SOUTH AFRICAN chef and cookbook author Warren Mendes is turning up the heat at Food Network Africa, DStv Channel 175, with his new show Food Trail: South Africa creating a stir among foodies around the globe.

The 10-episode series, which premiered on Sunday, April 26, complements the chef’s cookbook, Food Trail South Africa, as every recipe featured throughout the season appears in the book.

“One day you’re cooking fish on a cliff overlooking the ocean, the next you’re learning Zulu recipes in a rural village or baking Koeksisters in the Union Building gardens. It’s impossible not to fall in love with South Africa all over again,” said a delighted Mendes.

The Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef said filming the series brought him full circle as he travelled through some of the country’s most iconic destinations, each offering a unique window into local life and flavour.

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“Coming home to make this show felt incredibly special,” said Mendes. “I’ve travelled and cooked all over the world, but there’s something about South Africa. The generosity, the laughter, the way people welcome you into their kitchens that you don’t find anywhere else.”

Across the 10 episodes concluding in June 21, Mendes travels through the bustling Oranjezicht Market and spice laden kitchens of Bo Kaap to mussel foraging along the Cape Coast, Pinotage tastings in the Winelands, and sunset potjies in the Kalahari, as the series captures the breadth of SA’s culinary landscape.

Other highlights include Bunny Chow explorations in Durban, Shisa Nyama feasts in KZN, Amarula spiked desserts in Kruger, and a Soweto tuk tuk tour ending with Mendes’ take on Chakalaka, a South African pavlova and his signature chocolate milk tart.

“I wanted people to feel empowered to cook these dishes at home, not just admire them on TV,” said Mendes. “These are recipes that celebrate who we are as South Africans. Our food tells the story of our country. It’s layered, it’s diverse, and it’s proudly ours. That’s what makes this series so meaningful to me.”

To celebrate the launch of the series and book, Mendes and Caxton are giving away a copy of the cookbook Food Trail: South Africa. To enter the competition fill in your contact details in the box below.

Competition closes on May 18 and the selected winner must make arrangements to collect the book from our offices.

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