What tells a better story of South African heritage than our nation’s food? A celebration is nothing without a feast and there is no better way to celebrate Heritage Day than by exploring and embracing the rich culinary traditions that make South Africa unique.
The nation’s diverse cultural heritage is made up of many delicious dishes that define South African cuisine and to get you started, here’s a roundup of cookbooks that will help you create a Heritage Day feast, paying homage to the flavours and traditions that define our beautiful country.
SIMPLY SEVEN COLOURS
Zola Nene
Renowned Chef Zola Nene celebrates South Africa’s rich cultural heritage through the beloved tradition of sharing meals in this cookbook, Simply Seven Colours. She embraces the uniquely South African concept of the seven-colour feast with a collection of simply delicious recipes that evoke food nostalgia and focus on going back to basics.
The book encourages you to create your own seven-colour menu by selecting recipes from various chapters, each representing a different ‘colour’. For the sweet tooth, there’s a variety of desserts to complete your meal, Simply Seven Colours is designed to bring joy to your table with every dish.
Available on Takealot, Exclusive Books and Penguin Random House SA.
THE HUNGRY TABLE
Fatima Saib
The Hungry Table is more than just a cookbook; it’s a heartfelt journey through the intertwined realms of food and memory. Fatima’s culinary creations are deeply rooted in her South African-Indian heritage and cherished memories of her late father. This cookbook beautifully weaves together over 90
contemporary recipes with stories that evoke nostalgia and emotion, each dish is a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing meals around the table.
The book is thoughtfully divided into five chapters, each reflecting a different sentiment: The basics, togetherness, comfort, fast and relaxed, each with recipes that embrace the essence of these feelings.
Available on loot.co.za
CAPE, CURRY & KOESISTERS
Fatima Sydow and Gadija Sydow Noordien
In Cape, Curry & Koeksisters, the late Fatima Sydow and her twin sister Gadija take readers on a delightful Cape Malay culinary journey, infused with memories of their childhood on the Cape Flats. Their focus on home cooking makes the recipes quick, easy, and affordable, yet full of flavour. From savoury curries with sambals to spicy dhaltjies, this cookbook offers something for every taste and occasion, making it a must-have for anyone who loves to bring the family together with delicious, no-fuss meals.
Available on Takealot.
First published on Food & Home
Words: Maegan-Leigh Jacobs
Also see: 3 Cultural museums to visit in Cape Town this heritage month
