Quick answer
Durban's bunny chow scene offers a range of options, from budget-friendly eats to award-winning curries, typically ranging from R40 to R150. Goundens, known for its legendary mutton bunny, stands out as a top recommendation for experiencing this iconic Durban street food.
- Best overall
- Goundens
- Top pick
- Goundens
Top verdicts
- Goundens: Legend in Umbilo / Congella
- Hollywood Bets: Takeaway in Springfield / Greyville (multiple branches)
- Oriental: Classic in Durban North (Mackeurtan Avenue)
Bunny chow is Durban's gift to the world — a hollowed-out loaf of white bread stuffed with curry, eaten with your hands. Born in the city's Indian community during the 1940s, it's become the ultimate Durban street food. Every local has their spot, and they'll fight you about it.
Area map
1. Goundens
All 11 spots at a glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Goundens | Legend | Umbilo / Congella | |
| 2 | Hollywood Bets | Takeaway | Springfield / Greyville (multiple branches) | |
| 3 | Oriental | Classic | Durban North (Mackeurtan Avenue) | |
| 4 | Cane Cutters | Classic | Berea / Durban North | |
| 5 | La Mercy Beach Hotel | Coastal | La Mercy, North Coast | |
| 6 | Britannia Hotel (Capsicum) | Hotel Restaurant | Umgeni Road | |
| 7 | Panaji's | Classic | Durban North | |
| 8 | Curry O's | Beachfront | Near uShaka / Point | |
| 9 | Bilaals | Beachfront | North Beach / Umhlanga (The Pearls) | |
| 10 | Westbrook Bakery | Coastal | Westbrook Beach, North Coast | |
| 11 | Food Xpress | Hidden Gem | Overport |
1Goundens
Legend📍 Umbilo / Congella📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: Legend in Umbilo / Congella
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Legend in Umbilo / Congella
- Strengths
- Known for Legend · Umbilo / Congella
- Limitations
- the mutton curry is on another level
- Why it made the list
- The undisputed heavyweight champion of Durban bunny chow. When Redditors are asked "where's the best bunny?" Goundens comes up more than any other name. It's won multiple awards and has a near-religious following. The Umbilo Road location isn't fancy — it's a proper takeaway joint — but the mutton curry is on another level. Worth the drive from anywhere in Durban.
- What to order
- Goundens, located in Umbilo/Congella, is a legendary bunny chow spot where prices range from R50–R120. The gold standard here is the quarter mutton bunny. The mutton curry is slow-cooked until it falls apart, with a rich, deeply spiced gravy that soaks into the bread perfectly. Their chicken bunny is also excellent if you want something lighter.
🕐 Closed now
Mon9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tue9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
SunClosed
“Goundens is known as the best Bunny spot in Durban, but a secret that real Bunny Chow Hunters will tell you is check out La Mercy Beach Hotel.”
— Editor's note
“For Durban curry — Goundens in Umbilo / Congella”
— Editor's note
“I vote Goundens for the bunny”
— Editor's note
2Hollywood Bets
Takeaway📍 Springfield / Greyville (multiple branches)📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: Takeaway in Springfield / Greyville (multiple branches)
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Takeaway in Springfield / Greyville (multiple branches)
- Strengths
- Known for Takeaway · Springfield / Greyville (multiple branches)
- Limitations
- Can get busy at peak times
- Why it made the list
- The most unexpected entry on this list — yes, the betting chain makes fantastic bunny chow. Their central kitchen model means the quality stays consistent, and the Springfield branch has literally won local awards. It's not a restaurant experience — grab a takeaway and head to Blue Lagoon or the beach. Budget-friendly and reliably good.
- What to order
- Hollywood Bets, with multiple branches in Springfield/Greyville, is a takeaway spot where bunny chows cost R50–R90. They're known for their mutton bunny. Hollywood Bets apparently has a central kitchen which keeps the quality remarkably consistent across branches. Springfield and Greyville are the recommended locations.
🕐 Closed now
Mon9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tue9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wed9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Fri7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sat7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sun9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
“For the mutton bunnies only, Hollywood Bets is great, and have kept their standards for over a decade. They have a central kitchen, it seems.”
— Editor's note
“Hollywoodbets Springfield has been voted the best take away in the local paper's readers choice awards. Their mutton bunnies are great.”
