Frequently Asked Questions
How did Safari Foods start?
Safari Foods was started in 1999 by three ex South African Chinese families who realized that there was a lack of a good ‘homemade’ savoury pie on the market in BC. They started out with a small range of savoury pies and which has now expanded to increase the variety of recipes and the range of types of food products to include quiches, meat products and South African sweet deserts.
Is South African cooking different to Canadian cooking?
Yes, it has been influenced over 350 years by the British, Dutch, French, Indian & Malay cooking. Many of these dishes are peculiar to South Africa but are becoming firm International favorites.
What makes Safari Gourmet Pies so different?
They are made in a hygienic working environment and we use only quality ingredients and puff pastry and specially blended imported spices to achieve our unique flavors.
Do you use special automated machines to make your pies and quiches?
No, each item is individually made, and quality control is individually monitored.
Are your products “wholesome”?
Most definitely! There is no deep frying, they’re oven baked and a nourishing meal on it’s own.
Are your products a convenient meal?
For people on the go – No preparation is required, it’s quick and easy and available in a handy variety of sizes.
Is there trans fats or msg in any of your products?
There are no trans fats or msg in any of our pies and quiches.
Can the pies and quiches be frozen?
Yes, they can be frozen and when heating in an oven, the baking time from ‘frozen’ will be between 35–40 minutes at 325 degrees Celsius.
Being made with puff pastry can you heat the pies and quiches in a microwave?
The pies are best heated in an oven to maximize the crispy pastry but many do microwave them for speed and convenience. The quiches are scrumptious either way.
You make a range of 14 different types of filling for these meat, chicken, vegetarian & salmon savoury pies. How do you distinguish the difference between them?
We have identification symbols on each pie.
What sizes of pies and quiches do you make?
Our pies are available in 4”,6” & 9” and the quiches in 4”, 6” & 11” sizes.
What shortening do you use in your products?
We use a healthy vegetable shortening for health considerations.
What special sausages does Safari make?
A great typical South African barbecue sausage called ‘boerewors’ or ‘farmers sausage’ and a special favorite, an SA Pork Sausage.
What makes your sausages so different?
There are a variety of meat blends and the spices in these sausages are imported from South Africa and have a unique flavor.
What is biltong?
Like Canadian Jerky, Biltong is dried beef, but much thicker in stick form or sliced and very different in taste as a result of being cured with a blend of special spices.
Where can these spices be bought?
These are obtainable from our Safari Foods outlet, located in Burnaby and also available from ‘Out of Africa Trading’ in Richmond, for orders & distribution throughout Canada.
Are these available all year round?
Yes, but most popular in the summer barbecue season
Are there different types of ‘boerewors’?
Yes, they are available in beef only, beef and pork and also garlic flavor beef and pork.
What is a ‘melktert’?
This is everyone's favorite desert, translated it means ‘milk tart’. Simply delicious – made with milk, similar to a custard filling, topped with cinnamon spice.
Can this dessert be eaten hot or cold?
Either, but preferably cold, so refrigerate for a couple of hours.
How long can these be kept refrigerated?
About 2 to 3 days, but these will probably be eaten the same day, it is so delicious!
Are these available at your Burnaby store?
Yes, but a 24hr advance notice is required. They are available in 9” or 3” sizes, which is ideal for parties.
Do Canadians enjoy ‘South African Style Products’ and food?
Yes, once they have tried or tasted a product, they always come back for more and spread the word to their Canadian friends.
Where can viewers obtain your products?
We are mainly available in the BC lower mainland with numerous retailers supporting our products. We also have a comprehensive range of imported South African specialty grocery items. For more information on an outlet close to you, please call our Burnaby outlet at (604) 431-7405 or Toll Free at 1-866-410-9159.