Celebrating SA’s culinary heritage at Proudly South African’s Winter Cook-off at Breadbox Bakery and Studio

To honour South Africa’s rich and diverse culinary traditions, Proudly South African partnered with The Breadbox Bakery and Studio to host an engaging winter cook-off on May 22 at Carlswald Decor Centre.

This event aimed to blend local cuisine with support for small and medium enterprises, fostering community pride and economic growth through culinary innovation.

Taking place at Breadbox Studio, teams were excited to create dishes using a blend of local ingredients, learning about essential products every South African pantry should have.

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Chef Liziwe Matlhoha introduced a curated menu inspired by the traditional ‘Seven Colours’, adding a tantalising twist. Instead of familiar Sunday staples, the four participating teams received a mystery box filled with local ingredients, challenging them to create their innovative interpretations.

Matlhogonolo Ledwaba, the founder of The Breadbox Bakery and Studio, shared her enthusiasm for the next installment of the cook-off. “Our studio provides not only a delightful culinary experience but also serves as a hub for job creation and skills development,” she said. “We are thrilled that Proudly South African chose to host the cook-off here, allowing us to showcase our offerings and the importance of supporting local businesses.”

Happy MaKhumalo Ngidi, the chief marketing officer at Proudly South African, emphasised the significance of collaborating with small and medium-sized businesses through the cook-off.

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“This event highlights the quality and expertise our partnered organisations bring to the table. As a Proudly South African member company, we are dedicated to showcasing our members while reinforcing their role in the South African economy,” said Ngidi.

Ngidi also stressed the potential of culinary tourism, which focuses on exploring local cuisines and food-related activities, as an important avenue for promoting tourism that has yet to be fully tapped. “Through this partnership and event, we have stayed true to our commitment to sharing joy and enthusiasm, which has become the hallmark of this exciting gathering.”

She encouraged South Africans to be intentional about their purchasing decisions by supporting locally manufactured goods whenever possible.

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“We all play a part in supporting small and medium-sized businesses and creating job opportunities. Simple actions, like choosing to buy a locally manufactured outfit or visiting a neighbourhood café, can significantly contribute to job creation and strengthening our economy.”

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