Latest news with #KellyLewis
TimesLIVE
31-05-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Tradition meets convenience
I grew up eating tripe and onions, a traditional Yorkshire dish that my mother mastered for my British father. Tripe, the lining of the cow's stomach, is something you either love or hate. We loved it. Mom's version was made using clean tripe — I later learnt it was soaked in bleach to make it clean and snowy white — and it was cooked slowly in onions and milk till tender. It was one of my favourite dishes, so my interest was piqued when invited to lunch at Tasty Nation eatery, located in a suburban shopping centre in Sunninghill, Gauteng and fast growing in popularity. Here you will find items such as peri-peri chicken, pork ribs and lamb chops among traditional foods like maotwana (chicken feet), mogodu (beef tripe and intestines), thlakwana (slow-cooked cow heels), skopo, sheep head, nhloko (beef head meat), pap, dombolo (steamed bread), samp and beans and even hot-cooked chips — a celebration of a range of dishes that truly reflect South African food culture. At Tasty Nation you can sit down and enjoy the feast, order a takeout or pick up ready-made meals from the well-stocked freezer section. I came home with a doypack of delicious samp and beans and some tender yet chewy ready-prepared chicken feet. I chatted to Kelly Lewis, CEO of Tasty Nation, and asked her where it all started, what was it about offal that she so enjoyed and why the company had chosen to open their first eatery in the northern suburbs of Joburg. Image: Supplied Offal kind of found me, actually. While working on other convenience foods, my partners and I realised there was an entire market of people who loved traditional offal dishes but had little to no access to them in a convenient, ready-made format. Despite its beloved status, offal was largely absent from mainstream food service. I wasn't a chef, but I had a background in sales and a drive to make things happen. So, I took that insight, built a team, and set out to bring these cherished meals to the people who wanted them. And that's been our mission for the past decade — getting offal into as many hot food counters as possible. A year ago, our convenience offering expanded to include a range of frozen meals, now available in Pick n Pay stores nationwide. And most recently, we launched our very first Tasty Nation outlet in Sunninghill, a big step in bringing offal into the everyday food conversation. It will probably surprise you to learn that I didn't grow up eating offal. My mother occasionally cooked dishes like liver and kidney, but I never enjoyed the flavours, or the textures for that matter. I've come to enjoy and respect them more over time, though. Head meat is my offal of choice at the moment. Tasty Nation, in a Sunninghill shopping centre, offers traditional dishes. Image: Supplied Tasty Nation. Image: Supplied We at Hodari Foods have been cooking hundreds of tonnes of offal each month for over a decade, supplying hot food counters across the country. Our move into the quick service restaurant space was a natural extension, which gives our customers the opportunity to enjoy our meals in a comfortable sit-down setting or delivered from our store to their door via their favourite food delivery app. And that's how we came to open our very first restaurant in Sunninghill, where busy people live and their need for traditional foods was a gap in the market. The response to access of traditional foods available on demand — especially in a suburban area — has been overwhelmingly positive. There's a strong appreciation for the convenience of enjoying familiar, culturally rooted meals close to home. It shows that even in our fast-paced, modern lifestyles, people value staying connected to their heritage. In South African traditional food culture offal is a huge favourite, yet many offal dishes still carry a negative stigma. How does your company go about changing this perception? Offal holds a special place in South Africa's culinary heritage and that's why we prepare every dish using trusted recipes and time-honoured cooking methods to deliver the authentic flavours. In celebrating these foods our aim is to bring it to everyone and there's more Tasty Nation restaurants to come, where we serve these beloved dishes in a clean, warm, inviting urban space with a modern design. Cleaning and preparing offal is time consuming; how is this done in the relatively small restaurant kitchen at Tasty Nation? It's very time-consuming, which is what puts a lot of people off cooking offal themselves. Our restaurant kitchen is small, but that's by design. All the cleaning, preparation and cooking is done in our central kitchens, which allows us to offer every meal on our menu all day, every day. More importantly, it ensures consistency — our customers can count on the same great taste at any Tasty Nation location, whether in Sunninghill or beyond — watch this space. 