— Editor's note
3Oriental
Classic📍 Durban North (Mackeurtan Avenue)📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: Classic in Durban North (Mackeurtan Avenue)
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Classic in Durban North (Mackeurtan Avenue)
- Strengths
- Known for Classic · Durban North (Mackeurtan Avenue)
- Limitations
- many regulars argue it's just as good
- Why it made the list
- A Durban institution that keeps popping up in recommendations. The Durban North location on Mackeurtan Avenue is the go-to — it's consistently mentioned by locals for reliable, well-spiced mutton bunnies. Not as hyped as Goundens, but many regulars argue it's just as good. Solid choice if you're in the northern suburbs.
- What to order
- Oriental, a classic bunny chow restaurant located on Mackeurtan Avenue in Durban North, offers bunny chows priced from R55–R130 and has a rating of 4.1 stars with 689 reviews. The mutton bunny is the crowd favorite. Oriental also does excellent biryanis. They used to be on Florida Road (Workshop area) but moved to Durban North. The Mackeurtan Avenue branch is the one locals recommend.
🕐 Closed now
Mon8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tue8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wed8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thu8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Fri8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sat8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sun8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
“Orientals. Ex Workshop, now in Florida Road for mutton bunnies. Brittania Hotel for everything!!”
— Editor's note
“Consistent and good taste, Oriental Durban North.”
— Editor's note
“I had an amazing 1/3 mutton bunny at The Oriental in Mackeurtan Avenue in Dbn north on boxing day.”
— Editor's note
4Cane Cutters
Classic📍 Berea / Durban North📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: Classic in Berea / Durban North
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Classic in Berea / Durban North
- Strengths
- Known for Classic · Berea / Durban North
- Why it made the list
- An award-winning bunny chow spot that impresses even non-South Africans. Cane Cutters is more of a proper restaurant compared to the takeaway joints dominating this list — you can actually sit down and have a meal. The bunny is excellent and the wider menu means your non-bunny-eating companions won't go hungry. A safe, quality bet.
- What to order
- Cane Cutters, a classic bunny chow restaurant in Berea/Durban North, offers bunny chows priced from R60–R140 and has a rating of 3.2 stars with 98 reviews. Any curry bunny is a good choice here, as they've won "best bunny" awards. The mutton is the star, but their prawn curry bunny is also highly rated. It's a full sit-down restaurant with a wider menu than most bunny spots.
🕐 Closed now
Mon8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tue8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
“I'm not from Durban. Not even from SA. Had a bunny at Cane Cutters that was to die for.”
— Editor's note
“Cane Cutters — they've also won the best bunny award”
— Editor's note
5La Mercy Beach Hotel
Coastal📍 La Mercy, North Coast📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: Coastal in La Mercy, North Coast
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Coastal in La Mercy, North Coast
- Strengths
- Known for Coastal · La Mercy, North Coast
- Limitations
- combine it with a beach day and you've got a perfect Durban outing
- Why it made the list
- The insider's pick. While Goundens gets all the headlines, the Bunny Chow Hunter community quietly rates La Mercy Beach Hotel as one of the best — "the closest thing to home-cooked" is the highest compliment a Durban bunny can receive. It's a drive up the North Coast, but combine it with a beach day and you've got a perfect Durban outing.
- What to order
- La Mercy Beach Hotel, a coastal spot in La Mercy on the North Coast, offers bunny chows priced from R60–R150 and has a rating of 3.7 stars with 514 reviews. The mutton bunny is described by Redditors as "the closest thing to home-cooked." Their curries have that slow-simmered, family-recipe depth that mass-produced spots can't replicate. If you're near the North Coast, this is the one.
“Goundens is known as the best Bunny spot in Durban, but a secret that real Bunny Chow Hunters will tell you is check out La Mercy Beach Hotel. Honestly the closest thing I've had to home-cooked.”
— Editor's note
“West Brook Bakery (Prawns Bunny) or LA Mercy Beach Hotel (Mutton Bunny)”
— Editor's note
6Britannia Hotel (Capsicum)
Hotel Restaurant📍 Umgeni Road📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: Hotel Restaurant in Umgeni Road
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Hotel Restaurant in Umgeni Road
- Strengths
- Known for Hotel Restaurant · Umgeni Road
- Limitations
- there's safe inside parking and the food is proper
- Why it made the list
- A Durban institution tucked inside the Britannia Hotel on Umgeni Road. Yes, the area around it is "a bit dodgy" as Redditors note — but there's safe inside parking and the food is proper. The Capsicum restaurant serves everything from bunnies to biryanis and has been around for decades. An authentic Durban experience, rough edges and all.
