Curries and chutneys are excellent. Potjiekos , a casserole cooked for hours in an iron pot, usually outside, is excellent. Stywepap or Poetoepap , a sort of polenta made with white maize, is widely eaten with meat. Although there is a wide choice of self-service restaurants, most have table service. There are excellent local red and white wines, sherries, brandies and some unusual liqueurs.
Beer is also very good.
Shebeens offer Umqombothi, a home-brewed sorghum beer. Liquor stores' are open weekdays 0900-1800 and close Sat 1300, although alcohol is now available in supermarkets outside these hours and under certain circumstances on a Sunday. One can generally buy alcohol at shebeens at any time. Cinemas show a variety of international films. In the large cities there are regular plays, operas and symphony concerts.