Oluthando Keteyi|Published
Celebrity chef and cookbook author Lorna Maseko continues to put South African cuisine on the international map, recently bringing her culinary skills to the home of the Atlanta Hawks in the United States.
Maseko has been giving her social media followers a glimpse into her American adventures, including her time as a guest chef at State Farm Arena, where basketball fans sampled her take on a South African favourite.
Bringing South African flavours to Atlanta
In a vlog shared on social media, Maseko documented her experience at the basketball arena, including an interview with "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Shamea Morton.
During their conversation, Maseko introduced Morton to her South African-style chilli, made with chakalaka, a traditional South African relish typically prepared with ingredients such as peppers and tomatoes, alongside curry spices.
Describing the dish, Maseko said it was “really comforting, absolutely vibrant and delicious”.
The chef also used the opportunity to introduce viewers to eKhaya Hospitality, a supper club she hosts that celebrates food from across different cultures and communities.
“If you love food, you're going to explore the Caribbean, Haiti, Africa, the diaspora. We've got it for you, so tonnes of fun, delicious food and great people,” she explained.
A South African twist on a comfort-food favourite
At State Farm Arena, basketball fans had the opportunity to try Maseko's South African-style chilli, which she served with a selection of toppings.
The dish was finished with crème fraîche, pickled red onions and crunchy tortilla chips, combining familiar comfort-food elements with distinctly South African flavours.
“With that lovely fall weather, this was just the perfect dish for something warm, hearty and really comforting,” she said.
Judging by the reactions featured in her vlog, the dish appeared to be a hit with those who got to sample it.
'We're more alike than we are different'
Reflecting on the experience, Maseko said she particularly enjoyed seeing how food could introduce people to different cultures while bringing them together.
“Taking familiar flavours and giving them a little twist and reminding us that we're more alike than we are different and of course, seeing my name up at State Farm Arena was such a special moment,” she said.
For Maseko, the appearance offered another opportunity to share a taste of South Africa with an international audience, showing how local flavours can find a place in different culinary settings.
IOL