Celebrate Heritage Day with Emirates
This Heritage Day, Emirates invites you to indulge in a truly South African experience, right from the comfort of their airport lounges. Fondly known as ‘Braai Day,’ 24 September is about more than just great food – it’s about connection, culture, and celebrating what makes South Africa unique.
Whether you’re travelling through Cape Town or Johannesburg, Emirates is brin ging that spirit of togetherness to your journey with a special menu crafted just for this occasion. Here’s a taste of what’s waiting for you.
Cape Town: Where tradition meets taste
The Cape Town lounge will take you on a journey through South Africa’s heart and history, with dishes that feel like home:
Traditional potjiekos: This hearty vegetable stew, simmered to perfection, brings the warmth of a South African kitchen straight to your plate. Pair it with soft, comforting steamed bread, and you’ve got a winning combination.
Grilled lamb loin chop: Nothing says ‘braai’ like a juicy lamb chop. Served with spicy chakalaka and deep-fried pap, this dish is sure to satisfy that craving for something both crunchy and tender.
Classic bread pudding: End your meal the South African way – with a rich, comforting serving of this classic dessert.
Johannesburg: Flavours to savour
If you’re flying through Johannesburg, Emirates has prepared a menu that celebrates the joy of sharing good food – just like any good braai:
Chicken sosati: Tender chicken skewers, perfectly grilled and full of flavour, will remind you of home-cooked meals shared with family.
Vegetable potjiekos with garlic bread: For our veggie-loving travellers, this potjiekos is packed with fresh ingredients and a side of crispy, garlicky bread to soak up every bit of flavour.
Pap tart with Sheba sauce: A modern twist on a South African staple, this dish will surprise and delight with its creative flavours. Sheba is a popular South African sauce, traditionally served with pap. This rich tomato sauce is tangy, sweet and a very delicious way to elevate your food
Lamb chops with rosemary: These chops are grilled to perfection and topped with a touch of rosemary for a fresh, earthy finish.
Taking South African flavours to new heights
Even after you leave the lounge, Emirates continues to bring South African heritage on board. Their in-flight menu is designed to offer a taste of home, no matter where you’re headed. Expect a variety of regional dishes featuring local ingredients, including:
Cape Malay curries, paired with the sweet tang of Mrs Balls Chutney.
A hearty game potjie, made with wild Halal venison and finished with a fruity raisin relish.
The iconic beef bobotie, a spiced and baked mince dish that’s a national treasure.
And for dessert lovers, there’s no better treat than malva pudding and milk tart.
Proudly South African ingredients
Emirates is passionate about showcasing the best local ingredients and suppliers, year-round, including local delicacies such as Rooibos tea, local artisan cheeses, tasty ostrich meat, lamb, beef and hake. Emirates, which boasts the most extensive wine cellar of any airline, also serves exceptional South African bottles, including Ken Forrester, Porseleinberg, Klein Constantia, Waterkloof, Boekenhoutskloof and the recently added M. Chapoutier, Domaines Baron de Rothschild, a Sauvignon Blanc from sustainability champion, Gabb family.
Passengers are treated to a taste of home before they even land, with regional-inspired dishes such as Durban classic Lamb Bunny Chow with traditional garnishes; a Cape Malay picnic plate, filled with delights like ostrich carpaccio, chakalaka, figs, and Fairview Camembert; and Malva pudding, a decadent dessert handed down through the generations. Every bite brings a taste of South Africa’s vibrant food culture to your travel experience.
If you’re travelling from Cape Town or Johannesburg, take a moment to enjoy a true taste of South Africa in the Emirates lounge. Emirates ensures every part of your travel experience is exceptional – from the lounge to the skies. Book your next trip with Emirates and let every journey be a celebration of culture, flavour, and connection.
