Lady Day
Culinary Confidential
Words by: Man's Not Yandhi · Photography by: Black Milk
The Issue · Culinary Confidential
The People Rewriting Africa's Food Story
Food is having a cultural moment. Not the Instagrammable kind. The identity‑defining kind.
In this issue of Culinary Confidential, we sit down with two voices changing how we think about food, culture and belonging. Langelihle “Lady Day” Mthembu turns meals into immersive journeys of memory, music and storytelling, while Nick Hamman travels South Africa uncovering the people, histories and communities hidden behind every plate.
“A pumpkin is a pumpkin, but maybe if I tell the story of a pumpkin breakfast in Zimbabwe, somebody looks at it much differently.”
Food remains “the most delicious conduit to culture.”
Together, these conversations explore far more than cuisine. They unpack entrepreneurship, heritage, identity, community, creativity and the future of African storytelling.
They challenge who gets to tell our stories, how we preserve them, and why food may be one of the most powerful cultural tools we have.
A 3-part video series
In the
Kitchen
with Nick Hamman & Lady Day
In the Kitchen with Nick Hamman & Lady Day is a three-part culinary conversation series where food becomes a lens through which to explore culture, identity, travel, creativity and personal growth. Across three carefully curated courses, Nick and Lady Day uncover the stories, memories and influences that shape who we are, transforming the kitchen into a space for meaningful dialogue and authentic connection.
The journey opens with a starter inspired by Lady Day's exploration of Chinese cuisine, sparking a conversation about cultural exchange, migration and the global influences that continue to shape the way we eat. For the main course, she serves a richly caramelized short rib with spring onion, fresh salad and obriato sauce, providing the backdrop for discussions on mastery, creativity and building a life and career with intention. The experience concludes with a South African-inspired Amasi Dark Chocolate Mousse, celebrating heritage, innovation and the evolving future of African food culture.
Throughout the series, each course is elevated by thoughtfully selected Rupert & Rothschild wines. The Rupert & Rothschild Classique, an iconic Bordeaux-style blend renowned for its elegance, balance and layered complexity, accompanies both the starter and main course, complementing the depth of flavour while reflecting the richness of the conversation. For dessert, Champagne Barons de Rothschild takes centre stage. Its crisp character, delicate notes of pear, almond and white flowers, and refined finish beautifully complement the Amasi Dark Chocolate Mousse, creating a pairing that is both unexpected and sophisticated.
At its heart, In the Kitchen with Nick Hamman & Lady Day is a celebration of food, wine and storytelling, revealing how shared meals can connect people, preserve culture and inspire new perspectives.
Cultural exchange, migration and the global influences on how we eat.