Whether you’re heading off to Durbs to say howzit to the family or are trekking all the way to Cape Town for an Easter getaway, one thing is non-negotiable—padkos, of course! Here are a few alternative snacks to pack for your adventures:
South Africa (17 April 2025) — South Africans all over the country will embark on road adventures near and far this weekend in a bid to make the most of the Easter Weekend. Whether you’re heading off to Durbs to say howzit to the family or are trekking to the West Coast for Easter festivities, padkos is a non-negotiable. And if you’re tired of the usual padkos culprits, we’ve got your back with a few fantastic alternative snacks to pack thanks to input from the hospitality industry’s Wayne Blake.
Chips With a Twist
If you can’t decide between sweet or salty, these easy to make treats are the best of both words! Crunchy, light and just enough to treat the tastebuds, here’s how to make them for yourself:
- Toss thin slices of coconut or pineapple into a little olive oil
- Sprinkle some brown sugar, sea salt and cinnamon into your air fryer and set the temperature at 140°C for 6-8 minutes.
- Stir occasionally until the treats are golden, brown and crispy!
- Don’t forget to let your chips cool before packing them up for the road.
Chicken or Beef Pockets with Pizazz
Forget the standard Caesar salad or sarmie; these spicy mango chicken or beef pockets are packed with flavour:
- Grill or pan-fry chicken breast/leg of lamb or beef chuck roast, then slice it into thin strips/or shred.
- In a bowl, add the chicken, lamb or beef with fresh mango cubes, a squeeze of lime, chopped coriander, and a pinch of chili flakes for that spicy punch.
- Use small pita pockets and stuff them with the meat-mango mixture.
- Add a handful of crunchy lettuce or spinach for freshness, and drizzle with a bit of spicy wasabi mayo for an extra kick.
- Wrap them up tightly in baking or sandwich paper.
Bite-sized Energy Boosters
These bite-sized treats are filled with energy-boosting ingredients like oats, coconut, and honey, making them the ideal healthy snack to fuel your adventure. The zesty raspberry, or blueberry, and lemon combo will energise you through those long stretches on the road.
- In a bowl, add 1 cup rolled oats, ½ cup desiccated coconut, ¼ cup honey, the zest of one lemon, 1 cup fresh raspberries, or blueberries and a pinch of salt.
- Use a handheld blender to mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined, and the mixture starts to form a dough-like consistency.
- Roll the mixture into small balls with your hands, or flatten in a tray. Optional, drizzle melted chocolate on top for a delightful sweet element!
- Put the energy balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to an hour to help them firm up and settle. This will make them easier to handle and ensure they hold their shape during your road trip.
- If you flattened them into a tray, follow the same principle and slice them into bars.
- Store in an airtight container and enjoy on the road when you need a quick pick-me-up!
A Toasty Rice Salad for the Tastebuds
Perfect for those Tupperwares of extra rice you don’t know what to do with:
- Spread leftover rice in a pan over medium heat and slightly cover with olive oil, salt, and a sprinkle of your favourite spices.
- Stir occasionally, until golden and crispy.
- Let it cool completely and add to your favourite salad for a satisfying crunchy snack on the road!
- As an alternative to frying in a pan, bake the left-over rice in the oven until it becomes crusty. This way, it stays crunchy and won’t get mushy in the salad. You can then cut rice bars and add your favourite toppings on top that, like freshly cut avo and salmon! A dehydrator or air fryer can achieve the same crispy effect.
Scrumptious Sweet Chilli Tofu Wraps
Fresh, spicy, and crispy to the crunch; these sweet chilli tofu wraps are fantastic for a road trip with your vegetarian friends:
- Press 1 block of firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into small cubes.
- Add the tofu in a mix of soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sesame oil.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and crisp up the tofu cubes for about 5-7 minutes, turning them until golden.
- Lay large lettuce leaves flat (like butter lettuce) and spoon the crispy tofu onto each leaf.
- Top with sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, and a handful of fresh coriander.
- Roll them up, securing with a toothpick, and pack them for your road trip!
- Bonus tip: Keep it fun for the kids by packing everything in tiffin tins – they can create their own snack masterpiece during your next road trip pitstop.
More Suggestions for Snacks to Pack
Don’t Forget Some Durban-Style Popcorn
Spicy pineapple – tangy fresh pineapple chunks doused in curry powder – is most definitely one of Durban’s most unique snacks, usually sold by street vendors along the beachfront. Make your own using a unique blend of spices, prepare a pre-mix of chilli powder, sugar, salt, and a dash of vinegar, and generously coat the freshly popped popcorn. Make enough – it won’t last long!
South African Styled Scotch Eggs
Portable and tasty as a cold snack, scotch eggs are filling and comfort food at its best (great for longer trips). Essentially, they are hard-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage meat, coated in bread crumbs and deep-fried for a delicious snack on the go. For a South African twist, substitute the pork mince for boerewors by simply removing the wors meat from the casting. Prepare a dipping sauce with mayonnaise and a dash of hot sauce or sweet chilli sauce, and you’re ready to rumble!
A Butternut and Feta Salad Moment
This scrumptious salad is a perfect roadside snack when you need to stretch your legs. Packed with roasted butternut, toasted pumpkin seeds, and Danish feta, it’s a flavourful treat that keeps you satisfied (and healthy) on the go. Add couscous, quinoa, chickpeas or bulgar wheat for additional sustenance. Pack it in glass mason jars and enjoy a fresh taste wherever your journey leads.
Falafel Fuel
Made from wholesome chickpeas, falafels are a road trip snack perfect for the vegetarians in the car. Their crispy exterior and flavoursome interior offer a satisfying crunch and bold taste. Whether eaten on their own or in a pita with chilli and coriander, humus or tzatziki, falafels are not to be left behind.
Can’t Say No to Chocolate Brownies
Trade chocolate bunnies for chocolate brownies as a heavenly mid-journey pick-me-up or a post-adventure reward. Wayne shares his fool-proof recipe which you can make a day ahead of your trip:
You will need!
- 3⁄4 cup flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄4 cup cocoa
- 1⁄2 cup butter, softened – do not melt completely – best to leave outside the firdge s day before, in a cool dry spot.
- 2 eggs, whole
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1⁄2 cup nuts chopped of your choice or use toasted mixed nuts
- 200g chopped baking chocolate
How to make them:
- Preheat oven to 185 degrees.
- Grease a square 8cm x 8cm pan.
- Sift flour with sugar, salt, and cocoa into a mixing bowl, and set aside.
- Add butter, eggs, and vanilla.
- Use a spoon and beat 100 strokes per minute for 3 minutes by hand or 2 minutes at medium speed, using a mixer with a paddle attachment.
- Stir in nuts & chopped chocolate until evenly mixed through.
- Pour into pan and spread out evenly.
- Bake 20 to 22 minutes.
- Cool and then cut, into your desired shapes and sizes, pack into your road trip lunch box and enjoy on the road!
Sources: Linda Christensen; GTG
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