- What to order
- Britannia Hotel (Capsicum), a hotel restaurant on Umgeni Road, offers bunny chows priced from R55–R130 and has a rating of 3.9 stars with 661 reviews. Their full range of bunny chow is solid — mutton, chicken, and beans. The Capsicum restaurant inside the hotel serves proper Durban Indian food across the board. Biryanis and rotis are also excellent.
🕐 Open now
Mon10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
“Brittania Hotel for everything!!”
— Editor's note
“You can try Capsicum at the Britanica Hotel in Umgeni rd. Bit of a dodgy area, but safe inside parking. I had an awesome bunny there.”
— Editor's note
7Panaji's
Classic📍 Durban North📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: Classic in Durban North
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Classic in Durban North
- Strengths
- Known for Classic · Durban North
- Why it made the list
- The homemade bread makes all the difference here. While most bunny spots use standard bakery bread, Panaji's bakes their own — and the result is a fluffier, sturdier shell that holds up better to the curry. Portions are generous (multiple Redditors confirm the "bigger than average" claim). A Durban North favorite that's quietly building a loyal following.
- What to order
- Panaji's, a classic bunny chow spot in Durban North, offers bunny chows priced from R50–R120 and has a rating of 4.5 stars with 360 reviews. Any bunny is a good choice here, but the standout is that they bake their own bread, and the portions are bigger than average. "Bigger than your average 1/4" is what Redditors say. Their range of curries gives you plenty of options.
🕐 Closed now
Mon10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Tue10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Wed10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Thu10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Fri10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Sat10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Sun10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
“Panajis in Durban North if you're willing to travel. They make their own bread and it's bigger than your average 1/4. They have a great variety of curries.”
— Editor's note
“Panaji in Durban North”
— Editor's note
8Curry O's
Beachfront📍 Near uShaka / Point📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: Beachfront in Near uShaka / Point
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Beachfront in Near uShaka / Point
- Strengths
- Known for Beachfront · Near uShaka / Point
- Why it made the list
- The beachfront bunny chow spot with a cult following. Located near uShaka, it's perfectly positioned for tourists and beach-goers. The passionate defense from u/Ok-Problem-9859 — "disappointed" by everything else — is the kind of loyalty that signals something special. Great for a casual bunny after a day at the beach.
- What to order
- Curry O's, a beachfront spot near uShaka/Point, offers bunny chows priced from R50–R110 and has a rating of 4.3 stars with 392 reviews. The mutton bunny is the go-to. Located near the beachfront by uShaka Marine World, it's the perfect post-beach bunny chow spot. One Redditor says they're "disappointed" every time they get a bunny anywhere else.
🕐 Closed now
Mon10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 5:15 PM
“No recommendations for Curry O's? Any time I get a bunny somewhere else I'm disappointed.”
— Editor's note
“If you want Durban Indian food then try Curry Ous at the point.”
— Editor's note
9Bilaals
Beachfront📍 North Beach / Umhlanga (The Pearls)📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: Beachfront in North Beach / Umhlanga (The Pearls)
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Beachfront in North Beach / Umhlanga (The Pearls)
- Strengths
- Known for Beachfront · North Beach / Umhlanga (The Pearls)
- Why it made the list
- The beachfront bunny with two great locations. The North Beach spot puts you right on Durban's Golden Mile, while the Pearls branch in Umhlanga is more upmarket. u/Careful_Technology33 is literally willing to bet money on Bilaals being the best — that's conviction. Great for visitors staying in the beachfront or Umhlanga area.
- What to order
- Bilaals, a beachfront spot with locations at North Beach and The Pearls in Umhlanga, offers bunny chows priced from R55–R120. The mutton bunny is considered the "best bunny by far" according to one passionate Redditor. Two locations: the original at North Beach and a newer branch at The Pearls in Umhlanga. Both are highly rated.
🕐 Open now
Mon9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tue9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wed9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sun9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
“I highly recommend the mutton bunny from Bilaals at North Beach or their branch at the Pearls in Umhlanga. Best bunny by far. I can put money on this.”
