REPORT

MILLETS REPORT

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations declared 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023). Millet, an ancient grain, is indigenous to South Africa, and has the potential to play a major role in addressing climate change and food security. The Millets Report includes articles by many experts; from nutritional benefits by Mpho Tshukudu, recipes by Khanya Mzongwana and Tapiwa Guzha, to a humorous column by Dr Anna Trapido, a manifesto for the Sorghum Agenda by Zandile Finxa and a personal essay by Mokgadi Itsweng.

THE TEAM

Contributors: Khanya Mzongwana, Tapiwa Guzha, Mpho Tshukudu, Mokgadi Itsweng, Zandile Finxa, Dr Anna Trapido, Lynette Botha

Copy editing: Lynette Botha, JC Landman

Table scapes in millet flour: Hendrik Coetzee

Recipe styling: Khanya Mzongwana

Millet photos styling: Juwan Beyers

Photos: Daniela Zondagh

MILLETS REPORT

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations declared 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023). Millet, an ancient grain, is indigenous to South Africa, and has the potential to play a major role in addressing climate change and food security. The Millets Report includes articles by many experts; from nutritional benefits by Mpho Tshukudu, recipes by Khanya Mzongwana and Tapiwa Guzha, to a humorous column by Dr Anna Trapido, a manifesto for the Sorghum Agenda by Zandile Finxa and a personal essay by Mokgadi Itsweng.

THE TEAM

Contributors: Khanya Mzongwana, Tapiwa Guzha, Mpho Tshukudu, Mokgadi Itsweng, Zandile Finxa, Dr Anna Trapido, Lynette Botha

Copy editing: Lynette Botha, JC Landman

Table scapes in millet flour: Hendrik Coetzee

Recipe styling: Khanya Mzongwana

Millet photos styling: Juwan Beyers

Photos: Daniela Zondagh

EDUCATION
CONCEPT

KIDS FOOD CURRICULUM

THE CLIENT

V&A Waterfront Makers Landing

THE BRIEF

Develop a kids food curriculum

THE RESULT

We are thankful to collaborators like the V&A Waterfront and Makers Landing who are serious about positively impacting South Africa’s food system by investing in children’s culinary education. Showcased here is a food curriculum we developed for them, aimed at teaching kitchen basics to kids between the ages of 5 and 12 — from appreciating South African flavours to the health benefits of different foods, how kitchen equipment works, the science of baking and everything in between.

THE TEAM

Programme design and development: Studio H

Recipe development: Studio H

Research: Studio H

Copy and editing: Studio H

Graphic design: Casper Schutte, Spook Design

KIDS FOOD CURRICULUM

THE CLIENT

V&A Waterfront Makers Landing

THE BRIEF

Develop a kids food curriculum

THE RESULT

We are thankful to collaborators like the V&A Waterfront and Makers Landing who are serious about positively impacting South Africa’s food system by investing in children’s culinary education. Showcased here is a food curriculum we developed for them, aimed at teaching kitchen basics to kids between the ages of 5 and 12 — from appreciating South African flavours to the health benefits of different foods, how kitchen equipment works, the science of baking and everything in between.

THE TEAM

Programme design and development: Studio H

Recipe development: Studio H

Research: Studio H

Copy and editing: Studio H

Graphic design: Casper Schutte, Spook Design

LAB

HAPPY CAKE

Crowd-sourced food design: Hannerie was a speaker at the 2022 Design Summit at 100 Percent Design Africa. As part of her presentation the audience took part in a crowd-sourced food design experiment. The Happy Cake Project in collaboration with Sweet LionHeart, aimed to design the world’s happiest cake. At the Summit we presented a Beta version of the cake for everyone to taste: Kefir and cacao nib chocolate cake with honey and mucuna Swiss meringue buttercream. We asked the audience to design version 2.0 of the cake with us by voting for various options through a cloud-based platform. The audience voted that the next cake would be: 

Cake flavours: Dark chocolate (1st choice) and Sourdough honey (2nd option)

Filing and icing: Bee pollen buttercream (1st choice) & Lavender buttercream (2nd option)

Colour: Yellow

Eaten with: Your hands

Listen while eating: Happy by Pharrell Willliams

HAPPY CAKE

Crowd-sourced food design: Hannerie was a speaker at the 2022 Design Summit at 100 Percent Design Africa. As part of her presentation the audience took part in a crowd-sourced food design experiment. The Happy Cake Project in collaboration with Sweet LionHeart, aimed to design the world’s happiest cake. At the Summit we presented a Beta version of the cake for everyone to taste: Kefir and cacao nib chocolate cake with honey and mucuna Swiss meringue buttercream. We asked the audience to design version 2.0 of the cake with us by voting for various options through a cloud-based platform. The audience voted that the next cake would be: 

Cake flavours: Dark chocolate (1st choice) and Sourdough honey (2nd option)

Filing and icing: Bee pollen buttercream (1st choice) & Lavender buttercream (2nd option)

Colour: Yellow

Eaten with: Your hands

Listen while eating: Happy by Pharrell Willliams

RECIPES

SHALLOT AND APPLE CHUTNEY

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Dutoit shallots
  • 1 kg Granny Smith apples
  • 20 ml dried thyme
  • 900 ml white wine vinegar
  • 500 g brown sugar
  • 200 g sultanas
  • 10 ml salt
  • 5 ml crushed black pepper

Method

  • Peel and thinly slice the shallots. 
  • Peel and evenly dice the apples. 
  • Add all the ingredients into a large pot and allow to cook at a low heat until caramlised. 
  • The chutney is ready when all the liquid has evaporated and the mixture is a light caramel colour. 
  • Place into a glass jar with a sealed lid. Store in the fridge for at least one week before using. 
  • This chutney can last in the refrigerator for at least six months.

