South Africa on a Plate: Are We Missing a Golden Tourism Opportunity?

Are we too busy chasing international food trends to appreciate what’s already on our doorstep?

In this episode, Stephen Hickmore, the SilverFox, explores the food trends shaping 2027 and asks why South Africa isn’t doing more to showcase its extraordinary culinary heritage to the world.

From township kotas and shisanyama to Cape Malay cuisine, Durban’s famous bunny chow, traditional braais and indigenous ingredients, we explore how our regional dishes can be reimagined for modern diners without losing their authenticity.

Add our world-class wines, growing craft-beer scene and the incredible stories behind our local food producers, and we have the ingredients for something special.

With international visitors increasingly seeking memorable, authentic experiences, could South African food and drink become a much bigger part of our tourism offering? And how can restaurants, hotels and hospitality educators use local sourcing to support communities, strengthen sustainability and create a distinctive competitive advantage?

It’s time to stop looking over our shoulders at the rest of the world and start looking at what’s cooking right here at home.

The SilverFox asks: What are you putting on your menu in 2027 that tells the world something genuinely South African?

Join the conversation on Hospitality Insight with the SilverFox — where hospitality gets a little honest, a little mischievous, and always thought-provoking.

Stephen Hickmore

Stephen is a hospitality professional from Johannesburg South Africa. His career started with THF hotels in the UK and subsequently with the Southern Sun Hotel group in Johannesburg. Stephen’s first steps into entrepreneurship was Hickmore Recruitment / CareerMap,  a leading supplier of Senior and Exec recruitment services.  Stephen was a founder  of Pple Hospitality (formerly HSC) the largest Hospitality Industry full-service outsourced staffing company in South Africa. In March 2020 Stephen became a director and owner of the Swiss Hotel School South Africa, which is now his full time passion.

SHS – Institute of Hospitality Management

SHS – Institute of Culinary Arts

Stephen writes for a number of publications on food and hospitality industry matters, trends and opinions. He also hosts a Podcast on Spotify “Hospitality Insight with The SilverFox”