The deliciously sweet flavor of South Africa

Hey there! Have you ever tried the mouthwatering sweets from South Africa? Let me tell you, they are truly something special. The country is known for its diverse culture and vibrant flavors, and their sweets are no exception. From traditional treats to modern creations, South Africa has it all.

When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, South Africa has a wide range of options to choose from. Whether you prefer rich and creamy chocolates or fruity and tangy candies, there is something for everyone. The local confectionery industry takes great pride in creating high-quality sweets that capture the essence of South African cuisine.

One of the key factors that sets South African sweets apart is the use of unique ingredients. From delicious indigenous fruits like marula and baobab to the finest cacao beans, these ingredients add a distinctive flavor profile to the sweets. It’s like taking a bite of South Africa’s natural beauty!

But it’s not just about the ingredients; it’s also about the craftsmanship. South African confectioners have perfected the art of creating delectable sweets. Each treat is carefully handcrafted with love and attention to detail. You can taste the passion and dedication in every bite.

Moreover, South African sweets are a true reflection of the country’s diverse cultural heritage. From traditional recipes passed down through generations to innovative creations inspired by global influences, these sweets tell a story. They are a celebration of the vibrant mix of cultures that make up South Africa.

So, if you’re looking for a truly unique and tantalizing sweet experience, look no further than South Africa. Indulge yourself in the diverse flavors, exquisite ingredients, and rich history that these sweets have to offer. Trust me, once you’ve experienced the lekker sweet taste of South Africa, you’ll be hooked!

Let me tell you something cool. There’s this word in South Africa that’s like a secret code for happiness. It’s called “lekker.” Imagine something that’s good, well, and makes you feel all warm inside. That’s lekker. But it’s more than just a feeling—it’s also something sweet, like candy.

Back in the day, before the fancy candies we have now, people used to make their own goodies by hand. It was like an art form. And you know what? Some places in South Africa still do it the old-fashioned way. They’re dedicated to making lekker treats that will make you smile.

There’s this person named Lduzel Lombard Steyn who knows just how to hit the sweet spot. They create amazing stuff that’s guaranteed to make your taste buds dance. It’s like pure magic.

Oh, and did I mention that I have some awesome pictures to show you? They were taken by talented photographers like Sandra Uys, Honest Chocolate, Lisa Mainz, Visionary Delights, and Istock Photography. Trust me, these photos will make your mouth water.

In Parys, there’s a store owned by Henco Uys that’s known for its sweet treats. When you step into his candy store, you’re in for a delightful experience.

I have a fascinating ancestor named Ouma Tok, who was a multi-talented individual hailing from the Karoo region. At home, we proudly display her beautiful still life paintings, and her collection of handwritten recipes in our cupboard is truly a masterpiece. Ouma Tok was a true master when it came to working with sugar.

When I watch those mesmerizing Facebook videos of candy being made, I can’t help but think of it as a true art form. The way sugar is bent, stretched, hardened, and molded to create delicious treats is simply captivating. It reminds me of my great-grandmother, Ouma Tokkie, who used to amaze us with her candy-making skills. During Christmas time, she would create candy canes with perfect white and red stripes. She always carried a small tin in her handbag, filled with homemade hard candy coated in a dusting of corn starch. And on her mantelpiece, she proudly displayed her homemade Turkish Delight. But perhaps her most impressive creations were the personalized wedding cakes she made for each of her grandchildren. They were adorned with the most exquisite and lifelike sugar flowers, meticulously crafted by her skilled hands. I have yet to see sugar work as beautiful as the lilies and pansies she used to create with her homemade sugarpaste.

Have you ever wondered where sugar comes from? It’s fascinating how something as simple as a reed can be transformed into the sweet granulated substance that is found in almost every South African home. In Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal, they even sell pure sugar cane as a snack on the side of the road. It tastes like sweetcorn but sweeter.

But what about the 2.5kg bag of white sugar that you buy at the store? It has the power to take you on a culinary journey. When heated to 100°C, sugar reaches a stage known as the “soft ball stage.” This is when it becomes the perfect consistency for making toffees, fudges, fondants, jams, and nougats. Push it a little further to 130°C, and you enter the “hard ball stage.” Here, the sugar transforms into a crackling candy coating for toffee apples, the clouds of a croquembouche, or the magical candy canes that my grandmother used to make.

