Among the many cultural differences we experience in South Africa, a significant change for us is the relationship with food. South Africans enjoy meals. It is not uncommon for lunch or dinner to last 2-3 hours or more.
It is also rare to observe someone walking around with food or drink. Unlike American where it is common to observe people with cups of Starbucks or other drinks. I haven't seen a Starbucks since I arrived. A meal almost always ends with a cup of coffee (filtered coffee/ Cafe Americano). The coffee is fresh, not drip coffee.
Portions are also smaller. I should say that portions are manageable. Do you ever notice that most restaurants in the US offer a single portion of spaghetti that could probably feed a family of four? Even a "take-away" coffee is no larger than a small/tall at Starbucks.
Just one of the many wonderful and different experiences we encounter in South Africa!