— Editor's note
“Bilals on the beach front on north coast, pretty reasonably priced too”
— Editor's note
10Westbrook Bakery
Coastal📍 Westbrook Beach, North Coast📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: Coastal in Westbrook Beach, North Coast
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Coastal in Westbrook Beach, North Coast
- Strengths
- Known for Coastal · Westbrook Beach, North Coast
- Limitations
- often overlooked component of great bunny chow
- Why it made the list
- The prawn bunny specialist. Being a bakery first means the bread is consistently fresh and perfectly baked — a critical but often overlooked component of great bunny chow. The North Coast location makes it a great pit stop if you're driving between Durban and Ballito. Their prawn bunny is the one to get; it's what the Bunny Chow Hunters specifically recommend.
- What to order
- Westbrook Bakery, a coastal spot on Westbrook Beach on the North Coast, offers bunny chows priced from R60–R140 and has a rating of 4.1 stars with 734 reviews. The prawn bunny is Westbrook's claim to fame. While most places are known for mutton, Westbrook Bakery does the best prawn bunny chow on the North Coast. It's a bakery first, so the bread is impeccable.
🕐 Closed now
MonClosed
Tue10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
“West Brook Bakery (Prawns Bunny) or LA Mercy Beach Hotel (Mutton Bunny)”
— Editor's note
“Westbrook Cafe. Mall Cafe in Stanger is really good but they don't do prawn bunnies”
— Editor's note
11Food Xpress
Hidden Gem📍 Overport📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: Hidden Gem in Overport
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Hidden Gem in Overport
- Strengths
- Known for Hidden Gem · Overport
- Limitations
- delivers incredible flavor
- Why it made the list
- The local's secret in Overport. The beans bunny with mutton gravy and cheese is a combination that sounds humble but delivers incredible flavor. It's the cheapest spot on this list and the one most likely to be overlooked by tourists — which is exactly why the locals love it. If you want to eat like a Durbanite on a budget, this is your spot.
- What to order
- Food Xpress, a hidden gem in Overport, offers bunny chows priced from R40–R90 and has a rating of 4.4 stars with 88 reviews. The beans bunny with mutton gravy and cheese is a legendary combination that only insiders know about. It's a budget bunny with maximum flavor. The mutton gravy elevates the beans to another level, and the melted cheese ties it all together.
🕐 Closed now
Mon9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Tue9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wed9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 10:00 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sun11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
“Food Xpress in Overport. Try the beans bunny with mutton gravy and cheese.”
— Editor's note
Frequently asked questions
What is bunny chow?
Bunny chow is Durban's signature dish — a hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with curry. It originated in Durban's Indian community in the 1940s as a portable meal for workers who weren't allowed to sit in restaurants during apartheid. The bread acts as both plate and utensil: you tear off pieces and scoop the curry. It comes in quarter, half, and full loaf sizes. Mutton is the classic filling, but you'll find chicken, beans, prawn, and mixed options everywhere.
What is the best filling for bunny chow?
Mutton bunny chow is considered the gold standard by most Durbanites — the slow-cooked mutton curry with rich gravy is what made bunny chow famous. Prawn bunny is the premium option and a must-try at coastal spots like Westbrook Bakery. Beans bunny (especially with mutton gravy and cheese, as served at Food Xpress) is the beloved budget option. For first-timers, start with a quarter mutton bunny.
How much does bunny chow cost in Durban?
A quarter bunny chow in Durban typically costs R40–R70, while a half can range from R70–R120. Prawn bunnies are pricier at R80–R150. Hollywood Bets and Food Xpress are the budget-friendly options, while sit-down restaurants like Cane Cutters and La Mercy Beach Hotel charge more. Most places are takeaway-focused, which keeps prices down.
How do you eat bunny chow properly?
Bunny chow is traditionally eaten with your hands — no cutlery needed. Tear off pieces of the bread shell and use them to scoop up the curry. Start with the 'virgin' (the scooped-out bread plug that sits on top). Work your way through the curry and bread together. The bottom of the loaf, soaked through with gravy, is considered the best part. Some places give you a fork, but purists insist on hands only. Have napkins ready.
Why is it called bunny chow?
The name's origin is debated, but the most widely accepted explanation is that it comes from 'bania' — a Hindi term for the Indian merchant caste (Banias) who first sold the dish. 'Chow' is slang for food. So 'bania chow' became 'bunny chow.' It has nothing to do with rabbits. The dish was created in Durban's Grey Street area (now Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street) in the 1940s as a practical way to serve curry to takeaway customers.