Food & Flavour

The best “padkos” for a winter road trip

Planning a winter road trip through South Africa? Don't leave home without packing the ultimate padkos!

In South African travel culture, no road trip is complete without "padkos"—an Afrikaans term translating directly to "food for the road." While summer road journeys call for crisp fruits and chilled drinks, a winter expedition through the frosty Karoo or across high-altitude mountain passes demands a heartier, more comforting selection of traditional snacks designed to keep energy high and spirits warm.

The foundation of any authentic padkos tin is biltong and droëwors. Cured with coriander, salt, and black pepper, these dried meat snacks are rich in protein, non-perishable, and deeply rooted in local heritage.

For winter trips, thick-cut beef or springbok biltong with a touch of fat provides the ideal energy boost during long stretches behind the wheel. Pair this with a selection of roasted, salted macadamia nuts or almonds for a satisfying crunch.

Savoury baked goods hold a prized place in the winter cooler box.

Homemade vetkoek (deep-fried dough) stuffed with spiced minced meat, or warm savoury pies filled with slow-cooked pepper steak, offer substantial warmth when stopping at roadside viewpoints.

Boiled eggs, seasoned simply with salt and black pepper, remain a timeless road trip staple alongside mature cheddar cheese wedges and crusty farm loaf slices spread with salted butter.

To satisfy a sweet craving on cold afternoons, nothing surpasses traditional rusks (beskuit).

Hard, double-baked buttermilk or buttermilk-and-muesli biscuits are designed specifically to be dunked into hot cups of coffee or Rooibos tea poured from a reliable vacuum flask. Kept safely in a tin on the passenger seat, a well-curated padkos collection transforms standard highway stops into memorable culinary moments.