Solly’s Corner, a fast-food spot in downtown Johannesburg, was buzzing with activity. Hake fillets and golden fries sizzled on the grill, green chilies were freshly chopped, and generous scoops of homemade sauce were layered into packed sandwiches.
Food influencer and radio DJ Nick Hamman stepped behind the counter and was warmly welcomed by Yoonas and Mohammed Akhalwaya, the father-son team running this family business in Fordsburg—a neighborhood with a rich history of South Asian and Middle Eastern influence.
Hamman, who has over 200,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok, has spent the last two years promoting food businesses throughout South Africa. His mission is to showcase the country’s diverse culinary scene and bring people together across cultural divides.
Each of his videos kicks off with a cheerful, “I’m Nick Hamman!” before he announces his goal for the day—whether it’s hunting for the best burgers, boerewors sausages, or breyani (biriyani). From mala mogodu (tripe stew) to magwinya (doughnuts) slathered in liver spread, there’s almost nothing Hamman won’t enthusiastically try.
“I started seeing food as a common thread tying together everything I care about: culture, family, history, heritage,” said the 34-year-old, who also hosts the breakfast show on radio station 5FM. “I believe food is political. It’s deeply connected to memory, nostalgia, and history—and it tells the story of our country in a unique way.”
He added, “In a way, it’s a democracy—we get tons of suggestions on social media. If a place gets recommended over and over, you know it’s worth a visit.”
The entrepreneurs Hamman features tend to share certain qualities: passion for their food and culture, often with stories of overcoming challenges. Solly’s Corner is a perfect example—a legendary local spot that’s still something of a hidden gem.
Founded in 1956 by Yoonas’s mother, Khadija, the restaurant survived an eviction attempt in 1968 under apartheid’s Group Areas Act, which enforced racial segregation in housing. It also made it through the COVID-19 pandemic and a devastating electrical fire in 2021. “We’ve had our ups and downs, but we thank God above,” said Yoonas. Mohammed added, “It’s an absolute blessing to feed people.”
Hamman’s videos about Solly’s Corner have been viewed over 1.7 million times across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook since October 2023. The Akhalwayas were so grateful for the 50–60% boost in business that they put up a huge photo of Hamman on their wall and named a burger after him. “Nick is a gift from above,” Mohammed said warmly.
About 12 miles north, the township of Alexandra—often just called Alex—sits on steep slopes along a river. The skyscrapers of Sandton, known as “Africa’s richest square mile,” rise in the distance. In a more developed part of the township, Hamman met another type of entrepreneur: a young chef aiming to uplift the community.
Gift Sedibeng opened Siga Culinary in 2018 in his parents’ former home, after spending a year working in a Mexican restaurant in Texas. The 33-year-old wanted to expand local palates with fusion dishes like his towering “MexiKasi” kota burrito. This creative take on the classic kota—a hollowed-out quarter loaf stuffed with everything from fries and chopped steak to a cheeseburger and fried egg—includes Mexican-inspired touches like homemade pineapple salsa.”I love it when you cook for someone and they show their appreciation—it just melts my heart,” Sedibeng said.
Sedibeng, who aims to open a culinary school next year, mentioned that around 60% of his customers come from outside Alexandra. They often reassure their friends that the area is safe. “Crime still exists, but it’s not as bad as it used to be,” he added.
At Siga Culinary restaurant, food is prepared with care.
Hamman hopes his videos can help stimulate the local economy. “In places like Alex, where there’s so much talent, if we don’t showcase these areas in a way that attracts visitors, money won’t flow in, and they won’t get a fair shot at growth,” he explained.
One of Alexandra’s most notorious spots is Madala Hostel, one of many built by the apartheid government to house male migrant workers and control the black labor force. These hostels became known for deadly political violence in the early 1990s, xenophobic attacks in 2008, and ongoing crime.
Hamman wanted to highlight that these hostels also nurture a lively food culture. Amid open sewers and roaming goats, with rats darting through trash, the smoky aroma of grilled meat fills the walkway into Madala’s main courtyard.
A man who goes by the nickname Mugabe prepared shisanyama—a traditional Zulu barbecue featuring tender beef steak, liver, heart, and sausage, served with carrot and bean chakalaka salad, hot sauce, and salt. Upstairs, Mthunzi Ngema has been simmering cow’s head meat, inyama yenhloko, in spotless silver pots since 1996.
As Mugabe and Ngema attended to customers, Wandile “Wax” Dhlamini, a local guide to Madala, praised the food enthusiastically. “In Zulu ceremonies, we slaughter a cow and feast on every part of it. More than anything, it’s about culture,” he said.
Inside Madala Hostel, food is both prepared and cooked with tradition and pride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
About Food is political The TikTok star uncovering the hidden gems of South African cuisine
Beginner Questions
1 What does Food is political mean in this context
It means that food choices traditions and access in South Africa are deeply connected to history culture economics and social justicenot just taste
2 Who is the TikTok star mentioned
The TikTok star is a content creator who uses the platform to highlight and celebrate diverse often overlooked South African dishes and their cultural significance
3 Why is South African cuisine considered hidden
Many traditional South African foods and their stories arent widely known or represented globally often overshadowed by more commercialized cuisines
4 What kind of content does this creator share
They share videos about traditional recipes food history local eateries and how South Africas complex past influences what people eat today
5 How can I follow their content
Search for their TikTok handle or look up hashtags like SouthAfricanFood or FoodIsPolitical on TikTok
Intermediate Questions
6 What are some examples of political aspects of South African food
Examples include how apartheid shaped food accessibility the revival of indigenous ingredients and the role of food in expressing cultural identity and resistance
7 Can you name a few hidden gems of South African cuisine
Dishes like umngqusho bobotie and amasi are staples with rich histories
8 How does this creator make food content engaging
They use storytelling vibrant visuals and relatable explanations to connect food to bigger social and historical themes
9 Why is it important to highlight these foods
It preserves cultural heritage supports local communities and challenges stereotypes about African cuisines
10 Has this TikTok trend influenced food tourism or local businesses
Yes it has drawn attention to small vendors and traditional cooks boosting interest in authentic South African dining experiences
Advanced Questions
11 How does South Africas colonial history affect its cuisine today
It introduced ingredients like maize and sugar while suppressing indigenous foods leading to