Developed in collaboration with Dutoit, available from our Birthday Shop.

SHALLOT AND APPLE CHUTNEY

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Dutoit shallots
  • 1 kg Granny Smith apples
  • 20 ml dried thyme
  • 900 ml white wine vinegar
  • 500 g brown sugar
  • 200 g sultanas
  • 10 ml salt
  • 5 ml crushed black pepper

Method

  • Peel and thinly slice the shallots. 
  • Peel and evenly dice the apples. 
  • Add all the ingredients into a large pot and allow to cook at a low heat until caramlised. 
  • The chutney is ready when all the liquid has evaporated and the mixture is a light caramel colour. 
  • Place into a glass jar with a sealed lid. Store in the fridge for at least one week before using. 
  • This chutney can last in the refrigerator for at least six months.

Developed in collaboration with Dutoit, available from our Birthday Shop.

CONTENT
TV PRODUCTION

MCSA S4 CHALLENGE PRODUCTION

THE CLIENT

Masterchef SA Season 4

THE BRIEF

Studio H was tasked to prepare contestants for the show during the two weeks leading up to production as well as with producing specialist challenges for the show.

MCSA S4 CHALLENGE PRODUCTION

THE CLIENT

Masterchef SA Season 4

THE BRIEF

Studio H was tasked to prepare contestants for the show during the two weeks leading up to production as well as with producing specialist challenges for the show.

MENU DESIGN
FOOD DESIGN

AIR JORDAN 1 '85 OG EARLY ACCESS DINNER

THE CLIENT

Lemkus

THE BRIEF

Curate a menu and produce the early access VIP dinner for the Air Jordan 1 '85 OG

THE RESULT

Inspired by Michael Jordan’s favourite foods, the menu paid homage to his legacy while creating a memorable dining experience for 23 VIP guests – his iconic jersey number. The first course featured a “Bred Basket” with local flair, including freshly grilled roosterkoek and black sesame-infused bread, served with biltong butter and smoortjie. The main course was flame-grilled ribeye with classic sharing sides – Caesar salad, garlic-infused creamed spinach, and grilled pumpkin pie with maple glaze. (Each ribeye was seared with the Jumpman logo, adding a bold tribute to the sneaker legend.) Dessert paid tribute to comfort food with an ice cream cookie sandwich.

THE TEAM

Concept, experience design, menu design, culinary curation: Studio H, Kosgangsta

Chef: Strone Henry (Kosgangsta), Ashleigh Frans

Food collaborators: Cream of the Crop

AIR JORDAN 1 '85 OG EARLY ACCESS DINNER

THE CLIENT

Lemkus

THE BRIEF

Curate a menu and produce the early access VIP dinner for the Air Jordan 1 '85 OG

THE RESULT

Inspired by Michael Jordan’s favourite foods, the menu paid homage to his legacy while creating a memorable dining experience for 23 VIP guests – his iconic jersey number. The first course featured a “Bred Basket” with local flair, including freshly grilled roosterkoek and black sesame-infused bread, served with biltong butter and smoortjie. The main course was flame-grilled ribeye with classic sharing sides – Caesar salad, garlic-infused creamed spinach, and grilled pumpkin pie with maple glaze. (Each ribeye was seared with the Jumpman logo, adding a bold tribute to the sneaker legend.) Dessert paid tribute to comfort food with an ice cream cookie sandwich.

THE TEAM

Concept, experience design, menu design, culinary curation: Studio H, Kosgangsta

Chef: Strone Henry (Kosgangsta), Ashleigh Frans

Food collaborators: Cream of the Crop

POP-UP
EXPERIENCE DESIGN
CREATIVE DIRECTION

THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY POP-UP

THE CLIENT

Beam Suntory

THE BRIEF

Develop a disruptive earned media campaign aligned to The House of Suntory portfolio’s single minded messaging around Japanese craftsmanship in order to elevate awareness and accelerate meaning for The House of Suntory brands, whilst bringing the brand propositioning to life.  

THE RESULT

Studio H developed a consumer-first strategy that would increase the brand's most impactful channels to inspire action through shared passions by immersing the consumer in The House of Suntory brand world. The pop-up concept amplified the brands' alignment with Japanese craftsmanship that was further magnified through a programme of tastings and lifestyle Masterclasses.

The campaign coincided with Sakura (cherry blossom) season in Japan and invited consumers to immerse themselves in a sensory journey – capturing the essence of Japanese culture – at Hyde Park Corner, Johannesburg.

Project Lead: JC Landman

Creative Direction and Styling: Klara van Wyngaarden

Graphic Design: Spook Design Co.

Brand Ambassadors: Just Short, Steve Zylstra

Masterclass curation: WAZA

Food service: KōL

THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY POP-UP

THE CLIENT

Beam Suntory

THE BRIEF

Develop a disruptive earned media campaign aligned to The House of Suntory portfolio’s single minded messaging around Japanese craftsmanship in order to elevate awareness and accelerate meaning for The House of Suntory brands, whilst bringing the brand propositioning to life.  

