Spices of Durban
South Africa's Indian Ocean port, with the Victoria Street Market and the largest Indian-descended community outside India.
Traded and grown here
Best time: May to September, drier and cooler.
Durban's Indian community grew from indentured workers brought to the sugar estates from 1860 and from traders who followed. The Victoria Street Market and the Grey Street area sell spices, curry powders and chillies.
Spices and trade
Durban curry is hot, with chilli, turmeric, cumin, coriander and masala. Bunny chow, a hollowed loaf filled with curry, is the city's signature street food. Spice shops sell blends such as Durban masala and chutneys.
The place and its people
Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Gujarati and Muslim families all contributed to the city's cuisine. Hindu festivals such as Diwali are celebrated widely.
Visiting
Victoria Street Market and the Juma Masjid are central. A bunny chow lunch is the usual rite.
A trail idea for Durban
- Victoria Street Market See spice stalls.
- Juma Masjid Visit the great mosque.
- A bunny chow lunch Eat the local curry in a loaf.
- The Golden Mile Walk the beachfront.
Written by the EveryMasala desk with AI assistance. Background: "Durban" on Wikipedia. Opening hours, markets and tours change; check locally before travelling. If something is wrong, tell us.
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