I used to listen to the satisfying sound of sugar bubbles popping to determine when my sugar was ready to be molded. A quick and lively “prit-prit-prit” indicated the ideal consistency for making delicious treats like the traditional tameletjie. But times have changed, and now chefs rely on candy thermometers to gauge the temperature.

Tameletjies are the ultimate South African treat. They are called lekker, which comes from the Afrikaans word “lek” meaning ‘to lick’. And these tameletjies are truly lick-worthy – they are the perfect combination of sweet and just a hint of bitterness. They have been enjoyed in South Africa for a long time, dating back to when the Malay settlers introduced them. The sugar used to make them came from the KZN coastline, where sugar plantations are still found today. Back then, sugar was a luxury, but the tameletjie was an affordable sweet treat that the early settlers could make from scratch, so it quickly became popular.

As it grew in popularity, people in different cultures began to adopt and modify it, resulting in various versions. Some added ingredients like pine nuts and almonds, while others incorporated cacao and cream to create chocolate and caramel. Over time, it transformed and evolved into the delicious South African treats we enjoy today. Fortunately, there are still a few places in South Africa that remain committed to making these delectable treats from scratch.

Now, let’s talk about the classic favorites that have stood the test of time.

The Candyman

Hey there! I want to tell you about this awesome candy store I found on the main road in Parys. It’s like stepping back in time to when you were a kid, with all the classic sweets you remember. They have everything from peanut clusters and Chappies to multi-coloured coconut ice, Wilson Toffees, and rocky roads.

What’s really cool is how they display the candies. You’ll find them in glass jars and wooden crates, so you can pick out as much as you want and pay by weight. It’s like being in a candy wonderland!

Candyman is the brainchild of Henco Uys, a South African athlete. He actually started the business with his mom, Sandra, when he was still in school. Back then, he was dealing with Scheuermann’s disease, but luckily, he’s fully recovered now. And guess what? His Candyman shop has grown so much that it even doubled in size in 2019. That’s incredible!

Now, here’s an interesting fact: many of the candies sold at Candyman come from Dicks Sweets, a family business based in Gauteng. They’ve been around since 1938, so you know they’ve got the candy game on lock. If you’re in the area, you should definitely check them out.

So, here are the details if you want to pay a visit: Candyman is located at 74A 8th Street in Parys, Free State. And if you have any questions, you can give them a call at 056 817 7814.

Welcome to the Chocolate Fantasy!

Discover the Honest Chocolate Cafe

This charming little hideaway on Wale Street is a chocolate lover’s paradise and a delightful retreat in the heart of the Mother City. Anthony Gird and Michael de Klerk, the talented co-founders, are dedicated to creating chocolate masterpieces using only the finest, organic ingredients.

The Chocolate Cafe has a sunny courtyard where you can unwind in the evenings at the Secret Gin Bar. During the day, the cozy interior of the cafe fills with the enticing aroma of freshly baked pain au chocolat. You can delight in delectable treats like their highly sinful banana bread bunny chow or indulge in their famous vegan coconut dream shake. Enjoy these scrumptious delights at quaint tables along the sidewalk.

All the decadent treats and chocolate bars at the cafe are lovingly crafted at the nearby Woodstock Kitchen, where Honest also hosts their Bonbon Workshops.
Contact us at 076 765 8306

Where: 64A Wale Street, Cape Town, Western Cape

Hey there! Let me tell you about this awesome place that you should totally check out. It’s located at 64A Wale Street, in Cape Town, Western Cape. Trust me, it’s a spot that you won’t want to miss!

Imagine walking down the colorful streets of Cape Town, with its vibrant energy and lively atmosphere. That’s exactly what you’ll experience when you visit 64A Wale Street. It’s a hidden gem nestled in one of the most beautiful cities in South Africa.

When you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a warm and welcoming ambiance. The interior is thoughtfully designed with a unique blend of modern and traditional elements. It’s a place where history meets contemporary style, creating an unforgettable setting.

