AWARD-WINNING celebrity chef Herman Lensing is undoubtedly one of the Northern Cape’s most famous and beloved exports. And when this Upington local makes himself at home in the kitchen — whether as TV chef or as Herman the cookbook author — magic is bound to happen.
With his relaxed and entertaining storytelling style, VIA viewers will feel as if they are standing right next to Herman in the kitchen, chatting away from Tuesdays to Thursdays. His new cooking show, Herman se halfuur, is made possible by Food Lover’s Market.
Amid the stirring, measuring, and chopping, Herman shares fascinating tips. In the first episode, for instance, he noted that tomatoes should never be kept in the fridge. No, those beautiful red cheeks need to be sun-kissed. Sweeter, riper, tastier.
“Herman se halfuur is exactly what the name suggests: half an hour of practical cooking inspiration. In each episode, I prepare three easy-to-follow recipes, and whether you can cook or not, you’re immediately going to want to get busy in the kitchen again,” says Herman.
“I wanted the show to feel highly accessible and for viewers to know that it’s a food series dedicated to actual cooking. It’s a straightforward cooking show that guides you practically step-by-step: here are the ingredients, here is what you do with them, and this is how you can make it yourself at home.
“As a food editor, I see what people are looking for every day: recipes that work, ideas that feel fresh, and food that looks beautiful without being unnecessarily complicated. With Herman se halfuur, I want to address that need directly.
“I believe people aren’t always looking for another complicated recipe; they are looking for confidence. If I can inspire someone to try cooking something new tonight, or to fall in love with cooking again, then the programme has achieved its purpose.
“The great thing about the series is that each episode offers three different recipes, so there is always something for everyone – whether you need a quick weekday meal, want to make something beautiful for guests, or just need a new idea for dinner.
“Food Lover’s Market is the perfect partner for this show, because the series is ultimately about fresh ingredients, great value, and food that people can really make at home in their own kitchens. It aligns perfectly with my own philosophy on food: start with quality ingredients and create something delicious with them.
“For me, Herman se halfuur is a celebration of practical, everyday food… the kind of food that inspires, nurtures, and brings people together.”
