Durban is the South African city most closely associated with the invention of bunny chow.
Bunny chow consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. It is strongly linked to Durban, a coastal city with a large South African Indian community. The dish developed during the twentieth century and became a practical, portable meal served in bread rather than on a plate.
Despite its name, bunny chow contains no rabbit. The word “bunny” is generally connected with the Indian merchant communities historically called banias, although the exact naming story is debated. Mutton, chicken, beef, bean, and vegetable versions are all found.
Bunny chow is often shortened to “bunny,” and quarter, half, and full loaves are common serving sizes. Durban’s curry traditions, rather than a single universally documented inventor, explain why the city is the dish’s standard geographical association.