'Low and slow' is the key to cooking offal — using low temperatures and extended cooking times helps break down its tough fibres, resulting in tender meat and richly flavoured broths. We don't marinate offal, as our cooking method itself achieves the flavour infusion and tenderness that marinating does for prime cuts. Spice additions vary greatly from one offal to another. Tripe, for example, is traditionally cooked in its own juices with very little additions, while ingredients such as bay leaves, curry powder and chillies play an important role in transforming other forms of offal into flavourful and aromatic dishes. Pap, steamed bread and samp and beans are popular starch sides enjoyed with an offal stew, and the plate is then completed with cooked vegetables like spinach or cabbage and salads such as tomato salsa, coleslaw or beetroot. Mogodu (tripe) is by far our best-selling dish at Tasty Nation. Other favourites include nhloko (head meat), mutton curry, Gatsby, and braaied meats like beef short rib and brisket, typically served with pap and tomato relish. Which drinks pair well with a steaming bowl of offal? Lagers are a popular pairing with dishes like tripe or head meat. A bold red wine or strong ginger beer is a good option for the same reason, to cut through the richness of the dish. When can we expect more Tasty Nation restaurants opening about Gauteng and the country? The wheels are already in motion for expansion in Gauteng this year. Tasty Nation, Shop 12 Chilli Lane Shopping Centre, Sunninghill, Sandton Open: Monday — Saturday 10am-8pm; Sunday and Public Holidays 10am-8pm
The Citizen
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Showcase the country's rich cultural heritage in the kitchen this Africa Day
Showcase the country's rich cultural heritage in the kitchen this Africa Day As Africa Day approaches on May 25, families across the continent prepare to celebrate, not only the founding of the organisation of African Unity in 1963, but also the rich diversity of African culture, heritage, and resilience. This year, the holiday falls on a Sunday, and many South African households are taking the opportunity to gather around the table, or the braai area, and share in the joy of traditional cuisine. Africa Day, formerly known as African Freedom Day and African Liberation Day, marks a significant moment in history, the beginning of a united effort among African nations toward political freedom, economic independence, and cultural pride. Also read: Curro Bryanston preschoolers make chocolate eggs from scratch In the spirit of commemorating African unity through local flavour, we got inspired to write this article when we were invited to a newly opened traditional South African food restaurant launch event at Chilli Lane, Tasty Nation. The event launch drew food lovers, media personalities, and culture enthusiasts alike to experience a menu steeped in heritage and prepared with heart. Dishes such as umngqusho (a comforting mix of samp and beans), tribe, cow head, mutton curry, peri peri chicken livers, pap, chakalaka, spinach, short beef ribs, and bobotie were on the menu. Also read: Diverse sectors meet future talent at The IIE's Varsity College Sandton career fair The restaurant's founder, Kelly Lewis, whose roots stretch across Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, shared her vision of celebrating Africa Day, not just as a nod to history, but as a vibrant, living expression of culture through food. 'When we prepare these meals, we are not just cooking, we are honouring the stories of our grandparents, the warmth of family gatherings, and the soul of who we are as Africans.' For families looking to bring the spirit of Africa Day into their own kitchens, there are many beloved dishes that are both accessible and full of flavour. Read more: Progress being made on pipe repairs at Illovo reservoir List of food to make: Bobotie Bunny Chow Mogodu (Tribe) Braai Chakalaka and Pap Potjiekos Cape Malay Chicken Curry Samp and Beans (Umngqusho) Vetkoek Roosterkoek Melktert (Milk Tart) Koeksisters Malva Pudding Homemade Ginger Beer Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Time Out
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
New traditional South African restaurant opens in Sandton
Sandton has welcomed a new spot for food lovers craving traditional South African flavours. Tasty Nation, the local food brand best known for its convenient home-style meals, has just opened its first quick service restaurant right in time for Joburg's chilly season. What's on the menu at Tasty Nation Tasty Nation's menu pays tribute to the country's rich culinary heritage. Guests can enjoy classic favourites like Mogodu (beef tripe in a thin gravy), Thlakwana (slow-cooked cow heels), and flame-grilled Peri Peri Chicken and Beef Short Rib. Comfort food staples such as Durban-style mutton curry, bobotie, and indulgent desserts like Malva pudding and koeksisters round out the menu. 'With our new quick service restaurant, we're creating a space where people can come together and enjoy familiar flavours,' says Kelly Lewis, CEO of Tasty Nation. 'It's about making traditional African cuisine both accessible and inviting.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tasty Nation (@tastynationsa) A flavourful experience that feels like home When Time Out visited Tasty Nation, we were treated to a flavour-packed experience. The adventurer in me gave almost everything a try (I decided to skip the Mogodu as a matter of personal preference), and at one point, I was tempted to see if someone's grandmother wasn't holed up in the kitchen churning out these delicious dishes. My highlights included the Peri Peri chicken livers and the tender durban-style mutton curry served with rotis. The curry was milder than its Durban counterpart, but full of authentic flavour—a nod to Kelly's Durban roots. Another standout dish was the Nhloko (beef head meat in a thin gravy with onions and chillies) served with soft, spongy Dombolo dumplings—perfect for soaking up that gravy. As a side note the restaurant's warm, vibey music selection added to the experience, creating a space that feels as comforting as the food. If the atmosphere remains this consistent, Tasty Nation could easily become one of Joburg's go-to spots for traditional food with a modern twist.
