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High School
South Africa, Part II

 

 
South African Cuisine
at Sophiatown Restaurant

Newtown, Johannesburg. I’m just gonna get to the point: Today, I ate some huge African worms! That’s right, I ate worms and I also learned to cook a South African dish. Our friends at Sophiatown Restaurant let us invade their tiny kitchen to film, but things were so busy that my lesson became more about putting a finished menu item together, rather than prepping and cooking a traditional dish.

We decided to film an ostrich burger being assembled. Turns out, it was just like preparing a hamburger. I helped butter the roll and add a little Italian dressing. Of course, we used ostrich meat (rather than beef or turkey). So, even though filming the preparation and cooking of the burger didn’t quite work out, the most vital part of the segment was still captured. That was, of course, me eating that delicious burger! And, I can honestly tell you, that part of the segment went exactly as planned...right down the last, juicy bite!

Now, about those worms I mentioned...Several days prior, I had noticed a menu item called ‘Masonja.’ I inquired and, much to my surprise, I learned that the dish was Mopani worms, a popular food and an important source of protein in the Limpopo province. Well, my interest was peaked - I needed to try them!

Our waiter brought an alarmingly big bowl of edible critters slathered in tomato sauce. I will leave a little something for the video, However, I will say this - had I known that these wiggly worms ultimately turn into Emperor Moths, I don’t think I would have had the guts to eat them! Without doubt this is the strangest thing I’ve eaten on my travels thus far; though, I hope not for long!

Bon Appetit!

P.S. MORE OF PART II IS COMING SOON
Each month, I will add new photos, films, and update my blog. In the meantime, there is plenty to explore in South Africa, Part I and Shakespeare’s England.