POLOKWANE – Katisi Malatji first opened Culinary Studio by Second Plate, to create a joyful and a hands-on space where children could explore food and creativity without fear of making mistakes.

She started it as a kid-focused studio and has grown into a much bigger space where both children and adults, even couples can discover the joy of cooking together.

“I was inspired by my nephew, Boikanyo,” said Malatji.

“His boundless curiosity and love for food creations showed me that kids learn best when cooking feels like a joyful adventure. His spark became the heart of this studio,” she added.

Katisi’s journey began with her passion for teaching children and teens the basics of cooking in a fun, approachable way.

“Boikanyo’s fearless curiosity while we preparing food showed me that kids learn best when they’re playing with ideas, not just following steps,” she explained.

To bring her idea to life, Malatji designed an age-appropriate curriculum centered on confidence and creativity.

She built a small team of dedicated instructors and opened a site for feedback from students.

“Every session starts with kids putting on their mini chef hats and aprons. It’s a small detail, but it gives them ownership and pride,” she says.

Over time, the studio’s reputation for inclusivity began attracting parents who wanted a taste of the experience too.

“We started getting requests from adults who wanted to learn or reconnect over food,” said Malatji.

That’s when she birthed the idea of couple cooking classes.

The new classes, designed for partners, offer more than just recipes but focus on teamwork, communication, and rediscovering connection through shared experiences.

“It’s beautiful to see couples laughing over a pot of sauce or learning to plate a dessert together,” Malatji mentions

“Cooking becomes a metaphor for partnership, you need patience, balance, and a little creativity.”

Looking ahead, Katisi hopes Culinary Studio by Second Plate will continue to nurture not only the next generation of young chefs but also a community where food brings people together such as friends and the elderly.

“My long-term dream is to see everyone whether a child, an adult or the elderly feel confident and creative through cooking,” she concluded.