SPRING IN LELO’S KITCHEN 👨‍🍳🌿°

Born in the vibrant city of East London, nestled in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa; Zanazoiintsikelelo’s culinary story is steeped in warmth, family, and rich traditions. Raised by his grandmother, Lelo’s love for food began at home. His grandmother would experiment with ingredients from their home garden, with ingredients that Lelo grew.

“My grandma was the creative one,” Lelo recalls fondly, “she had a way of turning the simplest things into hearty meals.”

Incorporating the warmth of his family history into his business, Lelo specializes in hearty, home-style meals, with a love for meat—thanks to his grandmother’s influence. His brand, "Nkukhu Fried Chicken," even features a Saxophone pattern, a nod to his mother, who left a lasting mark on his creativity.

A Home Cook with a Heart

Lelo’s cooking journey started by sharing recipes online to inspire others—particularly men—to embrace cooking. His mission was to encourage men to get comfortable in the kitchen, proving that creativity in cooking transcends gender roles. From sharing online recipes, Lelo moved to doing events, pop-up kitchens, and preparing meals for vacationers. He proudly classifies himself as a Home Cook, emphasizing that his style is all about bringing comfort and heart to every dish.

Spring on a Plate

When it comes to spring, Lelo loves keeping things light and vibrant. His go-to spring dish is a simple yet satisfying combination of chicken wings, fries, and a beautiful dip, paired with a refreshing cocktail. “It’s hot already, so you want something light, nothing hectic,” Lelo says.

In addition to his love for wings, Lelo also enjoys seafood in the spring. A recent favorite spring-inspired dish is mussels, sprinkled with fresh parsley, dill, and onions—simple ingredients that pack a lot of flavor and embody the freshness of this season.

Spring Ingredients: Parsley & Lemon Zest

For Lelo, two ingredients capture the essence of spring: parsley and lemon zest. Parsley brings a refreshing green to any dish, while lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note. One of Lelo’s favorite tips is to zest lemon over fried rice for an extra burst of flavor, making each bite feel light and celebratory.

Art on a Plate

Lelo views cooking as a form of Art. Before he even begins cooking, he imagines the visual presentation of his dishes. Whether it’s garnishing or plating, Lelo loves playing with colour. This takes him back to a stunning Charcuterie Board he previously made for spring, full of color and texture.

Tips for Home Cooks to Bring Spring into Their Kitchens
Lelo believes that anyone can capture the spirit of spring in their own kitchen with a few simple steps:
1. Open your mind and explore: Don’t be afraid to try new things. If a dish doesn’t work out the first time, you try again.
2. Season, season, and season: Don’t be afraid to use spices. Seasoning is good.
3. Have fun with food: Enjoy the process, be playful with it.
4. Host friends and family: It is always a good idea to have people over. The more you host, the more you get inspiration to continue cooking.
5. Pair your food with drinks, its important.
6. Explore markets: Go out to your local markets, they can help inspire your next dish.
7. Follow other cooking channels and pages for inspiration; follow Lelo Creative