Let’s see South Africa with Gregg Wallace

He is one of the biggest names in culinary television, so it’s no wonder Gregg Wallace keeps getting recognised on the street.

And considering the amount of TV shows the former greengrocer is currently appearing in, that is unlikely to change any time soon.

“I get spotted by British tourists,” he said when referring to his Channel 5 show Gregg Wallace’s Fun Weekend.

“While filming this show, Barcelona was the toughest for that. We were trying to work out in the street and there were so many Brits around. I don’t mind it but production were concerned about how much it holds things up.”

Nevertheless, Gregg, who also still a judge on MasterChef and its spin-offs as well as the Inside the Factory (on BBC Two at 8pm tonight) and Eat Well for Less? programmes, clearly caught the travel bug before the pandemic. And as well visiting some of Europe’s best cities for Channel 5, he is also on the box for this ITV travelogue in which he explores the fascinating country of South Africa.

Over the course of six weeks, he will be sampling some of its most iconic and best loved landscapes and experiences – along with its glorious food.

The culinary expert is visiting six key destinations and in future weeks, he will be heading for Augrabies Falls in the Kalahari Desert, the Whale Coast, Soweto in Johannesburg and the Garden Province – aiming to get a taste of the real South Africa.

Gregg also discovers South Africa’s famous wildlife – coming face to face with sharks and helping care for wild leopards and African penguins – and immersing himself in the country’s rich culture and tradition, new and old.

“I’m in South Africa, exploring its wild coast, vast savannahs, green valleys, and stunning cities,” he explains.

“I’ll be discovering the wildlife, the culture, and of course savouring the cuisine of this diverse country.

“I’m taking my taste buds on the road for an epic adventure.”

In last week’s first episode (available on the ITV Hub), Gregg started his 3,000-mile journey by going on Safari on the Amakhala Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape just north east of Port Elizabeth.

This time, he is visiting Cape Town, the place South Africans affectionately refer to as the ