Comfort food – what a beautiful, warm expression! Comfort food is not just food; it is an emotional connection to memories and culture. It is the aromas and flavours that take you back to your childhood, to family meals around the table or to the smell of freshly baked bread in your grandmother’s kitchen. For South Africans living abroad, comfort food is often a tangible way to alleviate longing for the familiar and beloved.

When you live abroad, the simple act of preparing traditional dishes like milk tart, bobotie, biltong, vetkoek or braaibroodjies can ease the longing. These dishes offer more than just nutrition – they give you a sense of connection and bring you closer to your cultural roots.

How comfort food can ease the longing

1. Connection with memories: Preparing comfort foods like milk tart or bobotie can bring back memories of your childhood – the same tastes and flavours you once shared with your loved ones. These dishes serve as a reminder of joyful moments.

2. Create community bonding: By sharing comfort food with friends, family or even new acquaintances overseas, you can spread the warmth of South African hospitality.
3. Keep cultural heritage alive: Cooking and sharing traditional South African recipes help keep your culture and identity alive, even when you’re on another continent.
4. Comfort in tough times: Sometimes the taste of your favourite dish is all it takes to lift your spirits and make you feel less lonely.

So, take the time to bring your beloved South African recipes back to life, whether it’s by baking, braising or simmering. Whether you enjoy them alone or share them with others, comfort food has the power to lift your spirits and connect you to your roots. It’s a valuable comfort to help ease the longing.

AfriForum Worldwide’s World Guide

Adjusting to a new country is challenging. Everything is different and finding out where you can get South African products almost becomes an adventure. AfriForum Worldwide is here to help. Through the World Guide you can easily access South African products, such as biltong, rusks and boerewors. Even restaurants serving South African dishes are listed on the World Guide.

The World Guide also provides a platform for South Africans to market and grow their businesses, supporting the economic well-being of the South African diaspora.

If you live abroad and have to swallow hard when you think back to evenings in the Bushveld with potjiekos simmering on the fire, then Worldwide’s World Guide is just what you need. The World Guide will make the longing for home a little less severe; it’s not a campfire in the Bushveld, but it’s close enough.