South African brandy producers have had a strong showing on the international and local stage, with major wins at the 2026 International Spirits Challenge (ISC) in London and the Veritas Awards in Cape Town. Among the highlights, KWV was named Brandy Producer of the Year at the ISC, while the Veritas Awards recognised 29 brandies, marking one of the category’s strongest medal performances in recent years. The results reflect the continued recognition of South African brandy, with local producers earning accolades across different styles and maturation periods. “South African brandy continues to show that it belongs among the best in…
Cape Town’s much-loved Balducci restaurant has entered a new chapter. Now known as Caffé Balducci, the restaurant opened its doors at Piazza St John in Sea Point on 13 September 2026, marking 30 years since the original Balducci first welcomed diners in September 1996. Previously a familiar fixture at the V&A Waterfront, Balducci closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its return brings the name back to Cape Town’s dining scene, this time with an all-day café concept that combines Italian classics, Asian-inspired dishes, coffee, cocktails and an extensive wine list. Located at Piazza St John on Main Road, Caffé Balducci draws…
Halloween is the perfect excuse to get creative in the kitchen, and these spooky recipes are a fun way to involve the kids. From creepy-cute dirt pudding cups and monster burgers to pumpkin-shaped pastries and chocolatey ghost desserts, there’s something for every little ghoul and goblin. Whether you’re planning a Halloween party, looking for a fun weekend activity, or simply want to make a few festive treats together, these easy, imaginative recipes will bring a little Halloween magic to your kitchen. 1. Halloween dirt pudding cups https://www.foodandhome.co.za/features/halloween-dirt-pudding-cups-2 2. Witches brew Halloween mocktail https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/witches-brew-halloween-mocktail 3. Pumpkin-shaped Nutella pastry…
Located on the street that is slowly taking Bree Street’s crown as the ‘foodie hotspot’, the traditional South African steakhouse gets an Asian take at East City Grill and Yakiniku. East City Grill looks at the South African grill through a broader lens. Locally raised meat and familiar flavours meet Japanese ingredients, umami and the restaurant’s love of cooking with fire. The “Feast for 4” allows those influences to come together in a way that feels relaxed, celebratory and particularly fitting coming off of Heritage Month. This contemporary dining experience can only be credited to one man’s passion – Chef…
Forget the usual cutlery and conventional table manners. A new six-course dining experience at The Pot Luck Club in Cape Town is inviting diners to get hands-on with their food, with dishes designed to be picked up, torn apart and enjoyed in unexpected ways. Taking place on 13 and 14 November 2026, Hands On brings together chefs Jason Kosmas and Ivor Jones for a limited two-night collaboration that combines bold flavours, inventive techniques and interactive dining. Think sashimi served with leaves instead of chopsticks, braaied South Coast rock lobster paired with a liquorice skewer, and coconut roti for scooping up…
There’s more than one way to celebrate a good cup of coffee. This International Coffee Day, we’re putting coffee at the centre of everything from indulgent bakes and decadent desserts to refreshing iced coffee and creative ways to enjoy your morning brew. Whether you’re a coffee purist or love experimenting with new flavours, these recipes are worth brewing for. Our favourite recipes to celebrate International Coffee Day 1. Chocolate buns with coffee ganache https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/coffee-buns-recipe 2. How to make the perfect iced coffee https://www.foodandhome.co.za/lifestyle/how-to-make-the-perfect-iced-coffee 3. The coffee date smoothie bowl https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/the-coffee-date-smoothie-bowl 4. Vegan coffee-flavoured jam doughnuts https://www.foodandhome.co.za/features/vegan-coffee-flavoured-jam-doughnuts…
Heritage Month is a good opportunity to look beyond familiar South African dishes and consider the ingredients that have long been part of the country’s food heritage. South Africa has a wide range of indigenous food crops, including grains, pulses, leafy vegetables, tubers and fruit. Many are well adapted to local growing conditions and have traditionally been harvested, cultivated, dried or preserved for use in home cooking. Some may already be familiar, while others are less likely to appear in a supermarket trolley. Here are a few worth getting to know. Morogo Morogo is a collective term used for a…
