IOL Travel Mag October 2021

IOL

TRAVEL OCTOBER 2021

Take a food journey around the world

“I think food, culture, people and landscape are all absolutely inseparable.”

Anthony Bourdain

Editor’s note

Contents Food and the travel experience Gourmet getaways Eateries you should plan a travel trip for Street food destinations you should visit Travel for these once-in-a-lifetime experiences Cover image | Netflix

PUBLISHER Vasantha Angamuthu vasantha@africannewsagency.com

PRODUCTION Renata Ford renata.ford@inl.co.za

EDITOR Clinton Moodley clinton.moodley@inl.co.za

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Keshni Odayan keshni.odayan@inl.co.za

DESIGN Tanya Fynn tanya.fynn@inl.co.za

SALES Charl Reineke charl.reineke@inl.co.za

EXECUTIVE LIFESTYLE EDITOR Nelandri Narianan nelandri.narianan@inl.co.za

ENQUIRIES info@anapublishing.com

FOOD plays an instrumental part in my travel experience and I have many fond memories of the delightful meals eaten on my trips.

When I was in Seychelles a few years ago, I couldn’t stop eating breadfruit (it looks like a jackfruit).

A staple there, breadfruit is served in many ways, whether you want it in a beautifully spiced curry or a mouthwatering dessert.

I would plan a special trip back to Seychelles to sample more breadfruit dishes – that’s how delicious it is.

When I was in Mozambique a year later, their fresh seafood braai was a highlight of my time there, from the calm boat rides, epic dune sandboarding, sunset kayaking, and lazy afternoons on the hammock with the sound of the ocean not so far away.

Not to mention the coconut cake I indulged in at Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort, the pad thai I devoured at a hotel restaurant in Thailand and a traditional meal in a hut in Lesotho.

This month’s issue of IOL Travel aims to take you on a food journey, and hopefully, inspire future culinary trips.

We share “Why food is such an important part of the travel experience” and unpack the allure of gourmet getaways in South Africa.

We also recommend luxury food travel experiences and some South African eateries you should plan a travel trip for.

As street food is slowly making a comeback, we share the best street food destinations to visit and what to try when you are there.

There’s plenty more content to keep you entertained this month. So grab a few snacks, put your feet up and savour this month’s delectable read.

Until next month,

n o t n i l C

Food & the travel experience

Lutho Pasiya shares why food is such an important part of the travel experience You gain an appreciation for other cultures Trying food staples from other destinations can give you a greater appreciation for their culture. You can also gain a better understanding of the people and traditions through its cuisine.

You learn the history of an area through the food Food has played a huge part in our world’s history.

Wars have been won on account of who had a better food supply and some countries rely almost exclusively on a single crop for survival. Almost everything we eat has a story on how it came about.

Some destinations really celebrate their stories, and you may find that each dish is based on an interesting event.

You gain new flavours and dishes to try at home Most travellers love to recreate their destination’s meals at home. While it may not taste the same, it will be so much fun to master your favourite new dish. Preparing these meals will also conquer up travel memories from the trip.

You will meet people who love to eat as much as you Travelling alone or simply looking to connect with like-minded foodies when in another area? Well, there are plenty of opportunities for food-lovers to gather and take part in group dinners, tour groups and cooking classes tailored exclusively to taste buds.

KWAZULU-NATAL OPENS SECOND PHASE OF THE R20M TOURISM RELIEF FUND

Destination logo

Distressed tourism businesses and operators in KwaZulu-Natal will get another chance to apply for financial assistance when the second phase of the R20 million Tourism Relief Fund reopened on Monday the 27 th of September 2021.

The KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) together with Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN) will work closely with Community Tourism Organisations (CTOs) and tourism formations to ensure that as many qualifying tourism businesses as possible, facing distress, are supported.

Given the low number of successful applicants and the fact that there is still budget available for the Tourism Relief Fund, EDTEA decided that a second intake of applications be considered under revised selection criteria to accommodate more tourism businesses.

“Through this Fund we hope to assist businesses to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, prevent job losses and get them back towards a path of stability. KwaZuluNatal is a leading tourist destination whose success relies on a thriving sector. It is essential that the value chain works in its entirety,” said Mr. Ravi Pillay, the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.

