How we eat is shifting, and a new diet fad or celebrity chef is not driving it. It's coming from a pharmacy (or a friend in the know). GLP-1 medications, originally developed to manage diabetes and now widely used for weight loss, have quietly become one of the most disruptive forces in the food industry [...]
A growing number of South Africans are shifting away from traditional fast-food options and instead ordering healthy, ready-to-heat meals delivered to their doorsteps. The trend reflects changing tastes, tighter household budgets and a growing supply of high-quality, artisan food producers offering authentic, chef-driven dishes that bridge convenience and nutrition. Longer work hours and busier lifestyles [...]
The steady rise of artisanal food producers is reshaping the grocery landscape and putting new pressures on major retail outlets. Small-batch makers like craft bakers, cheesemakers, charcuterie artisans, speciality chocolatiers and boutique preservers have captured consumers’ imaginations with stories of provenance, hand-crafted techniques and local ingredients. Their growth is driven by shifting consumer values - [...]
Cape Town is globally renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and world-class culinary scene, but for those willing to look a little closer, the city’s natural surroundings and even local gardens offer a hidden, nutritional bounty. The concept of "superfoods" - nutrient-dense foods packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants - often conjures images of expensive, imported [...]
The clatter of cutlery, the murmur of conversation, the soft glow of ambient lighting – these are no longer just background noise in a restaurant. They're integral components of a dining experience that is increasingly valued as much, if not more, than the food itself. A seismic shift is underway in people's culinary expectations with [...]
Every home cook has been there—you’re halfway through a recipe when you suddenly you find yourself running low or missing some critical ingredients. Do you abandon your culinary masterpiece? Order takeout? Panic? Absolutely not! The secret to great cooking isn’t just about following recipes—it’s about knowing how to adapt, improvise, and make magic with what [...]
At Stir Crazy, we train our chefs that delicious cooking is an artful balance of flavours. Beyond the simple addition of salt and pepper, understanding the interplay of sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami is key to creating truly memorable dishes. Imagine this - you've diligently followed a recipe, the kitchen is filled with [...]
We've all seen them - most often late at night as we're leaving the restaurant. You can make out the shapes sitting in an alleyway, the giveaway glow of a cigarette lighting up their faces, chatting about the shift that just ended. You hurry your loved ones past them before they see you, concerned that [...]
Is culinary school worth it? Let’s explore the advantages and downsides of getting a culinary degree or diploma. Whether you’re a high school student debating your next move… an established adult considering a career change… or an experienced cook looking to advance your skills or start your own business… attending culinary school is a big [...]
The potential impacts of El Niño on South Africa’s food value chain warrant significant attention. With forecasts suggesting an increase in temperatures and the possibility of a heatwave, the risk of #foodchaos looms large. Stakeholders must prepare for the adverse effects that this climatic phenomenon may have on agricultural productivity and food security. As #ELNINO [...]