THE RESULT

Studio H developed a consumer-first strategy that would increase the brand's most impactful channels to inspire action through shared passions by immersing the consumer in The House of Suntory brand world. The pop-up concept amplified the brands' alignment with Japanese craftsmanship that was further magnified through a programme of tastings and lifestyle Masterclasses.

The campaign coincided with Sakura (cherry blossom) season in Japan and invited consumers to immerse themselves in a sensory journey – capturing the essence of Japanese culture – at Hyde Park Corner, Johannesburg.

Project Lead: JC Landman

Creative Direction and Styling: Klara van Wyngaarden

Graphic Design: Spook Design Co.

Brand Ambassadors: Just Short, Steve Zylstra

Masterclass curation: WAZA

Food service: KōL

EXPERIENCE DESIGN
FOOD DESIGN
READS

OUR 12th BIRTHDAY POPUP

By Holly Beaton

Studio H always has something intriguing in the works, and for their birthday celebration, they unveiled an extraordinary pop-up experience; characterised by their distinct attention to detail and generosity. On arrival, we were ushered into a room housing a dream realised for those of us who favour savoury delights as our first choice: a massive birthday cake adorned with hundreds of candles. Could I have ever imagined experiencing such a colossal cake, drawn from flavours inspired by South Africa's diverse culinary repertoire, and for it to be savoury nogal? The cake featured a half-half combination of 'braai snoek pâté terrine with apricot jam' and 'fior di latte layered braaibroodjie' with cream cheese icing – the perfect introduction for our palates of what was ahead.

Once guests had tucked into a piece of savoury cake, we were guided upstairs – to a dining space, where we were welcomed by a table-scape showcasing the colour-blocking, diversity of objects and proportions signature to Studio H’s bold design-vision. Guided by the number 12 dotted all over – from a stackable, 12-piece bread thread on a needle, to a centre piece in their signature primary colours of blue, red and yellow – with oversized tomatoes and edible menus hanging overhead – the centre-piece continued to delight us all as we uncovered each new, surprising detail.

This is Studio H’s liminal world of merging the fantastical with the realistic, the deliberate with the playful, and in collaboration with Chef Jen, the menu was an exploration rooted in the number 12, with time serving as the guiding principle. Each dish during their mindful dinner was temporally-rooted across technique, ingredient, and presentation – underpinned by the intangible force of nostalgia and ultimately; the joy and wonder that serves as the basis for all their endeavours.  

The culinary journey began with a reimagined ‘Salad Valley’, a throwback to the Waldorf salad – perennially refreshing and nostalgic. Featuring stacked baby gem lettuce leaves, 12-minute smoked grapes, 12-hour pickled apples, a 12-spice pecan nut crunch, alongside celeriac, celery, green beans, and a creamy dressing whipped up in just 12 seconds; served in diner-style baskets. Incredible.

Then, custom ‘KFC’ buckets arrived at the table – filled with NikNaks beer brined buttermilk fried chicken and chips, served with melrose sauce in wax sealed mini-pots; a throwback that centred one of the best snacks tucked into the memory-bank of every South African.  

Next, we were treated to a whiskey-glazed, pressed beef rib slow-cooked for a diligent 100 hours, accompanied by charred creamy corn and a tangy fermented carrot pickle. For this course, we were invited to use Githan Coopoo’s custom cutlery – silverware that had been moulded by the heft of clay, adding a weight to the eating experience which invited us to eat slowly, while the dish itself was served on Studio H’s Mindful Eating Plate by The Detailsmith, featuring cheeky anecdotes revealed with each mouthful; inviting each of our conscience to the fore.

For dessert, ‘Honey Honey’ was an homage to one of the most iconic ageing processes; cheese, an ingredient that gets better with the guiding hand of time. This course was a delightful gingerbread sourdough cookie sandwich filled with fynbos honey brûlée, with shaved 12-month-aged Klein River cheese and a honeycomb crunch.

With bellies full and conversations still rumbling, we were invited to return downstairs; to a communal 5-metre-long Moerkoffie swirl fudge, served with giant Koffie Cookies, coffee – and the option to take home tin-foil swans as mementos. Lasty, a delightful ‘Thyme For Bed’ palate cleanser – resting on wooden toothbrushes waited for us at the exit, with a dollop of thyme and lemon marshmallow tonic. A final, tart and herbaceous mouthful before heading home with our foil swans tucked under our arms.

Studio H gifted us, on their birthday – and I think this sums up the Studio’s essence. Each aspect of the experience was a demonstration of their instinctive understanding of food as a communal experience, in which the senses, memory and emotions work together to evoke new perspectives on how we can engage with the world around us. What will they dream up next? It's hard to conceive; but they’ll need more than another twelve years – to many, many more.

The menu and wine pairing

Course 1

Birthday cake: half-and-half (braai snoek pâte terrine with pickled apricot jam) + (fior di latte layered braaibroodjie) topped with cream cheese

Ambeloui MCC 2012

Course 2

Waldorf inspired stack salad, served inside an iceberg lettuce bowl, with 12 min smoked grapes, 12 hour pickled apple, 12 spice pecan nut crunch and 12 sec creamy dressing

Sijnn White 2012

A dozen micro Marmite crouton loaves, served with micro butter

Course 3

NikNaks bucket: NikNaks beer brined buttermilk fried chicken served with Melrose sauce

Course 4

Super slow beef: Aged 100-hour braised whisky/balsamic glazed beef rib with creamy corn and fermented carrot pickle

Crystallum Bona Fide 2012

Course 5

Honey, honey: Gingerbread sourdough cookie sandwich with fynbos honey brûlée, shaved 12 month Klein River cheese and honeycomb crunch

Course 6

Moerkoffie fudge: 5m long moerkoffie swirl fudge with oversized koffiekoekies

Thank you:

Mindful cutlery: Githan Coopoo

Mindful crockery: The Detailsmith

Birthday candles: Okra Candle

Chef: Jenny Ward

Kitchen Team: Fifi Kusotera, Kabelo Luhle Tala, Ntomboxolo Sidoda, Anake Ngagela

Studio H: JC Landman, Eviwe Qubelo

Event creative director: Nikki Symons

Photos: Daniela Zondagh

Music: Andy Aichison (A11)

Wine curation: Matthew Freemantle, Leo's

Birthday cake: Sweet LionHeart x Chef Jen

Fudge: Afrikoa

Butter: Cream of the Crop

Graphic design: Hoick

Concept: Hannerie Visser, JC Landman

ACTIVATION
CONCEPT
FOOD DESIGN

NANDO'S VUSA ACTIVATION

THE CLIENT

Nando's

THE BRIEF

Create an activation for Nando's Vusa at an Anglo event during Mininig Indaba.

THE RESULT

For the Nando’s pop-up at an Anglo event during Mining Indaba 2024, we partnered with Faieez Alexander, the visionary and founder of Fuzzys Koesisters, hailed as the home of Cape Town’s best koesister by KFM. These traditional Cape Malay treats are more than pastries, they symbolise a story of resilience and a rich heritage. We served up Nando's Vusa-infused PERi-koesister ice cream sandwiches in The Residency at Makers Landing. This pop-up restaurant space was designed in collaboration with Clout/SA, a Nandos-led design programme that facilitates collaboration between designers and the hospitality sector.

Anglo event production: True North Event Design
Fabric pattern design: Thandazani Nofingxana
Packaging pattern design: Bonolo Chepape

NANDO'S VUSA ACTIVATION

THE CLIENT

Nando's

THE BRIEF

Create an activation for Nando's Vusa at an Anglo event during Mininig Indaba.

THE RESULT

For the Nando’s pop-up at an Anglo event during Mining Indaba 2024, we partnered with Faieez Alexander, the visionary and founder of Fuzzys Koesisters, hailed as the home of Cape Town’s best koesister by KFM. These traditional Cape Malay treats are more than pastries, they symbolise a story of resilience and a rich heritage. We served up Nando's Vusa-infused PERi-koesister ice cream sandwiches in The Residency at Makers Landing. This pop-up restaurant space was designed in collaboration with Clout/SA, a Nandos-led design programme that facilitates collaboration between designers and the hospitality sector.

Anglo event production: True North Event Design
Fabric pattern design: Thandazani Nofingxana
Packaging pattern design: Bonolo Chepape

CURATION
MENTORSHIP

AFRICAN COFFEE EXPO

THE CLIENT

V&A Waterfront

THE BRIEF

Create a brand-led activation for Moses Coffee at Makers Landing.

THE RESULT

Studio H assisted and mentored the curation of the inaugural African Coffee Expo by Moses Coffee. At this one-day expo and celebration of the best in African Coffee, attendees had the opportunity to interact with local coffee experts and equipment suppliers through expo stands and interactive workshops, while enjoying great coffee, food and beverage pairings and live music.

THE TEAM

Festival curation: Moses Lebofa

Festival prodution: JC Landman

Photos: Ashleigh Frans

AFRICAN COFFEE EXPO

THE CLIENT

V&A Waterfront

THE BRIEF

Create a brand-led activation for Moses Coffee at Makers Landing.

THE RESULT

Studio H assisted and mentored the curation of the inaugural African Coffee Expo by Moses Coffee. At this one-day expo and celebration of the best in African Coffee, attendees had the opportunity to interact with local coffee experts and equipment suppliers through expo stands and interactive workshops, while enjoying great coffee, food and beverage pairings and live music.

THE TEAM

Festival curation: Moses Lebofa

Festival prodution: JC Landman

Photos: Ashleigh Frans

FOOD DESIGN
MENU DESIGN

KRAAKTAFEL – CRADLE OF HUMANKIND

THE CLIENT

KRAAKTAFEL

THE BRIEF

The KRAAKTAFEL is a dining experience created and curated by Kraak, embracing vulnerability in nature. For the Johannesburg Edition at Nirox Sculpture Garden in the Cradle of Humankind, we were tasked with designing a menu for 300 guests that seamlessly complemented this ethos, creating a dining experience that was both intentional and evocative.

THE RESULT

In collaboration with chef Bianca Strydom, we crafted a menu that reimagined familiar flavours in unexpected ways,with clay as the central theme. For the arrival, we transformed the classic South African braaibroodjie into a delicate yet oversized mille-feuille: crisp lavash triangles layered with clay-baked onion chutney, smoked cheese crémeux, pickled onions, and a final dusting of smoked cheese snow. At the table, sculptural brioche bread was paired with salted waterblommetjie butter, membrillo, fynbos honey, and Baleni salt. The main course featured salt-crusted whole baked trout and 8-hour baked curried Karoo lamb shoulder, served with clay-baked root vegetables and freshly dressed greens. Dessert was an XXL Eton Mess installation – layers of crisp meringue, whipped cream, and seasonal fruits in a playful, deconstructed format. To close the evening, we served a final moment of contrast: the luxurious simplicity of caviar and potato crisps.

THE TEAM

Menu concept, design, culinary curation: Studio H

Food collaborator: Bianca Strydom

Bread sculptures: Lucky Bread

Culinary team: Bianca Strydom, Raymand Buitendag, Babra Moyo, Paul Mandiopera

Photography and videography: Daniela Zondagh

KRAAKTAFEL – CRADLE OF HUMANKIND

THE CLIENT

KRAAKTAFEL

THE BRIEF

The KRAAKTAFEL is a dining experience created and curated by Kraak, embracing vulnerability in nature. For the Johannesburg Edition at Nirox Sculpture Garden in the Cradle of Humankind, we were tasked with designing a menu for 300 guests that seamlessly complemented this ethos, creating a dining experience that was both intentional and evocative.

THE RESULT

In collaboration with chef Bianca Strydom, we crafted a menu that reimagined familiar flavours in unexpected ways,with clay as the central theme. For the arrival, we transformed the classic South African braaibroodjie into a delicate yet oversized mille-feuille: crisp lavash triangles layered with clay-baked onion chutney, smoked cheese crémeux, pickled onions, and a final dusting of smoked cheese snow. At the table, sculptural brioche bread was paired with salted waterblommetjie butter, membrillo, fynbos honey, and Baleni salt. The main course featured salt-crusted whole baked trout and 8-hour baked curried Karoo lamb shoulder, served with clay-baked root vegetables and freshly dressed greens. Dessert was an XXL Eton Mess installation – layers of crisp meringue, whipped cream, and seasonal fruits in a playful, deconstructed format. To close the evening, we served a final moment of contrast: the luxurious simplicity of caviar and potato crisps.

THE TEAM

Menu concept, design, culinary curation: Studio H

Food collaborator: Bianca Strydom

Bread sculptures: Lucky Bread

Culinary team: Bianca Strydom, Raymand Buitendag, Babra Moyo, Paul Mandiopera

Photography and videography: Daniela Zondagh

CONCEPT
FOOD DESIGN
LAB

APPLE PIE PERFUME

THE CLIENT

Dutoit

THE BRIEF

Collaborate with a group of artisans to create apple pie-inspired goods in celebration of Apple Pie Day and Mother's Day. These creations should be shareable on social media and included in hampers for a few lucky winners.

THE RESULT

A limited edition, edible apple pie perfume, inspired by the memories of our moms' apple pies, whipped up with love and nostalgia. We teamed up with Lorraine Loots, Miss Lucky Pony and Sweet LionHeart to bring you a range of apple pie creations, including a teeny-tiny apple pie masterpiece, a handcrafted ceramic fruit bowl, a yummy apple pie traylette and, of course, an edible apple pie fragrance straight out of our kitchen.

THE TEAM

Concept and production: Studio H

Photos: Nikki Symons

APPLE PIE PERFUME

THE CLIENT

Dutoit

THE BRIEF

Collaborate with a group of artisans to create apple pie-inspired goods in celebration of Apple Pie Day and Mother's Day. These creations should be shareable on social media and included in hampers for a few lucky winners.

THE RESULT

A limited edition, edible apple pie perfume, inspired by the memories of our moms' apple pies, whipped up with love and nostalgia. We teamed up with Lorraine Loots, Miss Lucky Pony and Sweet LionHeart to bring you a range of apple pie creations, including a teeny-tiny apple pie masterpiece, a handcrafted ceramic fruit bowl, a yummy apple pie traylette and, of course, an edible apple pie fragrance straight out of our kitchen.

THE TEAM

Concept and production: Studio H

Photos: Nikki Symons

EXPERIENCE DESIGN
FOOD XX
MENU DESIGN

FOOD XX AWARDS BREAKFAST '22

At the 2022 Food XX Awards, we honoured a group of 19 women from across South Africa - and beyond - for their outstanding contributions to the food and hospitality industry. For this event, the Studio H team designed a neutral canvas that would represent our equality-themed Awards breakfast ceremony. We collaborated with some of our favourite women in food to produce the all-neutral breakfast spread of Wild Yeast edible sourdough cracker plates, Sweet LionHeart regal cakes (bright pink on the inside) and Studio H’s souttert cakes decorated by the SLH team with cream cheese frosting and gold glitter olives, soetkoekie forks and of course Krone Cap Classique to toast our winners.

THE TEAM

Programme MC: Khanya Mzongwana

Ayurvedic tea and meditation ceremony: Michele Mistry, Indikaap

Imphepho installation and intention setting: Ukutya

Keynote speech: Mmabatho Molefe, Emazulwini

Continental Connections: Anna Trapido

Thank you to our sponsors:

Event sponsor: Spekko Rice

Venue sponsor: Makers Landing

Awards sponsors: Spekko Rice, Krone, Nando's

Trophy plates: The Detailsmith

Publicity team: Ten X Collective

Social media team: Star Shongwe, Zanie Nxa

Production design: JC Landman

Culinary design: Juwan Beyers

Photos: Daniela Zondagh

Floral design: Mr Munro

FOOD XX AWARDS BREAKFAST '22

At the 2022 Food XX Awards, we honoured a group of 19 women from across South Africa - and beyond - for their outstanding contributions to the food and hospitality industry. For this event, the Studio H team designed a neutral canvas that would represent our equality-themed Awards breakfast ceremony. We collaborated with some of our favourite women in food to produce the all-neutral breakfast spread of Wild Yeast edible sourdough cracker plates, Sweet LionHeart regal cakes (bright pink on the inside) and Studio H’s souttert cakes decorated by the SLH team with cream cheese frosting and gold glitter olives, soetkoekie forks and of course Krone Cap Classique to toast our winners.

