa to provide high-quality meat products to meat lovers in Hong Kong. This includes beef, lamb, chicken, seafood, South African inspired charcuterie and of course BBD (biltong, boerewors and droëwors).*
Apart from next-day delivery for orders placed before 1 p.m. (Monday to Saturday), their biltong products are also available in shops all over the city – Feather & Bone (all locations), Mr Wolf & The Studio by JAB (Central), The Globe (Central), Blend & Grind (Mid-Levels) and Ladies’ Recreation Club (The Peak), Hong Kong Football Club Kiosk (Causeway Bay), Hong Kong Cricket Club (Tai Tam), The Bottle Shop (Sai Kung), Tramline Liquor Co. (Kennedy Town), R&R Bagels (Quarry Bay) and Meat The Sea (Sheung Wan – boerewors).
Hou Hou Mei
Hou Hou Mei was founded by two South African meisiekinders who share a love of baking and good food. Their decadent giant cookies and gluten-free brownies truly personify the phrase ‘hou hou mei’ (something delicious). They currently offer delights such as Chocolate & Walnut, Double Chocolate, and Peanut Butter & Raisin cookies. They also plan to expand their product range in the near future to include granolas, vegan options and more. Orders can be placed via the Hou Hou Mei Facebook Page or at houhoumeibakes@gmail.com.
Lekker Laa
Lekker Laa was started by friends for friends. They offer a massive variety of South African goodies as well as meat, fish and cheese. Visit their website to be added to their distribution list and get ready to buy every South Africa grocery you didn’t even realise you missed!
Rusky Business
Rusky Business brings a little taste of home to Hong Kong. Owner and baker, Mariella Vlok, makes traditional farm style rusks and other South African treats the way her grandmother from Kakamas taught her. You don’t get any more authentic than that! They offer a selection buttermilk and bran rusks as well as other treats such as Malva Pudding. They can also be contacted for catering and other South African dishes. Orders can be placed via the Rusky Business Facebook page or at rusky.business@outlook.com.
The Carnivore
South African-owned online butcher and deli, The Carnivore, sources and sells top quality meat from all over the world. This ensures that their customers in Hong Kong get the best quality product at a competitive price. Their product range includes meat and seafood as well as delicious cold cuts and cheese. This makes them the perfect go-to for any meat orders, from weekday meals to braais. Lucky for us they stock boerewors too. They will soon be stocking more South African treats such as biltong, droëwors and chilli bites, so don’t forget to add that to your cart with your next order!
The Saffa
Looking for some boerewors and biltong for a braai? Always dreamt of owning a potjie or proper braai grid? Look no further than The Saffa. Apart from handy braai gear, novelty items and BBD, they also provide a variety of South African beer, ciders, wines and spirits. The Saffa also organises large-scale events in Hong Kong. Over the past few years they have brought South African celebrities such as Suzelle DIY, Kevin Fraser and Jack Parrow to the city.
Goodies from The Saffa can be found at the following restaurants – Africa Coffee & Tea (Wong Chuk Hang), Electric Ave (Sai Ying Pun), Die Stoep (Mui Wo) and Three Sheets (Discovery Bay).
The South African Shop
The South African Shop has been around since 2012 and is a one-stop shop for all your South African grocery and toiletry needs. Of course, they also stock the ever important BBD. If you’re after something that they don’t stock, they’ll even try their best to bring in your requested product. How’s that for service?! You can also find their top qualtiy biltong products in stores across the city, including Winerack (Sai Kung), Butcherking (Sai Kung), Hebe Haven Yacht Club (Sai Kung) and the Hive (Sai Kung) and Winerack (Sai Ying Pun).
South African Wines
We’re extremely lucky to have a massive variety of South African wine available in Hong Kong. Check out our favourite South African wine shops here.
Braai
Coba Foods & Lifestyle
Finally – a solution that allows you to braai whenever and wherever you like. Coba Foods & Lifestyle brings you the Lotus Grill – an almost smoke-free BBQ which can be used on a balcony, yacht, indoors, on the beach or at a picnic. The Lotus Grill extremely convenient and easy to clean. A must for any South African in need of a braai fix!*
To check out their handy grills in person, you can visit these shops across the city:
Lift Lifestyle (Smithfield, Kennedy Town), Feather & Bone (Central, Sai Ying Pun & Clearwater Bay), Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (Causeway Bay) and Patio Mart (Ap Lei Chau).
Now that you’ve got your meat and your braai, check out this super handy list of Hong Kong’s best braai spots here.
(South) African Inspired Restaurants
Africa Coffee & Tea
Africa Coffee & Tea is a real hidden gem. Tucked away in an office building in Wong Chuk Hang, this beautiful cafe and event space is sure to surprise first-time visitors. ACT truly embodies their motto ‘Do good. Drink great.’ by sourcing only the finest sustainable and directly traded single-origin African coffee. Owner Charlene Hua also ensures that they follow sustainable business practices. The team constantly works towards minimising waste and being kinder to the environment.*
Baked
If you’re serious about bread, then Baked should be on your carbs bucket list. This vibey spot in the heart of Central, owned by South African chef and baker Zahir Mohamed, offers diners some seriously good food as well as incredible cocktails. Grab a seat under their Insta-worthy ‘Just Be Lekker’ neon sign for a casual weekend brunch or drinks.
The Stoep by Capo Group
The Stoep is one of the oldest restaurants in South Lantau and owner Dolla Young is a household name amongst South Africans in Hong Kong. If you’re after a true taste of home, look no further than The Stoep. Dishes such as Bobotie with Yellow Rice, Lamb Bredie and Boererwors, along with Dolla’s infamous freshly baked bread, will ensure that you leave feeling like you’ve had a hearty family meal at home. The dessert menu also offers authentic South African treats such as Malva Pudding and Peppermint Crisp Tart. Apart from traditional South African dishes, The Stoep by Capo Group also offers authentic Italian food. The new menu includes Italian staples such as cold cuts, pasta and steak. The restaurant is located in Riverwalk, Mui Wo. Their lovely terrace overlooks the canal and offers the perfect setting to sit back and enjoy a glass of South African wine or beer.*
*SAAHK Members qualify for an array of discounts from these suppliers. For discount terms and conditions and membership information, please visit our website.
(Article originally published in May 2020. Updated in January 2021.)