EDTEA and Tourism KZN will be engaging with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the information about the Tourism Relief Fund reaches as many tourism businesses as possible and will ensure that applicants are assisted during the application process. Through these efforts, the Department and the public entity want to ensure that all qualifying businesses in the sector get a fair chance of getting the financial assistance.

Businesses who were not successful in the first round are encouraged to apply again.

“We would like to encourage business owners who will be applying for funds to make sure that they attach the required documentation to their applications. They must also ensure that their businesses meet the necessary tax requirements, and most importantly, avoid submitting incorrect and incomplete information. On completion of this phase we would have reached more than 1 000 tourism enterprises with some form of relief,” MEC Pillay said.

THE TOURISM RELIEF FUND

IS NOW OPEN! The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), together with Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN), have put aside a budget of R20 million for a provincial Tourism Relief Fund to help save tourism businesses from collapse and job losses.

WHO CAN APPLY? Tourism Enterprises

Tour Guides

Arts & Craft Co-operatives

Traditional Performance Groups

Applications opened on 27 September 2021 and will close on 29 October 2021.

Destination Management Companies (DMCs) Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs) Incentive Buyers and Exhibition Companies

Rickshaw Operators

Application forms are accessible online from the official TKZN website: www.kzntourismfund.co.za

Visit www.kzntourismfund.co.za to apply

Gourmet getaways CLINTON MOODLEY SOUTH Africa offers a smorgasbord of food experiences, whether it’s a shisanyama meal at a township, a Cape Malay curry in the Bo-Kaap, or a lamb bunny at a familyrun business in Durban. And, it seems travel companies are now maximising on South Africa’s unique food scene with bespoke tours and getaways that delve into the destination's history, culture and food attractions.

Enter the world of gourmet getaways, a sumptuous way for travellers to explore a destination while tucking into delicious cuisine.

From its half-day tours or week-long culinary escapes, gourmet getaways are fast taking shape in the country. One such establishment that is riding on the gourmet getaway bandwagon is Schoone Oordt Country House in Swellendam.

The 5-star property started their gourmet getaway weekend in May to put Swellendam on the map.

Owners Richard and Alison Walker collaborated with the hospitality industry in Swellendam to offer guests an exclusive look at some of the area’s top culinary jaunts.

“South Africa is renowned for its food culture.

You can find a great meal practically anywhere.

“The country is home to interesting people and stories, which translates to its food. It not only sustains your body but feeds your soul. Therefore, we hope our gourmet weekends encourage other hospitality establishments to show off their food attractions in their city or small towns,” she said.

Lending a helping hand Walker said collaboration played a vital role in the tourism industry, especially during the pandemic. She created a WhatsApp group called Hospitality Support to encourage Swellendam tourism businesses to share ideas and lend support in times of need.

“Travel offerings like gourmet getaways benefit us all, showcase what a particular destination offers and entice people to visit. Food is a big thing for us, and we want that to translate into our guest experiences,” she said.

Eat like a local After losing a majority of his international clients due to the pandemic, Rupesh Kassen, the founder of Eat Like a Local, is adapting his food tours to cater to the local market. He hosts a vegan food tour and the City Bowl tasting experience that takes travellers to Cape Town central and Bo-Kaap.

Kassen advised travellers planning gourmet getaways to research the foodie attractions at their chosen destination. He warned them to steer clear of tourist traps.

“Ask locals for recommendations. For example, many bloggers, Instagram and Tik Tok accounts offer a wealth of information. They know many hidden foodie gems that serve good cuisine and aren't packed with tourists,” he said.

Kassen recommended booking accommodation at your food destination to avoid long travel times.

“The best time to start embarking on food tours is on your first day to familiarise yourself with the destination,” he said.

Booking tour guides comes highly recommended, especially when travelling to places you haven't been before.

Walker said people should look for the must-try food experiences at the destination.

“Find out what the top foodie spots are, and then do research of your own to create an itinerary with experiences that you enjoy. Connect with your hotel for insider tips. Try something out of your comfort zone,” she said.

Price tag Foodie experiences start from R1 469 for a 4-hour tour. The cost of a gourmet weekend or week-long getaway depends on your budget, the types of experiences you add to your itinerary and your accommodation grading.

Schoone Oordt Country House in Swellendam.

Eateries you should plan a travel trip for CLINTON MOODLEY

Nothing beats exploring a new destination while sampling tantalising cuisine in a picturesque setting. South Africa boasts a range of food experiences, with many restaurants rated among the best in the world. Dine by the ocean or at a national park – there’s something for everyone

Strandkombuis, Western Cape On the West Coast is Strandkombuis, nestled in the dunes between a nature reserve and the longest beach in South Africa. Its famed Sunday seafood buffet is by booking only. The buffet includes everything from West Coast mussels, braaied prawns with garlic butter sauce, warm smoked fish to calamari and koeksisters. For those who want to revel in the magic for longer, accommodation options are available. Visit www. strandkombuis.com/

The Bull Run, Gauteng The Bull Run, a visually appealing restaurant in Sandton, is a top spot for international and business travellers.

The restaurant, which has been around for more than 20 years, serves everything from steaks and light meals to cleverly plated desserts.

Located at the base of Protea Hotel by Marriot Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton, The Bull Run is also home to the Dollar Bar that serves hand-crafted cocktails, craft beer and fine wine. Be sure to snap a photograph with the 3.2m long, 2.2m tall pure bronze bull weighing 1.2 tons. Visit www. thebullrun.co.za/

Muisbosskerm, Western Cape Muisbosskerm, voted one of the Top Ten Sea Views to Dine For by National Geographic, showcases pristine views as it is right on the shore, 5km south of Lambert’s Bay on the Elands Bay Road.

The brainchild of Edward and Elmien Turner, the eatery gets its name from a shelter built from a bush called muisbos. The food is prepared in front of guests while they tuck into homemade bread. From the traditional waterblommetjie and hotnotskool

bredie to a fresh homemade potato yeast bread straight from the clay oven, the three-hour buffet doesn’t disappoint. Visit www.muisbosskerm.co.za/ Bientang’s Cave, Western Cape Bientang’s Cave is known as one of the best land-based whale watching restaurants in the world. The restaurant in Walker Bay was created out of a traditional cave, previously inhabited by a Koi Strandloper of

the same name. Located on the ocean’s edge, travellers can take in its stunning views while they sample the delectable cuisine.

Like the Bientang’s seafood potjie filled with succulent line fish, prawns, mussels and calamari all simmered in a creamy Pernod and seafood veloute. Or their famous Cape seafood curry cooked in a Malay spiced coconut curry sauce.

Vegetarian and chicken options are available. If you are lucky, you may spot dassie. Visit www. bientangscave.com

Qunu, Gauteng For those seeking a menu of local and international flavours, Qunu in Johannesburg offers that and more. As its name suggests, Qunu pays homage to the Eastern Cape town, once home to Nelson Mandela. “With its picturesque indoor-outdoor atmosphere Qunu exudes a sense of being an intrinsic part of Africa,” the restaurant teases on its website. The eatery showcases seasonal ingredients with meals paired with wine recommended by expert sommeliers.

Visit www.saxon.co.za/ restaurants-bars/qunu/

Carnivore Restaurant, Gauteng

Die Strandloper, Western Cape Die Strandloper restaurant is on the beach in Langebaan.

Coupled with its splendid views, the restaurant serves delectable seafood. Through bookings, the restaurant opens on Saturday and Sunday for lunch. Tuck into a mouthwatering fish curry, mussel pots, and homemade roosterkoek. The freshly made bread is served with delicious jams. Guests can bring their own refreshments or visit the famous Beach Bar for delightful drink options.

Visit https://strandloper.com/ Kruger Station, Kruger National Park Kruger Station is where you go to get a tasty meal and glorious views of the Kruger National Park. You may even spot a few animals as you sink your teeth into your meal. For a quick lunch, visit the Enroute Grab ’N Go Deli and the Departing Soon coffee and ice cream café. Head to Round in 9 for more casual dining and 3638 for a more laid-back food experience.

