Explore South Africa with your taste buds
The "South Africa Awaits: Come Find Your Joy" Food Month Shanghai event, including a sharing session and themed menu tasting luncheon, was successfully held at Camelia Restaurant in the Regent Shanghai Pudong Hotel.
Ms. Qi Pu, Consul General of South Africa in Shanghai; Ms. Lin Wan, Political Vice Consul; Mr. Tshepiso Malele, Brand South Africa China Representative; Ms. Hu Juanjuan, Marketing Manager of South African Tourism Beijing Office; Mr. Luo Ping, Executive Editor-in-Chief of Travel & Leisure Media; Mr. Michael Gnaegi, General Manager of the Regent Shanghai Pudong Hotel; and numerous media representatives and KOLs from the tourism, food, wine, and lifestyle sectors attended the event, immersing themselves in a refined luncheon of South African cuisine and wine.
South African Tourism underwent a significant brand refresh in 2025, shifting its core strategy from traditional "scenic display" to "emotional resonance," aiming to reshape South Africa's image in the minds of Chinese tourists through the "enjoyment" concept. The core of this refresh is "South Africa Awaits, Come Find Your Joy." It no longer merely emphasizes magnificent natural scenery, but focuses on "emotional value," highlighting South Africa as a destination where people can enjoy happiness and joy. South Africa's multicultural fusion and high-quality food and wine are important components of this happiness.
Ms. Zippo, Consul General of South Africa in Shanghai, stated that food and tourism are excellent ways to understand a country, and she was delighted to share South African culinary delights with everyone in Shanghai. Whether it's traditional roasted meats or Cape Malay curry, both are rich fusions of South African culture, tradition, and flavor. South Africa and China have established a strong and continuously developing partnership in tourism and trade, and South Africa warmly welcomes Chinese tourists. Last year, South Africa launched the Trusted Tourism Operators Scheme (TTOS), aiming to provide Chinese tourists with more convenient visa facilitation policies, making South Africa easier for tourists to visit than ever before. Tourism is not only a bridge for cultural understanding but also a driving force for economic growth and shared prosperity between the two countries. Ms. Zippo extended an invitation to everyone, hoping they would personally visit South Africa to experience its food and wine, meet its people, explore its landscapes, discover new joys, and enjoy its new charm.
Ms. Hu Juanjuan, Marketing Manager of South African Tourism, gave a vivid presentation introducing South Africa's diverse and fusion-style culinary culture and its wine world, imbued with the unique spirit of South Africa's mountains and seas. Ms. Hu emphasized three core characteristics of South African cuisine: abundant natural resources, fusion and creativity, and a distinctive local culture. From the globally popular Nando's Periperi roasted chicken to the multicultural street food Bunny Chow and Bobotei; from the outdoor barbecues of Braai/shisa nyama, symbolizing unity and sharing, to South African abalone and oysters, considered delicacies of the sea, she fully demonstrated the inclusiveness and richness of South African cuisine. The presentation also showcased renowned wineries and wine tourism routes in the Western Cape province, highlighting the unique charm of South African wines. These routes included not only classic appellations like Stellenbosch, steeped in history and centered on top-quality Pinotage and Bordeaux blends, but also the Black Country, a revival region renowned for its old-vine Chenin Blanc and Rhône Valley varieties. High-end restaurants that blend exquisite cuisine with fine South African wines, and creatively designed chefs, are outstanding representatives of South African cuisine on the international stage.
Ms. Hu Juanjuan also shared unique South African culinary experiences, including the Rooibos Route tea tour in Seidburg, the Bo-kaap Cooking Tour with Malay-style cooking classes, and the Bus Cuisine mobile food bus that traverses the city. Annual culinary events such as the Kneisna Oyster Festival, the DSTv Delicious International Food and Music Festival, the Soweto Wine Festival, and the Rosebank Mall Street Food Festival further enriched guests' experiences of South African food and lifestyle.