As you explore 64A Wale Street, you’ll discover a treasure trove of fascinating stories. Each corner of this space has a tale to tell, and you’ll find yourself getting lost in the rich history and culture of Cape Town. It’s a place that truly celebrates the spirit of this remarkable city.

Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply someone who appreciates beauty, 64A Wale Street has something for everyone. You can immerse yourself in the intriguing exhibitions, admire the incredible artwork, or simply soak in the ambiance of this extraordinary space.

So, why wait? Make your way to 64A Wale Street and let yourself be captivated by its charm. It’s a place that will leave you inspired, filled with wonder, and eager to come back for more. Trust me, this is an experience you won’t want to miss!

The Taste of Summer

Discover the Delight of Granadilla Lollies

Have you ever experienced the refreshing burst of flavors from a granadilla lolly on a hot South African summer day? These iconic treats, sold by vendors along our picturesque beaches, embody the essence of the season. And behind their creation is a fascinating story.

Picture this: it was 1999, and a man named Mr. Adolf van Taak, fondly known as Oom Bula, decided to venture into the business of bringing joy to people’s taste buds. At the time, Oom Bula was a policeman stationed in Jeffreys Bay. Little did he know, his delicious idea would forever change the summer experience for countless individuals.

With his trusty beach buggy and a cooler box filled with homemade granadilla lollies, Oom Bula set out on his newfound culinary adventure. However, the journey wasn’t always smooth sailing. He reminisces about the early days, when a single cooler box wouldn’t suffice. As soon as the lollies were sold out, he had to trek all the way back home to fetch another box. But when he returned to the idyllic beach, he would often find all the parking spots taken, forcing him to endure a long trek just to get back to the main beach.

In 2015, I decided to expand my business and move out of my residential home. However, one thing that hasn’t changed is the way I make my granadilla lollies – they are still crafted by hand, using my trusted recipe. Unlike the lollies where you suck out all the juice and are left with just a ball of ice, mine are different,” says Adolf.

Since then, the Amabula Bula franchise has grown and can now be found on beaches from East London to Cape Town, and recently, along the Durban coastline. If you want to get your hands on one of these delicious treats, just give me a call at 072365 3882.

Where to find me: Dolphin Beach (Main Beach), Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape (or any other reputable South African beach along our 2,500km coastline)

Candy Cloud

A Sweet Trip Down Memory Lane

Ahh, childhood memories… There’s something magical about them, as if they’re delicately wrapped in fluffy, cotton candy clouds. Can you picture it? The heavenly aroma of freshly-spun cotton candy wafts through the air, creating an irresistible allure. It’s like time stands still at small-town agricultural fairs, church fetes, and school entrepreneur’s days – a sugary tradition that never grows old. And who can resist that mesmerizing process of sugar melting and transforming into delicate strands of spun sugar, delicately twirled around a stick?

Of course, not all cotton candy is created equal. The real gems, the ones that make your taste buds tingle with joy, are the ones that don’t need fancy advertising. Instead, they make their way to you, traveling alongside the vibrant festivities of seasonal fairs and community events. But if you’re looking for a truly rare gem, one that’s a constant culinary delight, you’ll find it at the Pretoria Boeremark – Visionary Delights, curated by the extraordinary duo, Coetzer and Lenie Swart.

The Swarts have become famous for their incredible ability to create enormous cotton candy on sticks. Last year, at the Bloem Show, they even set an unofficial world record for the Biggest Cotton Candy on a Stick. They take great pride in making these larger-than-life cotton candy creations. If you’re ever in Pretoria, you can find them at the Pretoria Boeremark in Silverton, Gauteng. They also travel to national shows, fetes, and fairs, so keep an eye out for them there too. If you want to get in touch with them, their phone number is 082 990 8985.

Sugar Secrets

Did you know that sugar cane has been around for thousands of years? It’s true! People in Polynesia were the first known to use it. From there, it made its way to India and became a sensation. The Persians got a taste of it when they invaded India in 510 BC. And guess what? They loved it! The Arab invaders then came to Persia and discovered the art of making sugar. Talk about a sweet discovery!