Other attractions include a biltong bar and a petit four station. Visit www.krugerstation.com/

Dubbed “Africa’s Greatest Eating Experience”, the award-winning Muldersdrift restaurant is at Misty Hills Country Hotel, Conference Centre & Spa. With a string of awards, including Best Traditional Restaurant and Best Restaurant to Take Tourists To, the all-you-can-eat dining concept allows guests to sample game and domestic meat dishes. Vegetarian and fish dishes are also available.

Visit www.carnivore.co.za/ Catharina’s on 15, KwaZulu-Natal Catharina’s on 15 at The Gorge Private Game Lodge & Spa embraces the “field to fork” philosophy by using its own fresh produce and incorporating essential oils crops into the sensory-dining experience.

Meal options include lamb and marigold arancini, honey and rooibos glazed pork belly with pela pela peppers and feta mousse, lavender-cured salmon trout and Kalahari kreef. In addition, the hotel offers luxurious accommodation, hiking or mountain biking, a spa and birdwatching.

Visit www.thegorge.co.za

La Colombe, Western Cape Positioned as one of the top restaurants in the world, La Colombe at Silvermist Wine Estate in Constantia is every foodie’s dream restaurant.

Travellers enjoy a food “experience” of epic portions, with courses that look and taste delicious. The restaurant was named Best Fine Dining Restaurant in Africa in this year’s TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best list and won Best Restaurant in Africa at the World Culinary Awards last year.

Visit www.lacolombe.co.za/

Wolfgat, Western Cape Award-winning Wolfgat in Paternoster has a string of awards under its belt. The restaurant, voted among The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2021, seats 20 people on a booking only basis. Headed by Kobus van der Merwe, travellers can expect a seven-course meal that celebrates indigenous ingredients specific to the coastal location. The views are equally delicious.

In addition to its impressive food offerings, the restaurant’s building dates from more than 130 years with the Wolfgat cave on the premises. Due to its popularity, you may have to book your visit months in advance. Visit www.wolfgat.co.za/

Street food destinations you should visit CLINTON MOODLEY

Forget gourmet restaurants, the best way to sample a destination’s cuisine is through its street food offerings

Mexico

Thailand

Travellers to Mexico visit the country for its azure beaches, party spots and top-of-the-range resorts.

But its street food is a winner, too.

Tamales, a traditional Mesoamerican dish steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf, is undoubtedly one of the popular dishes in Mexico. Travellers can find it at food vendors or restaurants across the country.

Other popular options include tacos, quesadillas, tostadas, empanadas, nachos, fajita and tortas.

Thailand is famed for its food markets and street vendors. When the destination fully reopens, you will find street vendors prepare meals in front of you, with plenty of options to choose from. Popular food includes pad thai, kaao laad kaeng (curry on rice), mango sticky rice and Thai iced tea.

A popular place to satisfy your street food craving is Yaowarat, also known as China Town, in Bangkok. Lined with market stalls, street-side restaurants and gold shops, China Town should be on every foodie’s bucket list.

Morocco Morocco is distinguished by its Berber, Arabian and European cultural influences. The street food scene is flourishing. Harira, known as the national soup of Morocco, is one of the traditional meals you must try. The tomato-based soup is made with chickpeas and lentils.

There’s also the merguez, a grilled red, spicy mutton or beef-based sausage and sardines served with parsley and paprika. Morocco is the largest canned sardine exporter.

For those with a sweet tooth, try their chebakia. The pastry dough, created to look like a rose, is deepfried and poured with a syrup of honey and rosewater, finished with sesame seeds. Be sure to explore the streets of Fez, known as Morocco’s culinary capital.

India

South Africa South African cuisine combines African, Asian and European elements. For the best street food experience, explore Durban. Indulge in a bunny chow, a hollowed-out bread filled with a curry of your choice: mutton, chicken or beans.

Also,try the amagwinya (vetkoek), a deep-fried savoury dough filled with mince or cheese. Many vendors serve this comfort food at street corners, but restaurants serve “gourmet” versions with additional combinations. Other notable mentions include koeksisters, boerewors, biltong and kota.

Bali Bali is another Asian destination that thrills foodie travellers. Besides its spectacular views and array of temples, Bali is a destination packed with flavour.

