GOURMET FOOD HUNT! SA Edition!

Hello ya weeb! Today we’re spicing up your life with some Anime food, and I am excited to share a special recipe at the end of this article with you! 

Did you know that we have a large range of specialty stores that stock the food you see in Anime? Would you believe me if I told you that you could make Naruto-style ramen at home? Conventions and markets also offer solutions for those less kitchen-smart, and of course- there are some exciting fusion foods unique to our country that you can try. 

Let’s dig in! Itadakimasu! Every meal starts off with, well, a starter. In this case we have my picks for iconic snacks you can enjoy, from anywhere in the country. Market Kokoro (@market_kokoro in Gauteng), Hello Asia (@helloasia.co.za in Cape Town), Sun Sun Asian Market (@sunsunasianmart in Durban), and other online and physical stores offer nationwide delivery of snacks such as Samyang Noodles, Pocky, Shrimp Chips, Choco Pie, Jelly cups, seaweed snacks and more! If you’re new to asian flavours, snacks are a great way to acclimate your tastebuds to umami. The benefit of Asian snacks is that in a lot of cases, they are animal-gelatine free, and use plant-based alternatives which make them dietary requirement friendly too. 

Are you hungry yet, because next up is the main course! Dinner date with your waifu? Lunch with the team? Whatever the occasion, there is a restaurant for you. Outside of the traditional takeaway sweet and sour sticky noodle dishes, we have unique culinary adventures like the Korean Barbeque experience which you can find at Banchan Korean Eatery (@banchan_sandton) in Sandton, book in advance if you are planning a less sporadic trip as table space is limited and HOT! 

That brings us to the best part of every meal is dessert, and an absolute icon at the moment MochiMochi – By Torii in Cape Town (@mochimochi_za), is it worth the flight there? Absolutely. Not only do they have artisanal mochi treats, but they have the most kawaii cafe too for you to relax in and enjoy every moment of with seasonal menus that encapsulate the essence of fusion perfectly with flavour combos like Peppermint Crisp Tart Mochi! 

If you’ve made it this far - you have to cook this, and tag me @ShazzWinchesterrr on IG along wearing your favourite @otakuclothingsa drip, so I can rate it out of 10, don’t worry - this isn’t Food Wars! 

Recipe Time, go on and impress someone special or indulge in a treat because you deserve it! 

♥️♥️♥️

Shazz-Sama’s Boerewors Corn Dogs! Yupp, you heard that right, don’t be afraid to substitute for whatever protein you’d like or cheese too. As an avid lover of the Braai, and an even bigger lover of Corn Dogs, this recipe with its sweet tomato dip is the perfect treat for your next Anime-binge. 

Ingredients 

6 Pieces of Thin wors of your choice 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch / Maizena 1/4 cup (30g) sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 large egg 1 cup (240ml) milk 2 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil 1/2 cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs (for added crunch, optional replacement - ) Wooden skewers or popsicle sticks Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

 ♥️

Method 

Prepare the Wors Insert skewers into each piece of boerewors, ensuring they are securely in place and that the length of the boerewors fits comfortably into your pan or fryer. This will help maintain its shape and prevent curling. Lightly grill or pan-fry the boerewors until it's mostly cooked through but still tender, as overcooking can dry it out. Gently pat the boerewors dry with paper towels to help the batter adhere better. 

Prepare the Corn Dog Batter In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the egg, milk, and melted butter or oil. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed. The batter should be thick but pourable. If you like, you can also stir in some shredded crispy onions for extra flavor. 

Coat and Fry Heat oil in a deep pan or pot to 180°C (350°F). You need enough oil to submerge the corn dogs. Set up an assembly line: first, place the boerewors, then dip it into the batter using a tall glass or jug for easier dipping, and finally roll it in panko crumbs placed in a shallow dish. Carefully place the coated wors into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking, texture is key - no one likes soggy corn dogs. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. 

Serve with your favourite sweet braai relish, or the traditional Ketchup and enjoy! UNTIL WE WEEB AGAIN!