World Bunny Chow Day – 26 June 2025. Celebrating Durban’s Most Iconic Street Food
- Craig Mitchell
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
Today, we’re celebrating World Bunny Chow Day – a day to honour one of South Africa’s most legendary comfort foods, straight out of the vibrant city of Durban. And yes, if you didn’t know, this delicious day exists thanks to a good mate of ours, Mark Hansen, who officially coined it and started the global celebration of the Bunny Chow on 26 June.
Take a moment to listen to Mark’s passionate UK Radio station audio clip below, where he shares his love for Durban, the warm heart of KwaZulu-Natal, and the humble Bunny Chow that has become a national treasure:
🎧 [Listen to Audio Clip Below]
🥖🐾 So What Is a Bunny Chow?
At first glance, it might sound like a snack for rabbits. But South Africans know better. A Bunny Chow is a hearty, no-nonsense street food dish made up of a hollowed-out loaf of bread (typically a quarter or half loaf) filled to the brim with spicy Durban-style curry – mutton, chicken, beans, or even tripe, depending on your taste.
No knives and forks needed here – this is a hands-on meal made to be devoured on the go, usually with fingers sticky with gravy and a “virgin” slice of bread on top to mop it all up.
🇮🇳🌍 Where Did It All Begin?
The Bunny Chow’s roots lie in the rich cultural melting pot that is Durban – home to one of the largest Indian populations outside of India. The story goes back to the 1940s, when Indian indentured labourers working in the sugarcane fields needed a portable, affordable way to carry their curry lunches.
Enter: the half loaf of bread. It was perfect – compact, hearty, and most importantly, it soaked up all the flavours. No need for breakable Tupperware or metal tins. It’s believed that early versions were served by Indian restaurant owners to workers who weren’t allowed to dine indoors during apartheid.
The term “Bunny” is a corruption of the word “bania”, a caste of Indian traders. And “Chow”? Well, that just means food.
🌍 From Durban to the World
Today, the Bunny Chow is as much a part of Durban as the Golden Mile and uShaka Marine World. It’s been embraced across South Africa and even found in UK curry houses, Australian festivals, and hipster food trucks in the US. But no matter where you eat it, a true Bunny Chow always leads back to Durban.
Mark Hansen’s creation of World Bunny Chow Day has given this dish its rightful place on the global calendar, bringing curry lovers together from all corners of the world to honour this messy, spicy, utterly satisfying icon of street food.
🎉 How to Celebrate
Grab a Bunny – Whether it’s from a local favourite like Gounden’s, Capsicum, or Patel’s, today’s the day to dig in.
Make One at Home – Load up a loaf with your best curry and invite friends over.
Share the Love – Post your Bunny pics online with #worldbunnychowday and tag your favourite curry spots.
Listen to Mark’s Clip – And learn how this Durban-born delicacy became a symbol of unity, flavour, and cultural pride.
Here's to the Bunny Chow – the dish that tells a story in every bite.And a big salute to Mark Hansen for giving it the global recognition it deserves.
