This winter, it’s not just the food that’s heating up, it’s the flavours. Across South Africa, home cooks and chefs alike are reaching for bold, nostalgic, and globally inspired blends to turn everyday dishes into standout meals. From slow-simmered stews to fragrant butter chicken, the real heroes of the season are the herbs and spices transforming comfort food into flavour-packed experiences.
As the world marks World Herb & Spice Day, South Africans are embracing the power of these small but mighty ingredients, transforming ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences. Whether it’s cinnamon and nutmeg bringing warmth to baked goods or a pinch of cumin and coriander elevating a classic curry, herbs and spices are the backbone of winter cooking.
Beyond their role in adding flavour, herbs and spices hold a rich global history, once traded as currency, shaping cultures, and influencing economies. Today, South Africa remains a part of this enduring spice movement, with local culinary expertise and innovation making waves internationally.
Cape Town, named one of the world’s top food destinations, continues to lead the charge with its fusion of heritage flavours and modern techniques. Among the brands putting South African flavours on the map is Cape Herb & Spice, one of the country’s largest spice exporters, shipping to over 40 countries. By blending local ingenuity with international standards, the company plays a role in positioning South Africa as a serious contender in the global flavour economy.
For home cooks seeking to spice up their winter meals, tried-and-trusted spice blends that have already made their mark in kitchens across South Africa continue to make effortless cooking a reality. These top-performing mixes, known for their exceptional quality and convenience, allow South Africans to explore a world of flavour without the fuss, bringing depth, balance, and consistency to every dish.
When selecting herbs and spices, consumers are increasingly looking for quality, traceability, and transparency. With over 30 years of experience, Cape Herb & Spice has grown from a small local business to a trusted global player, now shipping to more than 40 countries. As a pioneer in clean-label spice blends, the company ensures that every product is free from artificial colourants, preservatives, and added MSG, delivering pure, unadulterated flavour that meets the highest international standards.
Shelley Barnard, Sales and Marketing Executive at Cape Herb & Spice, emphasizes the importance of making informed choices, “Flavour is more than just taste, it’s about connection, culture, and creativity. But it’s also about trust. Consumers want to know where their food comes from, how it’s sourced, and that it meets the highest standards. Traceability and quality are at the heart of what we do, ensuring that every spice and herb delivers not just great taste, but integrity.”
This World Herb & Spice Day, the message is clear: embrace new taste adventures, rediscover the classics, and celebrate the magic of herbs and spices that turn simple ingredients into unforgettable meals.
Cape Herb & Spice – Cheat’s Chicken Biryani
Serves 4-6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 700g chicken thighs, skinless & boneless
- 125ml plain yoghurt
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1.5 Tbsp Cape Herb & Spice Butter Chicken Curry Spice
- 300g basmati rice
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 shallots, sliced
- 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 Tbsp Cape Herb & Spice Butter Chicken Curry Spice
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 500ml chicken stock
Raita:
- 250ml plain yoghurt
- 1 small Mediterranean cucumber, finely grated
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- 2 Tbsp coriander, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp Cape Herb & Spice Butter Chicken Curry Spice
- Fresh coriander, for serving
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Cape Herb & Spice Salt & Pepper, to taste
Method:
- Combine chicken thighs, lemon juice, yoghurt and Cape Herb & Spice Butter Chicken Curry Spice in a bowl.
- Mix well and leave to marinate while you prep the rest of the ingredients.
- (Top tip: for maximum flavour, plan ahead and marinate the chicken the night before.)
- Rinse rice well and leave to soak for 10 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan with a lid.
- Add the shallots and cook until tender.
- Add the ginger, garlic and Cape Herb & Spice Butter Chicken Curry Spice.
- Cook for a minute until fragrant.
- Add in the marinated chicken and cook for a few minutes.
- Add the diced tomato.
- Drain the rice and scatter it evenly over the chicken and tomato mix.
- Gently pour over the hot stock.
- Bring to a simmer and seal with a lid.
- Cook gently for ± 15 minutes until the rice is tender and all the stock has been absorbed.
- While the biryani is cooking, make the raita.
- Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl.
- Taste to adjust seasoning.
- Remove the biryani from the heat.
- Fluff with a fork, mixing everything together evenly.
- Serve the biryani with a dollop of raita, fresh coriander and a good squeeze of lemon juice.