When you’re on a budget, making delicious meals that don’t break the bank can feel challenging.
But in South Africa, you have a rich variety of affordable dishes packed with flavor. These meals rely on simple, locally available ingredients, and many are part of South Africa’s vibrant food culture.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping Valentine’s dinner, starting a food blog, or even selling homemade meals online, these ideas will inspire you to whip up tasty dinners without spending much.
Table of Contents
Cheap Dinner Ideas in South Africa
1) Pap and Chakalaka
Pap is a staple made from maize meal, and chakalaka is a spicy vegetable relish. Together, they make a filling and budget-friendly meal.
Ingredients:
- Maize meal
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Carrots
- Baked beans
- Spices (curry powder, chili flakes)
Why it’s budget-friendly: Maize meal is inexpensive and filling. Chakalaka uses basic vegetables and pantry staples.
2) Vetkoek with Mince
Vetkoek is deep-fried bread dough, often stuffed with savory mince.
Ingredients:
- Flour
- Yeast
- Sugar
- Mince
- Onions
- Spices
Money-saving tip: Stretch the mince with grated carrots, lentils, or beans.
3) Samp and Beans (umngqusho)
A hearty, protein-rich dish made from dried corn (samp) and sugar beans.
Ingredients:
- Samp
- Sugar beans
- Onions
- Salt
Budget tip: It’s filling, nutritious, and costs little, especially when bought in bulk.
4) Spaghetti with Tomato & Onion Sauce
A simple, tasty pasta dish perfect for quick dinners.
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Garlic
- Mixed herbs
Pro tip: Add grated cheese or leftover veggies for extra flavor.
5) Boerewors Roll with Fried Onions
South Africa’s take on the classic hot dog but with flavorful boerewors.
Ingredients:
- Boerewors
- Hotdog rolls
- Onions
- Sauces (mustard, chutney)
Cost-saving idea: Use smaller rolls and buy boerewors in bulk.
6) Curried Cabbage and Rice
A flavorful vegetarian dish that’s both cheap and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- Cabbage
- Onions
- Curry powder
- Tomatoes
- Rice
Stretch it further: Add lentils or beans for protein.
7) Egg Curry with Rice
A quick, protein-packed curry using boiled eggs.
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Curry spices
- Rice
Affordable hack: Eggs are cheaper than meat and just as filling.
8) Butternut and Spinach Bake
A simple, healthy bake perfect for dinner.
Ingredients:
- Butternut
- Spinach
- Onions
- Cheese (optional)
Tip: Use powdered milk for the sauce to save money.
9) Shakshuka (Eggs in Tomato Sauce)
A vibrant dish of poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Peppers
- Eggs
- Spices
Serve with: Bread, rice, or pap for a complete meal.
10) Chicken Livers with Pap or Rice
A rich, flavorful dish packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
- Chicken livers
- Onions
- Garlic
- Spices
- Pap or rice
Budget-friendly: Chicken livers are affordable and nutrient-dense.
11) Lentil Stew
A hearty, protein-packed dish that’s easy on the budget.
Ingredients:
- Lentils
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Carrots
- Spices
Cost-effective tip: Lentils are cheap, filling, and versatile.
12) Grilled Pilchards with Rice
Pilchards are an affordable source of omega-3 fats and protein.
Ingredients:
- Canned pilchards
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Rice
- Spices
Pro tip: Add a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.
13) Fried Rice with Mixed Vegetables
A quick, customizable dish using leftover rice.
Ingredients:
- Cooked rice
- Mixed vegetables
- Soy sauce
- Onions
- Eggs (optional)
Money-saving idea: Use leftover veggies and rice to minimize waste.
14) Bean Salad with Bread
A nutritious, no-cook meal perfect for hot days.
Ingredients:
- Mixed beans (canned or cooked)
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Lemon juice
Budget-friendly: Beans are cheap, filling, and packed with nutrients.
15) Sweet Potato and Carrot Mash
A simple, comforting dish with natural sweetness.
Ingredients:
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
- Butter or margarine
- Salt
Pro tip: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
How to Turn Your Love for Food into an Online Business
If you enjoy cooking and sharing budget-friendly recipes, why not start a food blog or small online business?
- Host your food blog with a reliable provider like Truehost.
- Sell homemade meals or recipe eBooks online.
- Create a recipe app with the support of scalable cloud hosting.
Affordable recipes deserve a platform. Let Truehost help you build yours.