MaNdlovu on why a taste of home always wins

There’s no polite way to put it: my favourite city, London, let me down. The fish and chips experience that had sat on my bucket list for years didn’t live up to expectations. This iconic meal has been a part of British culture since the 1860s, and although fish and chips is also common in South Africa, I wanted to taste the original—the “OG.” But the first bite was disappointing. The batter was far too thick, the fish lacked flavour, and despite the generous portion, there was no saving the experience. It felt… flat.

Perhaps that disappointment reveals less about London and more about us. South African food has influenced my palate profoundly. Our cuisine, shaped by the diverse cultures that form our nation, is bold, intricate, and unapologetically full of flavour. We don’t hold back on herbs and spices; we craft with them, creating combinations that linger long after the meal ends. From the smoky richness of a braai to the comforting depth of samp and beans, our food does more than fill you up; it creates memories. The kind that stay with you, that you crave when you’re far from home, that quietly elevate your expectations wherever you go.

A British culinary tradition that did not let me down, however, was the roasted chicken supreme prepared by the team at the Belmont Hotel in Leicester. The dish was simple but quietly exceptional. The chicken, crisp on the outside, carried the comforting flavours of butter and black pepper. It was served with wild mushrooms in a silky white sauce, alongside sautéed broccolini and perfectly roasted potatoes. It was the kind of meal that doesn’t try too hard yet delivers completely. That plate made me smile, and it’s enough reason for me to return to Leicester.

Another city that exceeded expectations, this time without hesitation, was New York City. What stands out immediately is the sheer variety. From countless coffee shops and street food vendors to fine dining restaurants, bagel stands, and pizza spots, you’d be hard-pressed to run out of options. One experience that still lingers is my visit to Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery. I’ve written about it before, and it remains a favourite. The best way to describe Junior’s is this: it feels like New York City’s own version of a “taste of home”.

Although cheesecake didn’t originate in New York, New York–style cheesecake definitely did, and it has developed a life of its own. I love cheesecake, and I’ll admit, I make one of the best I’ve ever tasted, apart from Junior’s. That cheesecake challenged me, and I must admit it’s a worthy competitor.

The closest I’ve come to experiencing the warmth and comfort of a South African meal abroad was in Burlington, Vermont. On a cold, snowy day, I was served a beef short rib dish with vegetables and mash infused with garlic and mushrooms. I’m not usually a beef person, but this was different. The tenderness, the depth of flavour - it felt familiar. Comforting in a way that went beyond taste. For a moment, I even wondered if the chef might be South African.

There have been many times I’ve said that travel can teach you, heal you, and bring immense joy. But what we don’t always talk about is how it quietly deepens your gratitude for where you come from and for the things that make home, home.

Food isn’t the only thing that makes South Africa special, but it’s certainly one of the things you feel most when you’re on the other side of the world.

This week’s instalment has reminded me that my love for food might just rival my love for travel. Maybe. Because no matter how far I go or how many patisseries and bakeries I explore, there are certain flavours I will always return for: peppermint tart, malva pudding, and milk tart. Not just for their taste but for the comforting feeling of home they embody.

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* Sané Ndlovu is a proudly local, globally curious travel writer, PR practitioner, and avid solo traveller.