Popular street food items include sate (satay), a southeast Asian dish of seasoned, skewered and grilled meat; bakso, an Indonesian meatball with hot broth; and pisang rai, a boiled banana wrapped in rice flour and rolled in coconut.

India is known to offer some of the best street foods and the majority of them are vegetarian-friendly.

Among their traditional meals is bhelpuri, a mixture of puffed rice, potatoes and roasted peanuts and pani puri, a crisp, hollowed puris with potato, moong and chickpeas. Also try aloo tikki, a deepfried dish made with mashed potato, lentils and cottage cheese.

For those with a sweet tooth, sink your teeth into a jalebi smothered in a sugary syrup. No trip is complete without trying some chai tea prepared by a chaiwala. Visit Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai for the best street food offerings.

Travel for these once-in-a-lifetime experiences SACHA VAN NIEKERK

Combining fine dining with food theatre and awe-inspiring scenery, these restaurants are worth travelling across the globe for Sublimotion - Ibiza, Spain About R30 000 per person Sublimotion opened its doors in 2014 on the Spanish island of Ibiza. The dining experience has been described as fantastical, futuristic, and thought-provoking eating at its finest, thanks to the innovative techniques used

by Michelin 2-star chef Paco Roncero who uses molecular gastronomy along with music, lighting, ambience and food to excite all the senses. The meal features 20 different food sampling dishes and seats a maximum of 12 people at a time. Taking their patrons on a newly designed multi-sensory journey, they also have a total of 25 employees, including craftsmen, cooks, illusionists, waiters, and a plate jockey. According to the website Veebrant, there is a musical menu, choreographed service and groundbreaking technology to aid in the experience where guests feast on avant-garde cuisine in a high-tech, interactive environment dubbed “capsule,” which acts as a blank canvas ready to be changed into any scene imaginable during the event.

Ithaa Undersea – Maldives About R4500 per person Dine 5m beneath the ocean’s surface at the world’s first undersea restaurant.

Opened in 2005, the restaurant and aquarium hybrid offers panoramic views of colourful coral gardens, indigenous sea creatures and fusion meals paired with excellent wines. Ithaa is available for private dinners, weddings, and other special events, and is a popular favourite among honeymooners. Their fourcourse set menus are inspired by local tastes mixed with Western influences which are paired with a wine theme.

Their Charcoal Reef Lobster is one of the standout dishes on their menu and features a whole Maldivian lobster gratinated with saffron and espelette chilli hollandaise, served with smoked avocado mash, corn tiles and beetroot tortellini.

Musashi at Aman Tokyo, Japan About R4 300 per person The flavour affair that is Musashi by Aman takes place at an eight-seat Hinoki cypress-wood counter that allows guests to partake in the genuine Japanese omakase eating ritual. Master Chef Musashi makes an excellent assortment of sushi and sashimi right in front of them, using the best and freshest ingredients available. Omakase, which translates to “I will leave it to you,” is a Japanese practice of surrendering your order to the chef and giving them complete creative control over your dining experience. A professional chef with a wide range of ingredients and extensive expertise is required for a successful omakase experience.

Master Chef Musashi visits the Tokyo fish market early morning to choose the freshest seasonal seafood, which he then pairs with his own-grown sushi rice to create his omakase dishes.

Guy Savoy – Paris, France About R6 700 per person For a truly sophisticated fine dining experience, a visit to Guy Savoy’s restaurant in Paris is a must. Described by some as a ‘celebration of life’, dinner at the Guy Savoy Restaurant provides an intimate dining experience with the finest degree of personalisation, attention to detail and beautiful Contemporary French cuisine.

Dining takes place on the second level of the magnificent stone edifice that once housed the national mint.

Guy Savoy has five modest but beautifully furnished dining rooms with views of the Seine, as well as one extra room. The wine list is extensive, and it is given to customers in a big bound book on its own table.

From the starters right down to the desserts, The amount of effort that goes into every element of cooking here is immense.

Have you discovered these digital magazines yet?

Click here to read our magazines now.

To receive all our FREE digital magazines directly to your mailbox, email iol.magazines@inl.co.za with the word Digital.

Advertising Sales queries: Charl Reineke | charl.reineke@inl.co.za