Tasty and streamy: Local cooking shows to watch online

Winter is the best time to eat. You’re cold? Have a spicy tomato soup! You’re tired? Make a quick toasted sarmie. You’re having guests over for a weekend dinner in front of the fire? Wine and dine in style!

Best of all, your inspiration can be streamed to your screen. And the cooking shows on the content provider aren’t just how-tos, where pro chefs talk you through step-by-step instructions – there are loads of reality series too. Here’s just a taste of what you can find on Showmax.

Maklik Met Marinda S1-3

There’s no such thing as a bland TV chef. Cookbook author, kitchen queen and host Marinda Engelbrecht has sliced and diced her way to the top … and she’s not alone. Each episode sees Marinda get chatty with celebs who can’t tell a tablespoon from a spatula as she tries to take them from clueless to classy culinary stars. Sometimes it works … sometimes Marinda’s doing the work herself.

Jan Braai Vir Erfenis S1-9

Braaiing is the most South African thing since, well, braaiing. And who better to teach you every tip, trick and secret under the braai-grid sun that a guy whose surname is Braai? Jan Scannell ditched the world of accounting for beer and tongs, and he flips boerewors, chops, ribs and anything else that can be chargrilled. Episodes are just 25 minutes, so you can get at least two in while you wait for your fire to get braai ready. His top tip? “If you’re not sure that your fire is big enough, it’s still too small! You need to know that you’re dealing with a braai fire when you’re doing a braai!”

Cooking With Siba S1-2

Siba Mtongana is one of SA’s best when it comes to all things food. From a simple toasted cheese and tomato to something complex like a roast rack of lamb with all the trimmings, Siba is queen! Don’t be intimidated, though – the cookbook author makes it simple for even the most inexperienced home cook to show off in the kitchen. Oh, did we mention that each episode sees Siba teaching celebs to cook? Her guests include everyone from actors Kenneth Nkosi and Bridget Masinga, to socialite and reality TV judge Somizi, to musicians Stoan, Gift Gwe and Mandla Ndimande.

Celeb Feasts With Zola

She’s an award-winning chef, author and TV show host, and she’s super fun. It doesn’t matter if she’s doing five-course dinners or a simple snack, it’s all about flavour, flavour, flavour! “I make sure that everything is done with passion. Cooking for me is life. I put my heart and soul into everything I make and I have fun in the kitchen,” says the chef. And her guests have a blast too. Who wouldn’t want to get a meal prepared by a famous chef, after all? Keep your eyes peeled for stars like comedian Trevor Gumi, actress Denise Zimba, singer Zahara and continuity presenter Katlego Maboe.

Honger S1

If there’s one thing chef buddies Piet Marais and Frik Oosthuizen love more than cooking, it’s exploring the country … to learn more about cooking. There are 11 episodes, each 24 minutes long – the perfect binge for a weekend. You’re getting a two-for-one deal here: learning more about cooking from all corners of the country and getting to experiences hidden gems in our backyard. Sho’ left for a quick visit!