Food Trail South Africa, Warren Mendes

~ Tandy

Letting food be his guide, Warren has stumbled on some incredible places. Our rainbow nation has produced a melting pot of flavours and our cuisine is like no other because of the people who settled here from all over the world. He shares his adventures and recipes in his book, Food Trail South Africa.

Food Trail South Africa

Embark on a culinary journey through South Africa with renowned chef Warren Mendes as your guide.  Food Trail South Africa  invites you to savour the vibrant flavours and diverse dishes discovered on Warren’s gastronomic expedition through the country.
From bustling markets to hidden kitchens, this cookbook unveils his take on authentic local recipes and brings you an array of exciting new recipes inspired from his travels.
Indulge in the essence of South African cooking and bring its delicious traditions into your home.
Today’s recipe book review Food Trail South Africa from Lavender and Lime ♥ ♥ #LavenderAndLime Share on X
Lamb Samosa Pie
Lamb Samosa Pie
Chapters are divided into:
  • Spice
  • Braai
  • Chilli
  • Seaside
  • Fruit and Veg
  • Slow
  • Snack
  • Sweet
Pistachio And Honey Tart With Rose Pistachio Ice Cream
Pistachio And Honey Tart With Rose Pistachio Ice Cream
Recipes that caught my eye:
  • Bunny Chow (p6)
  • Oxtail Potjie (p9)
  • Biltong (p21)
  • Malay Eggplant Curry (p46)
  • Chicken Dust (p49)
  • Masala Roast Chicken (p54)
  • Lamb Samoosa Pie (p57)
  • Sweet Chicken For Madiba (p63)
  • Lamb Sosaties (p78)
  • Roosterkoek (p82)
  • Denningvleis Cutlets (p85)
  • Boerewors Sausage Roll (p86)
  • Chilli Prawn Risotto (p110)
  • South African Chilli Crab (p114)
  • Pasta Alla Brandy (p122)
  • Spice Battered Fish (p129)
  • Coconut Mussel Curry (p133)
  • Guava Tart Tatin (p159)
  • Pinotage Jam (p163)
  • Pampoenkoekies (p170)
  • Morogo And Amasi Tart (p177)
  • Chenin Shanks (p188)
  • Beer Braised Pork Belly (p197)
  • Garlic Butter Potbrood (p219)
  • Dombolo (p220)
  • Feta Flatbreads (p223)
  • Babotie Spring Rolls (p230)
  • Chocolate Vinegar Pudding (p259)
  • Apricot And Macadamia Cake (p260)
  • Kalahari Pistachio And Honey Tart (p264)
  • Vanilla And Ginger Melkkos (p268)
  • Spiced Scrolls (p275)
Food Trail South Africa Spiced Scrolls
Spiced Scrolls
What I made:

The lamb samoosa pie was amazing and I would make it again in a heartbeat. I hope when I share the recipe it will be replicated by others at home as well. The first time I made the roosterkoek the timings were very out. But, the result was good enough for me to make them a second time! We loved the tart, which I served with ice cream rather than cream, to boost the pistachio flavour. I am a sucker for soft, sweet bakes, and the spiced scrolls were everything I wanted them to be and more.

Roosterkoek With Roasted Red Pepper And Chicken Soup
Roosterkoek With Roasted Red Pepper And Chicken Soup
My impressions:

I am always surprised when recipe books contain a recipe for bunny chow but never talk about the dark history of this dish. It seems to be ignored, or maybe people just don’t know. One day I am going to make this recipe, and share the story behind it. I have chosen very few recipes from this book as I have shared many of them already. The book contains really good photographs, not only of the food, but of this travels as well! I was intrigued by the pampoenkoekies being served with salted caramel, as they are traditionally served as a vegetable side dish. If Dave could be convinced to love pumpkin, I would make these.

COOK THE BOOK:
About the Author
Warren Mendes  is a South African-born chef and food presenter. He completed his classical culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu in Sydney, Paris and London. He recently co-produced and hosted two seasons of the travel and food series  Food Trail South Africa, which was broadcast on the  Australian Channel 10,  and which inspired the publication of  Food Trail South Africa.
Publishing information:
ISBN 9781485901174
Format Hardback
Published May 2025

Click this link if you wish to purchase the recipe book on Amazon Kindle.

Penguin Random House South Africa sent me Food Trail South Africa to review.

See the links below for blog posts I published on November 27:

 

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Published by Tandy

I am passionate about using regional, seasonable and sustainable produce when I cook. I live in Gordons Bay with my husband and dogs. We visit new places locally and overseas as often as we can to experience the food of the area. Follow along on our adventures!

10 thoughts on “Food Trail South Africa, Warren Mendes”

  1. Am smiling as we in Australia regard Warren Mendes as \’one of our own\’ by now . . . And only \’allowed\’ him back to his homeland to show and teach us 🙂 !

    Jokes aside, have watched and very much enjoyed all his TV programmes and it is interesting to know about his book > thank you for bringing the facts to our notice – homework needed!

    Reply

  2. Sounds like a really wonderful cookbook! The lamb pie, pistachio tart and the scrolls all look marvelous. Can’t wait to see what you are going to cook next! Maybe Oxtail Potjie? or classic SA Biltong? The signature SA Pinotage jam sounds wonderful too. When I still drank wine, Pinotage was a FAVOURITE!

    Reply

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