THE TEAM

Programme MC: Khanya Mzongwana

Ayurvedic tea and meditation ceremony: Michele Mistry, Indikaap

Imphepho installation and intention setting: Ukutya

Keynote speech: Mmabatho Molefe, Emazulwini

Continental Connections: Anna Trapido

Thank you to our sponsors:

Event sponsor: Spekko Rice

Venue sponsor: Makers Landing

Awards sponsors: Spekko Rice, Krone, Nando's

Trophy plates: The Detailsmith

Publicity team: Ten X Collective

Social media team: Star Shongwe, Zanie Nxa

Production design: JC Landman

Culinary design: Juwan Beyers

Photos: Daniela Zondagh

Floral design: Mr Munro

EXPERIENCE DESIGN
SENSORY DESIGN

Future Food Report 2026/2027 presentations

We’re collecting kids’ voices for a tiny sound installation!If your kid loves saying “Yum!” (and who doesn’t?), DM us a short voice note of them saying any of these lines or their version thereof. There is no right or wrong! “Yum!”“Mmm… delicious!”“That’s my favourite!”“Can I have more?”“So tasty!”“It tickles my tongue!”“Yum!”“Ooh, that’s good!”“Wow!”“Delicious!”“Yummy yummy!”“So good!”“More please!”“My favourite!”“Tastes amazing!”“Wow, that’s tasty!”“I love it!”“Mmm… the best!”“So yummy!”Add your little one’s voice to our flavour experiment

Future Food Report 2026/2027 presentations

We’re collecting kids’ voices for a tiny sound installation!If your kid loves saying “Yum!” (and who doesn’t?), DM us a short voice note of them saying any of these lines or their version thereof. There is no right or wrong! “Yum!”“Mmm… delicious!”“That’s my favourite!”“Can I have more?”“So tasty!”“It tickles my tongue!”“Yum!”“Ooh, that’s good!”“Wow!”“Delicious!”“Yummy yummy!”“So good!”“More please!”“My favourite!”“Tastes amazing!”“Wow, that’s tasty!”“I love it!”“Mmm… the best!”“So yummy!”Add your little one’s voice to our flavour experiment

CONCEPT
EXPERIENCE DESIGN
FOOD DESIGN

PUMA MOSTRO LAUNCH

THE CLIENT

Beanstalk for PUMA South Africa

THE BRIEF

Create a bold and immersive food experience for the relaunch of the iconic PUMA Mostro sneaker – a cult classic originally released in 1999 – hosted inside Cape Town’s Castle of Good Hope.

THE RESULT

A visceral menu and interactive food installations brought the surreal Mostro Lab to life – a space imagined as the inner workings of a living monster. The menu included molten synapse s’mores with black sesame shortbread, charcoal crackers dipped into neon pink hummus and golden split pea purée, glow-in-the-dark neurotropic caviar and charcoal bao filled with sticky soy lion’s mane and coffee-chilli beef. At the top of a winding staircase, a glow-in-the-dark jelly installation awaited in a hidden chamber.

THE TEAM

Concept, menu and experience design: Studio H

Chef: Strone Henry

Service staff: Hero Events

Photos: Jonx Pillemer

PUMA MOSTRO LAUNCH

THE CLIENT

Beanstalk for PUMA South Africa

THE BRIEF

Create a bold and immersive food experience for the relaunch of the iconic PUMA Mostro sneaker – a cult classic originally released in 1999 – hosted inside Cape Town’s Castle of Good Hope.

THE RESULT

A visceral menu and interactive food installations brought the surreal Mostro Lab to life – a space imagined as the inner workings of a living monster. The menu included molten synapse s’mores with black sesame shortbread, charcoal crackers dipped into neon pink hummus and golden split pea purée, glow-in-the-dark neurotropic caviar and charcoal bao filled with sticky soy lion’s mane and coffee-chilli beef. At the top of a winding staircase, a glow-in-the-dark jelly installation awaited in a hidden chamber.

