Foreword It is true to say that there is 'something about food' that intrigues and excites every one of us.
Food is at the centre of our existence, we thrive on its depths of flavour and diversity to such an extent that we are constantly seeking new ways to engage and challenge our taste buds. 'something South African about food' will provide you with an insight into the stunning cuisine of South Africa so that you can experience the exciting culinary diversity that it has to offer.
South Africa as a country may not have an extensive heritage of specifically defined dishes but what it does have in abundance is a fusion of international cuisine with local culture and tradition that is undeniably South African.
I was blessed to have been born in the extraordinary country that is South Africa, where from as early as I can remember I was introduced to the wealth of flavours and taste experiences that South Africa has to offer.
From the simplest of Dutch style cooking to the complex marriage of flavours in Cape Malay cuisine I was fortunate to have access to this fusion of cultural cooking from a young age. From my early years living in Hillcrest outside of Durban to my frequent travels around the country, I have been privileged to have had first-hand experience of not only the wonderful food but also the excellent South African wines.
Now living in Northern Ireland I have, with great pride, established a South African influenced Restaurant, Phezulu Bistro, in the coastal town of Bangor, County Down.
Through the restaurant I have aspired and strived to bring the British and Irish public an introduction to South African cuisine.
Proudly South African I believe that everyone should experience the breathtaking beauty and cultural diversity that South Africa has to offer.
Based on my frequent journeys and culinary influences I have created this book to provide a simple introduction to South Africa and the cultural fusion of flavours.
Beyond the food South Africa has earned itself a rightful place as one of the best wine producing countries on a global scale.
With this success and achievement no winery has been more recognised and rewarded within South Africa than that of Nederburg. As a chef I believe that great food should be prepared and served with wine that truly compliments and highlights the delicate flavours within each dish.
I believe Nederburg to be among the very best of wine producers and have partnered with them in the development of this book to bring you an introduction to both Traditional and Contemporary South African Cuisine. Introduction South Africa as a country has had a colourful and dynamic emergence over the centuries.
The abundance of natural resources not to mention the magnificent beauty encouraged nations from all over the world to colonise and settle within South Africa.
The first people to 'discover' South Africa were the Portuguese mariners who landed on the shores in the 15th century.
Led by the explorer Bartolomeu Dias these sailors merely landed in South Africa to replenish their food reserves while on an expedition to discover a suitable trade route to India.
Despite this early discovery it was not until 1652 that the country was formally colonised by Europeans.
This colony was first established by the Dutch East India Trading Company, the world's first multinational corporation. These Dutch settlers came with the sole intent of setting up a refreshment station in the area now known as Cape Town which was ideally situated along its spice trade route between the Netherlands and Asia.
This 'Cape Colony' initially traded and bartered with the local indigenous people but eventually with the expansion of the colony the indigenous people found themselves without land.
The Dutch East India Company encouraged more settlers to join the colony and along with these settlers came indentured workers from other countries such as India, Indonesia, Madagascar and Mozambique.
After conflict and power struggles between the French and British, the colony was captured in 1795 by the British who aimed to secure the valuable trade routes to Asia.
This occupation by the British resulted in more European settlers being enticed to South Africa.
Following years of growth and expansion by the British Empire the colony continued to grow and expand; with this expansion came a change in needs and desires of some of the settlers. The Voortrekkers, 'those who trek ahead', were Afrikaaners, Dutch in origin but born in South Africa and had developed their own culture and language which reflected their new African heritage.
These pioneers travelled further afield into the wilderness to establish their own communities and eventually states when they became opposed to the policies and ideas being introduced and enforced by the British Empire on the colony.
Britain continued to expand its operations within South Africa and encouraged Europeans to migrate to South Africa.
Over the centuries these settlers, including the British, Dutch, Italians, Portuguese, French Indians, and others all brought with them the traditions and culture of their homelands.
This melting pot of culture and tradition has led to South Africa often being referred to as the 'Rainbow Nation'.
The diverse culture combined with the stunning landscape has resulted in South Africa also being known as 'The World In One Country' Following its 'rebirth' after the dark years of Apartheid, the 'New South Africa' has established itself as one of the world's top global travel destinations. From cosmopolitan cities to simple rural communities South Africa has an abundance of culture, choice and experience for everyone.
As a South African I am delighted to be able to provide you with recipe choices that represent and reflect some of the wonderful flavours from the Rainbow Nation of South Africa.
