One of the standout dishes highlighted by Time Out is the iconic kota, a township favourite that has become one of Johannesburg's signature street foods.
Johannesburg has long been a city where some of the best meals are served from roadside stalls, food trucks and neighbourhood takeaways rather than polished restaurants.
Now, the city's vibrant street food culture is receiving international recognition after being ranked among the world's best.
Time Out has named Johannesburg the eighth best city in the world for street food in its 2026 global rankings, placing South Africa alongside internationally celebrated food destinations including Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Mexico City and Bangkok.
The annual list, compiled from a global survey of city residents, saw Johannesburg score 56 per cent, highlighting the city's rich and diverse food culture that continues to attract both locals and visitors looking for authentic flavours.
