If you consider yourself an avid TikToker, there is a good chance that you might have stumbled across the content of renowned radio host Nick Hamman.
Known for his distinctive voice on national radio station 5FM and lifestyle show The Insider SA, Nick is a name that has become quite popular in the media space.
After spending several years perfecting his craft in the broadcast industry, he has now taken on a new challenge – content creation.
In the last few months, Nick has combined his love for our beautiful country with his passion for food to come up with a brilliant way to celebrate who we are.
His love for food has seen him venture into the realm of content creation where he visits local eateries across the country to have a taste of some of South Africa’s most authentic traditional cuisines, from iSkopo, otherwise known as inyama yenhloko, all the way the gatsby and bunny chow – one thing is for sure, this radio personality knows no limits.
In conversation with BONA, Nick opened up about where this journey began.
“My love for food has always been there—it’s one of those universal pleasures that connects people. But it really started to become a focal point for me when I started travelling South Africa through my Heritage Tours in 2017, where every September I spent a month travelling SA with 5FM,” he explains.
He continued: “As I explored more, I realised that South Africa is a melting pot of flavours and cultures, and I wanted to showcase that on a platform where I could really engage with people. That’s the Genesis of why I decided to start documenting my food journey on social media.”
@nickhamman5 I’m Nick Hamman and if you’re looking for delicious Nyama Yenhloko and other great South Africans foods you need to head out to Ebony Park A township just outside of Midrand overlooking Ivory Park and head to Nyama Kokwani The joint is run by Themba Mathebula who has over 20 years’ experience in the world of catering and restaurant ownership, with previous spots in both Pretoria and Roodepoort. For R70 I was able to indulge in this plate. It’s clear that the two decades in the business have brought with the kind of experience necessary to properly handle classic dishes such as these. For the uninitiated, Nyama Yenhloko, or iskopo is head. Traditionally boiled with salt, spices and beef stock and simmered until tender. It’s soft, fatty and delicious. Hard Body refers to homegrown chickens. The environment they’re raised in makes them bigger, stronger, tougher and of course, harder. The sides were immaculate. Fresh and delicious chilis, beetroot and cabbage and the pap did everything you would expect and need it to do. Also the mandatory chili sauce was a most welcomed addition to the meal I’d highly recommend checking Nyama Kokwani out for yourself. Make sure to give me a follow and let me know if you’re keen to try this meal out for yourself in the comments address: Ivory Park, Midrand, 1693 corner republic road & boshoff, Midrand, South Africa, 1685 #nyama #nyamayenhloko #skop #iskopo #pap #chili #hardbody #chicken #cowhead #beef ♬ original sound – Nick Hamman
For him, food is more than just a form of sustenance, but also culture, history, and creativity which are all wrapped into one. He saw content creation as another medium through which he could tell these stories.
“There’s something really special about connecting with people through something as universal as food. Whether it’s a local dish from a Joburg market or a traditional meal in a township, food has this incredible power to bring people together, and I wanted to be part of that,” he explained.
To date, he has had the privilege of rubbing shoulders with remarkable people across our country one of which is Andile Somdaka, the former chef of the late Nelson Mandela.
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When asked about what his favourite dish has been, he said: “That’s a tough one! But if I had to pick, I’d say a perfectly made mutton bunny chow in Durban from Goundens. There’s something about the soft, pillowy bread soaking up that rich, spicy curry—it’s comfort food at its finest. The experience of sharing it with locals, learning about the history behind the dish, and feeling that sense of community—was unforgettable.”
Meanwhile, the response to his content has been well received, and his followers are often the ones who guide him to find some of the top hidden gems in local townships.
“People love seeing the diverse food culture in South Africa, and I’ve had a lot of followers recommend their favourite spots or dishes, which keeps this journey exciting and ever-evolving. It’s been a beautiful way to connect with the audience on a more personal level.”
Nick plans to expand this journey into a series by going more in-depth with local stories and visiting other countries in Africa as well.
“I’ve also just started my YouTube channel, Hammy Eats which is really exciting! The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this journey so exciting.”
Also see: In the mood for something filling? Here is where to find the most delicious Gatsbys in Cape Town