Cadbury Dairy Milk, Mzansi’s number one chocolate brand, is bringing its globally celebrated ‘Made To Share’ campaign to local shelves with a uniquely South African twist, inviting consumers to celebrate the everyday acts of generosity that often go unnoticed. Rooted in Cadbury’s long-standing belief that generosity is at the heart of meaningful human connection, the campaign recognises that the most memorable acts of generosity are often the simplest. Rather than grand gestures, it’s the small, everyday contributions that help families, friends and communities come together. To bring this idea to life, Cadbury Dairy Milk has introduced a range of limited-edition…
With Heritage Day this week, the F&H Team is celebrating South Africa’s sweet side with a round-up of our favourite desserts. From nostalgic malva pudding and peppermint crisp tart to braai-friendly fruit, indulgent puddings and modern twists on South African classics, there’s something for every kind of sweet tooth. Whether you’re hosting a Heritage Day braai or simply looking for something special to make this weekend, these are the desserts we’ll be reaching for. The F&H Team’s favourite SA desserts 1. Cinnamon pumpkin fritters with caramel sauce https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/cinnamon-pumpkin-fritters-with-caramel-sauce 2. Charred peaches with berry rose water yoghurt https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/charred-peaches-with-berry-rose-water-yoghurt …
No Braai Day spread is complete without a table of snacks to keep everyone happy while the coals get going. From crispy bites and savoury mini tartlets to generous dips, a quick cheeseboard and even something sweet, these 11 recipes are made for grazing, sharing and celebrating with friends and family. Set them out, pour a drink and let the braai day begin. Mini rocket, walnut and goat’s cheese spanakopitas with dill and lemon tzatziki Parma ham-wrapped hubbard squash chips with paprika dip Butter candle (dip) Asparagus, mushroom and mascarpone mini tartlets Split pea poppers with pickled radish Blueberry…
Chocolate, marshmallows and a little crunch – what’s not to love? These Rocky Road Rice Krispie Treat Squares are the ultimate no-bake sweet treat, combining buttery melted chocolate with crisp Rice Krispies, biscuits, chewy marshmallows and raisins. They take just 15 minutes to prepare, making them an easy win for parties, lunchboxes or whenever a chocolate craving strikes. Made these Rocky Road Rice Krispies Treat squares? Tag us @foodandhomesa #cookingwithFH on Instagram Also See: No-bake nut, date and tahini millionaire’s shortbread squares https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/no-bake-nut-date-tahini-millionaires-shortbread-squares
A South African classic gets a slightly more indulgent makeover in this creamy Cremora tart. A buttery ginger biscuit crust is filled with a smooth Cremora and condensed milk filling, brightened with lemon and folded with melted white chocolate. Finish it with a handful of fresh berries for a dessert that’s rich, creamy and just tangy enough to keep you coming back for another slice. Also See: Maca-roon tartlets with honeyscotch and chocolate https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/maca-roon-tartlets-with-honeyscotch-and-chocolate
Spring has officially arrived, and the F&H team is obsessed with this light yet satisfying seasonal dish. Crispy Parmesan-breaded chicken cutlets are served with a fresh spring salad of crisp lettuce and sugar snap peas, all generously coated in a vibrant green goddess dressing. Packed with lemon, capers, mint, parsley, chives and dill, the dressing is balanced with creamy mayonnaise and yoghurt for a lighter finish. It’s fresh, crunchy, herby and seriously delicious — the perfect easy lunch or fuss-free dinner when you want something quick, satisfying and full of spring flavour. View this post on Instagram A…
This World Macadamia Day, 4 September, is a chance to take a closer look at one of South Africa’s favourite snacks. From their journey from orchard to table to their nutritional benefits and versatility in the kitchen, macadamias offer far more than just a satisfying crunch. When hunger strikes between meals, it’s easy to reach for whatever is closest, which is usually a packet of chips, a biscuit (or three) or something sweet. As more of us become mindful of what we eat, the humble snack bowl is getting a more considered upgrade, with nutrient-rich options like macadamias finding their…
If you’ve ever stood in the baking aisle wondering whether you should be buying cocoa powder or cacao powder, you’re not alone. They may look almost identical, come from the same plant and both promise a rich, chocolatey hit – so what exactly is the difference? The short answer is that cacao and cocoa come from the same plant, Theobroma cacao, but the terms are often used to describe the beans and products at different stages of processing. There is also a fair amount of overlap in how the words are used on food packaging, which makes the whole thing…














