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As South Africa marks Heritage Day, food takes centre stage as an important part of the nation’s rich cultural history. From the indigenous flavours of sorghum porridge and wild greens to the influence of Dutch, Indian, and Malay settlers, South African cuisine tells a story of diversity, resilience, and unity. Today, TikTok’s thriving#FoodTok community has become a powerful platform for celebrating this culinary heritage, connecting millions through food and stories.
TikTok offers an immersive way for creators to preserve and share the recipes passed down through generations, blending historical traditions with modern twists. Creators likeNompumelelo Nkosi, Onezwa Mbola, and Zaynab Paruk are using the platform to showcase dishes that define their heritage, from traditional Xhosa foraged meals to reimagined versions of beloved desserts like koeksisters.
Celebrating Tradition with a Modern Twist
For Nompumelelo Nkosi, cooking is an intimate connection to her past. Inspired by her grandmother, uMaZulu, Nompumelelo shares traditional Xhosa dishes on TikTok, focusing on affordability and accessibility. “My grandmother influences every dish I make. I watched her prepare ujeqe (steamed bread) in so many different ways, and those memories are alive in my cooking today,” she explains.
Through her content, Nompumelelo brings nostalgic meals to life for a younger generation, reminding followers of the dishes they grew up with, such as samp and beans or izibaca (amatabunga), a traditional flat dumpling served with curry. “TikTok truly keeps food culture alive,” she says. “It’s a visual guide for recipes, allowing people to reconnect with the flavours and memories of their heritage.”
For Nompumelelo’s Heritage Day dish click here
Connecting Heritage and Sustainability
Onezwa Mbola, known for her fusion of traditional Xhosa cooking and modern sustainability practices, takes her audience on a journey from the land to the kitchen. Growing up in a coastal village, Onezwa’s culinary process was shaped by foraging and self-sufficiency. Her TikTok content showcases this way of life, with videos of her picking fresh produce or catching fish, integrating her deep connection to the environment and Xhosa heritage into every meal.
For Onezwa, food is not just about sustenance but storytelling. “When I cook, I share memories of the dishes, and my audience often responds with stories of their own childhood meals. Food has a way of connecting us back to our roots,” she shares. Her content serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving indigenous traditions and keeping the art of sustainable cooking alive for future generations.
For Onezwa’s Heritage Day dish click here
Fusing Flavours Across Cultures
For Zaynab Paruk, food is the ultimate connection to both her South African and Muslim heritage. Her Ramadan food series has been a hit, blending traditional Islamic dishes with South African desserts like koeksisters and milk tart. “I love taking traditional recipes and using them as inspiration for something new,” Zaynab reflects.
Zaynab’s content showcases how food can unite diverse cultures in South Africa, particularly through baking. “A simple chicken curry can be made in so many ways, depending on whether it’s from the Indian or Cape Malay community,” she notes. TikTok allows her to share these diverse methods and create conversations around the different ways people connect with food. One dish that truly unites South Africans, according to Zaynab, is biryani. “It’s hearty, celebratory, and loved by everyone.”
For Zaynab’s Heritage Day dish click here
Heritage Day: A Celebration of Unity Through Food
Heritage Month is an opportunity to honour South Africa’s rich cultural diversity, and through TikTok, creators like Nompumelelo, Onezwa, and Zaynab are ensuring that these traditions continue to thrive. Their innovative use of the platform helps not only to preserve traditional recipes but also to introduce them to global audiences.
“Heritage Day is about more than just food—it’s about sharing stories that remind us of where we come from. Through TikTok, I’m able to preserve those memories and invite others to discover the magic of South African cooking,” concludes Nompumelelo.
Whether it’s through a warm plate of ujeqe, a freshly foraged meal, or the perfect bite of koeksister, South African creators are showcasing the flavours of South African heritage. They are helping to preserve and celebrate the beauty of African cuisine, inviting people from around the world to engage with these stories and build connections through food.