Hypebeast Africa x Samsung Culture Scouts: “Local Delicacy”
Exploring the food spots in their city.
After breaking down the objects that mean the most to them, the Hypebeast Africa Culture Scouts visit the local food spots that keep their city fed.
Shot using the new Samsung S23 Ultra, the latest brief explores the places to eat at, and orders to get, in their area. From spotlighting authentic South African cuisine and the country’s oldest markets serving fresh produce to new-age restauranteurs breaking the industry and contemporary fusion spots that have patrons queuing to get a seat – each venue offers a unique culinary experience that celebrates the diverse cultures that make up the country’s rich history.
“If there’s one thing South Africans love, it’s their food,” Culture Scout Teboho Hlatshwayo says
Mikhailia Vera Martha Petersen
Mikhailia Vera Martha Petersen
Mikhailia Vera Martha Petersen
Mikhailia Vera Martha Petersen
Cape Town-based photographer Mikhailia Vera Martha Petersen takes to the city’s coastal village, Kalk Bay to visit one of the country’s oldest working harbors. Celebrating its rich and diverse cultural history, Kalk Bay was “home to a mix of Portuguese, Filipino, Indonesian, Italian, Afrikaans, and British cultures in the 17th century” and is reflected in the cuisine found at its produce market.
“The diverse populations living together and subsisting on harvests from the sea over the years have influenced the variety of flavors and seafood preparations you find on Kalky’s menu,” she explains. Kalky’s is a spot that serves freshly caught seafood supplied by the local fishermen, with its most popular menu item being its take on fish and chips. “Kalky’s size, and menu, have since grown, reflecting the harbor’s rich cultural and nautical history. But it remains a no-frills, no-fuss seafood spot,” Petersen says.
Day Marumo
Day Marumo
Day Marumo
Day Marumo
“In my exploration of Johannesburg’s local cuisine, I had the pleasure of discovering flavors presented by my friend Vaughn Molepo,” videographer/designer Day Marumo says of his local delicacy. Part of the city’s skateboard community, Molepo expanded his horizons and began his culinary journey in 2013 by cooking for close friends.
Molepo’s restaurant Luma Monate, which translates to “Bite that Good,” is located in downtown Maboneng and provides a modern twist to traditional dishes to merge heritage with innovation. A must-try dish is the mini Kota, also known as Bunny Chow or Skhambane which Marumo grew up eating but it’s “Vaughn’s creative touch with different sauces and toppings that add a unique culinary spin to the local delight.”
Teboho Hlatshwayo
Teboho Hlatshwayo
Teboho Hlatshwayo
“If there’s one thing South Africans love it’s their food,” Teboho Hlatshwayo exclaims. And this is a sentiment shared by all of the Culture Scouts.
Visiting one of the oldest markets in the city, the famous Kwa Mai-Mai Market offers some of the best shisanyama (or barbecue) in the country. Boasting a selection of vendors in the bustling market, guests park their cars and are greeted by a server who takes orders. These usually comprise traditional uphutu, freshly made salsa, and meat of your choice.
“Despite being in the middle of the city, the vendors take pride in running a clean operation. We are provided with a bowl of warm water and a cloth to wipe our hands before the feast,” Hlatshwayo breaks down the eating process. “For anyone looking to experience true African cuisine, this is the place to come to.”
Nondumiso Shange
Nondumiso Shange
Nondumiso Shange
Nondumiso Shange
Located in the center of Rosebank Mall, MAMASAMBA serves a fusion of Latin American and South African cuisine – offering the best of both regions. Ordering the oxtail tacos and potato frites, Nondumiso Shange makes note that it’s one of the restaurant’s most famous dishes.
With a vibrant interior design “where the vines sway and the birds dance,” and even more vibrant dishes, the restaurant’s menu comprises of unique spins on traditional favorites alongside an ambiance built around music culture that makes it one of the hottest spots in the city.
To find out more information on the Samsung tech that the Culture Scouts used to capture their “Local Delicacy” check out the brand’s website now.
