‘Rustic Chakula’ celebrates modern, African food

Rustic Chakula, hosted by the Afrocentric, charming cosmopolitan chef Sizo Henna, is a lifestyle cooking show that discovers and celebrates the modern, yuppie African lifestyle.

It will debut today on SABC 3 at 8.30pm.

On the show he explores a contemporary lifestyle through prominent African guests, art, music, destinations and cultures. All his travel experiences allow him to bring culinary creations that are rustic in taste and look.

“I can’t wait for viewers to see what I do. They will witness me using some of gogo’s old recipes, with a Sizo twist. The show will allow me to create classic meals,” the enthusiastic Henna says.

Rustic Chakula host Sizo Henna.

He believes what makes his cooking show extraordinary is how “raw” he is as an individual. “I’m not a presenter. I’m just a chef with 15 years of industry experience. The only thing I know that I do well is cooking. That is what makes my show different.”

The talented chef is quite easily South Africa’s best kept secret among the rich and famous in Mzansi. This young, energetic professional chef who studied at London’s prestigious Walthamstow Forest College has a very simple business concept – “Do a stunning job every time”.

This, he says, has evidently worked for him because he is very well known and is in demand from politicians and business people.

Sizo Henna’s slow-cooked lamb shanks.

While travelling around the world, Henna learnt about different cultures and cuisines; from Swiss cuisine in Geneva to spicy, hot Indian cuisine in Mumbai, from chunky fish and chips and mushy peas in London, to pan fried foie-gras in France, and creamy mngqusho back home in Bisho.

He has had the privilege of working with different chefs from different backgrounds. “I learnt a lot about British cuisine from my English head chef, Spanish cuisine from my sous chef from Spain and Caribbean cuisine from my Jamaican class mate,” he says

On his show he will try to demonstrate how simplicity is always best, and how one ingredient can turn into multiple dishes. “

Spicy tomato and vodka soup.

The love I have for food is remarkable,” he says. “With food I get to learn each and every day. I can’t know too much. It’s absolutely a love affair. I’m extremely excited about my show.”

The chef says for those that don’t understand the name, watching the show will enlighten them about why he named it Rustic Chakula. “For me the name signifies warmth and simplicity,” he says.

If you want to join Henna by hanging out with celebrities and learn about great dishes, tune in today.

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