Timeless South African

In Timeless South African, renowned cook and food writer Ilse van der Merwe has compiled a list of the top 101 iconic South African dishes – meals not only seen as ‘heritage food’, but dishes that are still relevant, recognisable, loved and prepared in many South African communities today. Well-researched and based on formal and informal discussions with chefs, members of the public and food lovers of different backgrounds, this book celebrates the country’s diverse cultures and culinary traditions, highlighting the history of each recipe as well as the modern ways in which they have been reinvented. The dishes in this book – whether humble or celebratory – are paired with classically styled and vibrant photos. Do you know your vetkoek from your amagwinya? Or your koeksisters from your koesisters? And do you know the interesting histories of bobotie, the gatsby, hertzoggies and Durban naan? The more we share our food and our stories, the more we’ll be able to celebrate what unites us: being South African.

Ilse van der Merwe is an acclaimed cook, food writer, content creator, stylist and television presenter from Cape Town, South Africa. She is the author of three other cookbooks – Cape Mediterranean (2019), Simply Seasonal (2021) and Easy Al Fresco (2023), all published by Penguin Random House South Africa. Her first book, Cape Mediterranean, earned a bronze medal at the 2020 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. She has presented two series on South African television and is a regular guest on other food programmes.