South African Bunny Chow

Bunny Chow is one of South Africa's most iconic street foods, and also one of its most misunderstood. The first surprise is that it contains absolutely no rabbit. Instead, it's a rich curry served inside a loaf of bread that becomes part of the meal.

The dish was created in Durban, home to one of the world's largest Indian communities outside of India. Over generations, Indian spices blended with South African history to create something completely unique.

Why Bread?

Most historians believe Bunny Chow developed as an easy way to carry hot curry. A hollowed loaf of bread acted as an inexpensive, edible container that kept the meal warm and portable. During segregation and apartheid, it also became a practical takeaway meal for many workers who faced barriers to traditional restaurants.

Today it's one of South Africa's best-known comfort foods.

Our Version

We fill a toasted loaf with our slow-simmered chicken masala curry, then finish it with cool crema, fresh cilantro, and lime zest. As you cut into it, the curry soaks into the thick bread, creating the perfect bite somewhere between crisp crust and rich gravy.

Ingredient Spotlight

The heart of this dish is masala, a blend of warming spices that varies from cook to cook. Rather than relying on intense heat alone, a good masala builds layers of flavor through spices like coriander, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.

Why it's on our menu

Bunny Chow has been our signature dish since the day Nue opened. We love it because it tells the story of immigration, adaptation, and everyday ingenuity, while also being exactly what great comfort food should be: hearty, deeply satisfying, and meant to be shared.