South Africa has added another unique achievement to its culinary history after a record-breaking bunny chow measuring almost 16 metres was created in Pretoria.
The massive dish, officially measured at 15.98 metres, has been recognised by Guinness World Records, turning a beloved local street food into an international headline.
A traditional dish transformed into a giant spectacle
The record attempt took place at Bhai’s Lounge Banqueting Hall, where organisers designed a custom-built oven stretching 17 metres to bake a single continuous loaf of bread.
Bunny chow, a well-known South African meal traditionally made by hollowing out a loaf and filling it with curry, is widely associated with Durban’s Indian community and has become a national favourite over the decades.
For this attempt, the scale was dramatically increased. The finished dish was filled with approximately 40kg of lamb curry and an additional 10kg of sugar bean curry, before being topped with a classic carrot and onion salad.
The entire process was overseen by Mbali Nkosi, who ensured that all guidelines were strictly followed during the preparation and measurement stages.
Verification, community support and national pride
To qualify for official recognition, an independent engineer was brought in to measure and verify the final dimensions of the dish. This step is required by Guinness World Records to ensure accuracy and compliance.
The event drew a crowd of around 100 spectators, including family members, supporters and food enthusiasts. It also attracted attention from across the country, with even a previous unofficial record holder travelling from KwaZulu-Natal after hearing about the attempt.
Beyond the spectacle, the event reflects a broader trend in which traditional South African foods are being reimagined and showcased on a global stage. Similar large-scale food challenges have previously gained attention internationally, but this achievement highlights the cultural significance of bunny chow within South Africa.
By combining culinary tradition with large-scale engineering and community participation, the Pretoria event has elevated a humble street food into a symbol of national creativity and pride.
Source: Adapted from The Witness report