THE TEAM

Concept, menu and experience design: Studio H

Chef: Strone Henry

Service staff: Hero Events

Photos: Jonx Pillemer

RECIPES

KRONE FESTIVE MENU RECIPES

MASHED POTATO SALAD, BRAAIED TROUT AND BOEREJONGENS

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

  • 400 g trout fillet
  • 30 ml olive oil
  • 1 T salt
  • 1 T black pepper
  • 1 fresh lemon
  • 700 g baby potatoes
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 250 ml sunflower oil
  • 1 T white wine vinegar
  • 1 t Dijon mustard
  • ½ t mild curry paste
  • ½ t garlic, minced
  • 1 t salt
  • 1 t black pepper
  • 10 g flat leaf parsley, chopped
  • 10 g fresh curry leaves, deep-fried
  • 1 cup boerejongens (brandy-preserved grapes)

METHOD

  • Portion the trout into 4 equal pieces, rub the fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  • Braai in a hinged grid for 5 minutes on each side, flesh side first.
  • Before taking off the braai, squeeze a generous amount of fresh lemon juice on the fish.
  • Throw the baby potatoes into the coals and bury them under the hot ashes for 15–20 minutes until soft inside.
  • Take out of the coals and let cool down.
  • Peel the potatoes once cooled and set aside.
  • In a medium mixing bowl add the egg yolks, white wine vinegar, mustard, curry paste, garlic, salt and pepper.
  • Drip the oil little by little into the mixture while whisking constantly until all the oil is incorporated and the aioli is thick.
  • Mix the aioli with the baby potatoes and mix through the chopped parsley.
  • Garnish with the deep-fried curry leaves.
  • Place a small bed of the potato salad on a plate, place a piece of trout on top and finish off with a few cheeks of boerejongens.
  • Serve as a starter or light main course.

DRIED BRAAI SNOEK, BRAAIED COS LETTUCE AND PLUM SALAD WITH KAAIMANSGAT VINAIGRETTE

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 wind-dried snoek
  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 T quince jelly
  • ½ lemon, juiced and zested
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 small cos lettuce heads, halved
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 T Maldon salt
  • Black pepper
  • 4 ripe plums, halved
  • 2 T honey, melted
  • ¼ cup pecan nuts, roasted and chopped
  • ½ cup labneh
  • 10 g chopped coriander
  • 1 t cumin seeds, toasted
  • 1 T extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 T Kaaimansagat Blanc de Blancs
  • 2 t white wine vinegar
  • 2 t Dijon mustard
  • ½ t garlic, minced
  • 1 t salt
  • 4 T extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 T sunflower oil

METHOD

  • In a small saucepan melt the butter over the fire, add the garlic and let sizzle for one minute, mix through the quince jelly, lemon juice, zest, salt and pepper.
  • Cut the dried snoek into manageable pieces, and place over the hot coals on the braai.
  • Braai until golden and crispy on each side, lather with the butter sauce on both sides, cooking for 1 min on each side after.
  • Remove from braai and place on a big platter and brush over the rest of the butter sauce to soak into the snoek.
  • While the coals are still medium hot, place the halved cos lettuce heads on the grill and cook until they are golden brown and caramelised, do the same with the plums and brush them with the melted honey just before they are done.
  • Place the labneh into a small mixing bowl, mix through the chopped coriander and olive oil.
  • In a measuring jug, place the Kaaimansgat, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and salt and mix together.
  • In another measuring jug, mix the olive oil and sunflower oil.
  • Pour the oil into the mustard mixture while whisking constantly, and until thick and emulsified.
  • Assemble the salad by layering the cos at the bottom, scatter the plum halves and dollop the labneh.
  • Serve the snoek and salad together.

CONDENSED MILK STOKBROOD WITH MATURE CHEDDAR AND MOSKONFYT

Serves: 4 - 6

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup lukewarm water
  • ½ cup condensed milk
  • 35 g yeast / 10 g instant yeast
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 t salt
  • 45 g butter, melted
  • 600 g bread flour
  • 100 g farm butter
  • 1 block (200 g) mature cheddar
  • ½ cup moskonfyt

METHOD

  • In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in lukewarm water.
  • Add the condensed milk, salt, egg and cooled butter.
  • Gradually add flour until a kneadable dough forms.
  • Turn out on surface and knead until smooth and elastic (±8–10 minutes).
  • Place in lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean towel, leave to stand in a warm place until doubled in size.
  • Knead the dough again for 1–2 minutes and divide into 6 equal size sausages.
  • Wrap the dough sausages around sturdy vine branches.
  • Allow to rest and proof until puffy.
  • Cook the stokbrood over the coals, turning constantly until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Serve the warm stokbrood with farm butter, mature cheddar and moskonfyt as a cheese course dessert.
LAB

3D FOOD PRINTING

By far one of our favourite toys, we use our 3D food printer to create future food menus for clients for a range of activations from intimate dinners to large-scale expos and banquets. Our 3D food printer, the only of its kind in Africa, is a great way to amplify a future-forward strategy.

In the near future, 3D food printing could allow consumers to print food with customised nutritional content, tailored specifically to their individual dietary needs. So, instead of eating something mass-produced, a person could soon consume something designed for their particular needs and tastes, on demand.

Imagine the next ‘ready-to-eat’ meals as cartridges of food printed into shapes determined by downloadable designs.

3D FOOD PRINTING

By far one of our favourite toys, we use our 3D food printer to create future food menus for clients for a range of activations from intimate dinners to large-scale expos and banquets. Our 3D food printer, the only of its kind in Africa, is a great way to amplify a future-forward strategy.

In the near future, 3D food printing could allow consumers to print food with customised nutritional content, tailored specifically to their individual dietary needs. So, instead of eating something mass-produced, a person could soon consume something designed for their particular needs and tastes, on demand.

Imagine the next ‘ready-to-eat’ meals as cartridges of food printed into shapes determined by downloadable designs.

FOOD DESIGN
MENU DESIGN

KRAAKTAFEL – NEW YEAR'S EVE

THE CLIENT

KRAAKTAFEL

THE BRIEF

The KRAAKTAFEL is a dining experience created and curated by Kraak, embracing vulnerability in nature. For this special New Year's Eve edition, we were tasked with designing a shared feast that celebrated fire, bold flavours, and the joy of communal dining.