Mr. Tshepiso Malele, the brand's South Africa China representative, mentioned in his speech that food and tourism are also important aspects of the brand's promotion in South Africa. He stated that this South African Food Month was an excellent opportunity to promote South African cuisine and tourism, and he encouraged everyone to visit South Africa and immerse themselves in the unique charm of South African food.
Mr. Luo Ping, Chief Editor of the Tourism and Leisure Media Group, stated that this tripartite collaboration fully leveraged the resource advantages and professional capabilities of the tourism bureau, media, and hotel, mutually reinforcing each other in terms of theme content and brand IP, achieving a more comprehensive and impactful cooperation model. Simultaneously, through in-depth communication and collaboration among the three parties, a captivating South Africa-themed menu and on-site activities were presented, while content output and marketing efforts resonated to amplify the impact, achieving broader and more efficient publicity results.
Mr. Michael Gnaegi, General Manager of the Regent Shanghai Pudong, stated that South Africa is a country of magnificent natural scenery, diverse culture, and abundant resources. For this Food Month menu, the hotel's culinary team drew inspiration from authentic South African flavors, integrating Camelia Restaurant's own culinary philosophy to meticulously present an exquisite menu showcasing the beauty of high-quality South African ingredients and superb culinary skills. He hopes that during Food Month, this menu will bring the culinary pleasure of South Africa to more guests.
During the themed menu tasting session, Executive Chef Fred Qu of the Regent Shanghai Pudong shared the design inspiration and unique flavors of the menu. This menu strives to recreate the classic flavors of South African cuisine while meticulously designing the ingredient combinations, plating, and thematic message. The entire menu is like a poetic anthology of South African life, capturing the grasslands, coastlines, sunshine, and everyday life of the continent on the plate. Each colorful and exquisitely presented dish blends perfectly with the restaurant's rustic yet luxurious terrace and the warm sunshine, showcasing another side of South African sophistication and elegance.
The menu begins with a bread basket, transporting guests to South Africa. The puff pastry beef boboti offers a fresh take on the national dish, showcasing diverse flavors. The seafood chowder pays homage to South Africa's long coastline, while the pan-fried cod presents the abundance of South African seafood and leaves a lasting impression of pure freshness. The sous-vide lamb shank, inspired by the South African tradition of slow cooking in a potjie, blends refinement with a touch of hearty warmth. The Marwa pudding dessert evokes sweet moments from a South African family meal, providing a delightful conclusion to this culinary journey through South Africa.
Apple Tree Natural Sources of South Africa specially provided three red and white wines from South Africa for this luncheon, bringing a delightful surprise to everyone's palate from the South African vineyards. The dry red wine, made from Pinotage, a grape variety unique to South Africa, particularly showcased the rich diversity and innovative spirit of South African wines.
The brand also invited two South African friends to share their interesting insights into South African cuisine. Mr. Kieran Steyn van Zyl introduced the history, unique health benefits, and flavor of Rooibos tea, South Africa's national treasure. Ms. Sinenhlanhla Zondo shared the joy she experienced hosting monthly South African culinary events in Shanghai, giving guests a more vivid understanding of South African food and the warm hospitality of the South African people. Following dessert, a tasting of Rooibos tea was arranged. Its smooth, sweet taste and subtle fruity aroma offered guests a different kind of warmth and comfort in South Africa.
The "South Africa Awaits You: Enjoy a New Culinary Delight" Food Month Shanghai event, featuring a sharing session and themed menu tasting, perfectly embodied the core concept and story of the new brand through a rich array of exquisite South African cuisine and wines. We believe that through this food month event, a more three-dimensional, refined, elegant, and welcoming South Africa will leave a lasting impression on every participant, inspiring them to embark on a journey to South Africa with high hopes in the future!
From March 13th to April 12th, 2026, the "South Africa Awaits You: Enjoy a New Culinary Delight" Food Month will continue at Camelia Restaurant in the Regent Shanghai Pudong Hotel, presenting exquisite cuisine imbued with the diverse culture and culinary spirit of South Africa. Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to explore South Africa with your taste buds—come and savor the new culinary delights of South Africa!