News24
01-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- News24
How Tasty Nation is feeding busy lives with real South African flavour
In a fast-paced world where time is a luxury, convenience has become the new currency, especially when it comes to food. Ready meals have surged in popularity, offering quick fixes for busy families and professionals. But often, these convenient options fall short on nutrition, quality and cultural authenticity. That's where Tasty Nation is shaking things up. This proudly South African food brand is redefining what it means to eat well on the go, by bringing traditional home-cooked flavours into the ready-meal space without cutting corners. From mogodu and samp to pap bites and malva pudding, Tasty Nation is putting heritage back on the plate. A TASTE OF HOME, MINUS THE HASSLE South African cuisine tells stories ... of generations, celebration, struggle and togetherness. But preparing dishes such as tripe or slow-cooked beans takes time, skill and ingredients that aren't always easy to find. It's no surprise then that many people, especially younger South Africans, often turn to mass-produced meals, even if they lack the taste of home. IN PICTURES | Tasty Nation saw that gap and decided to fill it. Says CEO Kelly Lewis: At Tasty Nation, we believe that convenience should never mean compromising on quality or cultural authenticity. Our mission is to bring the rich flavours of South African tradition to busy families, without sacrificing the taste and ingredients that make these dishes so special. Their range of frozen heat-and-eat meals is available in selected Pick n Pay stores nationwide. The recipes are grounded in tradition and passed down through generations, but made accessible to anyone, even those who've never cooked tripe in their life before. For lifestyle content creator Tsakani Khoza, Tasty Nation's ready meals are a lifesaver. A full-time employee with a demanding nine-to-five job, Khoza still makes time to engage with her growing TikTok audience – a blend of fans interested in fashion, home hacks and everyday inspiration. But when it comes to food, she admits, there's not always time to go all-out. These meals feel like something my gran would've made. I love that I can just pop them in the oven or microwave, and, in a few minutes, I'm eating something that tastes like it took hours. I don't have to compromise on flavour or culture just because I'm busy. What began as a frozen meals range has now grown into a fully fledged culinary destination. In January 2025, Tasty Nation opened its first quick-service restaurant in the heart of Sunninghill, Johannesburg. Inside, you'll find vibrant decor, upbeat music and a menu packed with South African favourites, from Gatsby sandwiches to steaming bowls of nhloko. The restaurant also stocks the brand's frozen meal range, giving customers the chance to enjoy tradition both on site and at home. Since its launch, the eatery has drawn in loyal customers, earned a feature on eTV's The Morning Show and enjoyed coverage on radio stations across the country. FOUNDED WITH PURPOSE Tasty Nation is part of Hodari Foods, a company with deep roots in retail, catering and hospitality. But what makes the brand especially compelling is its mission: to ensure that every South African, no matter their schedule or skill level, can access home-style meals that honour our collective food heritage. With plans to expand both its product range and restaurant footprint, the company remains focused on its founding values: authenticity, quality and accessibility. In a world where culture can get lost in convenience, Tasty Nation is a delicious reminder that we don't have to choose one over the other.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Yahoo
Monroe County borough issues warning to students
EAST STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— As the weather gets nicer, east Stroudsburg University is warning students about disruptive gatherings. The university and borough says after three disruptive conduct reports within 24 months. Tenants will be evicted. Monster Jam returns to Mohegan Arena 'The big thing is students and residents are at risk and we don't wanna see anybody get hurt in the borough. We're really mindful of that after our fatal fire a couple weeks ago so we just have tried to get out there and explain you know have fun, but don't get hurt,' voiced Kelly Lewis, East Stroudsburg Borough Manager. Borough officials believe students can have fun but make sure that it does not get out of control. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