THE RESULT

In collaboration with chef Mmabatho Molefe, we designed a menu that embraced generous, fire-cooked flavours and interactive, shareable moments. The evening began with a striking 20-meter mille-feuille braaibroodjie installation on arrival. The bread course featured rosemary tear-and-share bread served with butter blocks and a hummus rich with sundried-tomato and olives. Starters included a vibrant green goddess salad and delicate yellowtail ceviche, cured in coconut tiger’s milk with apple, red onion, fresh coriander, and curry oil. The main feast was cooked over an open fire – spatchcock chicken with salsa verde, whole Tomahawk steak with peppercorn sauce, clay-baked root vegetables, a leek and ricotta galette, and lemon couscous salad brightened with pomegranate, mint, and peach. Dessert brought a duo of indulgence: fire-cooked pineapple with coconut crumb and butterscotch, alongside a shareable dark rum and muscovado brûlée. As the clock struck midnight, the feast ended with Kosgangsta burgers and chips, a fitting way to welcome the new year with comfort and celebration.

THE TEAM

Menu concept, design, culinary curation: Studio H, Mmabatho Molefe

Food collaborator: Mmabatho Molefe

Culinary team: Mmabatho Molefe, Bianca Strydom, Faith Sotondoshe, Wes Watlington, Zandi Bhayi, Strone Henry, Ashleigh Frans, Luyanda Sogiba

Photography and videography: Daniela Zondagh

KRAAKTAFEL – NEW YEAR'S EVE

THE CLIENT

KRAAKTAFEL

THE BRIEF

The KRAAKTAFEL is a dining experience created and curated by Kraak, embracing vulnerability in nature. For this special New Year's Eve edition, we were tasked with designing a shared feast that celebrated fire, bold flavours, and the joy of communal dining.

THE RESULT

In collaboration with chef Mmabatho Molefe, we designed a menu that embraced generous, fire-cooked flavours and interactive, shareable moments. The evening began with a striking 20-meter mille-feuille braaibroodjie installation on arrival. The bread course featured rosemary tear-and-share bread served with butter blocks and a hummus rich with sundried-tomato and olives. Starters included a vibrant green goddess salad and delicate yellowtail ceviche, cured in coconut tiger’s milk with apple, red onion, fresh coriander, and curry oil. The main feast was cooked over an open fire – spatchcock chicken with salsa verde, whole Tomahawk steak with peppercorn sauce, clay-baked root vegetables, a leek and ricotta galette, and lemon couscous salad brightened with pomegranate, mint, and peach. Dessert brought a duo of indulgence: fire-cooked pineapple with coconut crumb and butterscotch, alongside a shareable dark rum and muscovado brûlée. As the clock struck midnight, the feast ended with Kosgangsta burgers and chips, a fitting way to welcome the new year with comfort and celebration.

THE TEAM

Menu concept, design, culinary curation: Studio H, Mmabatho Molefe

Food collaborator: Mmabatho Molefe

Culinary team: Mmabatho Molefe, Bianca Strydom, Faith Sotondoshe, Wes Watlington, Zandi Bhayi, Strone Henry, Ashleigh Frans, Luyanda Sogiba

Photography and videography: Daniela Zondagh

TALK

100% DESIGN TALK

Our team recently gave a talk at 100% Design in Cape Town and Joburg on the Future Talks stages. The food fight-themed talks were an investigation into the ways in which one could use food to draw attention to global problems in our food system, and hopefully find solutions too.

100% DESIGN TALK

Our team recently gave a talk at 100% Design in Cape Town and Joburg on the Future Talks stages. The food fight-themed talks were an investigation into the ways in which one could use food to draw attention to global problems in our food system, and hopefully find solutions too.

LAB
OLFACTORY DESIGN

EAU DE LAPHROAIG

THE CLIENT

Laphroaig

THE BRIEF

Create a media drop for Laphroaig.

THE RESULT

Eau de Laphroaig – Studio H conceptualised and developed Eau de Laphroaig, a bespoke fragrance that is an ode to the peaty shores of Islay, home of Laphroaig whisky. For the bottles, we collaborated with Cape Town-based ceramicists Vorster & Braye to design a hand-crafted ceramic decanter that complements the gentle earthy notes of the perfume, and we worked with Spook design on the linen-covered packaging.

THE TEAM

Voster and Braye

Juwan Beyers

JC Landman

Retha Ericsson

Casper Schutte, Spook

Photos and videos: Daniela Zondagh, Juwan Beyers

EAU DE LAPHROAIG

THE CLIENT

Laphroaig

THE BRIEF

Create a media drop for Laphroaig.

THE RESULT

Eau de Laphroaig – Studio H conceptualised and developed Eau de Laphroaig, a bespoke fragrance that is an ode to the peaty shores of Islay, home of Laphroaig whisky. For the bottles, we collaborated with Cape Town-based ceramicists Vorster & Braye to design a hand-crafted ceramic decanter that complements the gentle earthy notes of the perfume, and we worked with Spook design on the linen-covered packaging.

THE TEAM

Voster and Braye

Juwan Beyers

JC Landman

Retha Ericsson

Casper Schutte, Spook

Photos and videos: Daniela Zondagh, Juwan Beyers