South African Tourism launches vegetarian cookbook

28 June 2012

South African Tourism has launched the ‘Guide to Vegetarian, Vegan and Jain Dining in South Africa’ to cater to the culinary needs of emerging markets.

The increase in visitors from emerging markets has given us a good dilemma – how can we better cater for the travel needs of our visitors from these new markets? How can we literally make them feel at home in our country, and ensure that they are welcomed as family and that all their needs – including their specific dietary requirements - are catered for while they are here. - Thulani Nzima, South African Tourism’s Chief Executive Officer "

As more and more travellers visit South Africa from India, China and Brazil, it has become increasingly important for local chefs and the hospitality industry to cater to their special dietary needs in a creative way.

To this end, SA Tourism has partnered with the South African Chefs Association (SACA) to produce the Guide to Vegetarian, Vegan and Jain Dining in South Africa*, which was launched yesterday at the University of Johannesburg’s Sol Kerzner School of Tourism and Hospitality.

This cookbook sets out the specific dietary requirements of vegetarians, vegans and Jains. It includes 50 appetising recipes to give local chefs a range of delectable dishes to serve non-meat-eaters. The book also gives helpful hints and tips on sourcing unique ingredients. Food lists provide an easy-to-use reference.

Many of the recipes were supplied by some of South Africa’s top chefs and food gurus and the result is a feast of innovative recipes – many with a strong South African influence.

Thulani Nzima, South African Tourism’s Chief Executive Officer, says it is increasingly important to heed the needs of emerging markets. He said: ‘The increase in visitors from emerging markets has given us a good dilemma – how can we better cater for the travel needs of our visitors from these new markets? How can we literally make them feel at home in our country, and ensure that they are welcomed as family and that all their needs – including their specific dietary requirements - are catered for while they are here.’

The Guide to Vegetarian, Vegan and Jain Dining in South Africa will be made available extensively to South Africa’s hospitality industry and will also be distributed to 6 000 chefs through the South African Chefs Association.

*Jainism is an Indian religion that follows a path of non-violence toward all living creatures. Jains do not eat meat, poultry, fish, eggs or dairy products. They do not eat root vegetables like potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots and beetroot, nor do they eat yeast. Garlic, ginger and vinegar are also not permissible for strict Jains.

*A person following a vegan diet eats no animal products whatsoever. A vegan diet excludes meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, eggs, milk, cheese and butter. It focuses largely on fruit, vegetables, nuts and various forms of vegetable protein.

*A vegetarian is someone who does not eat meat, poultry, fish or shellfish, but generally does eat eggs and dairy products (including butter and milk).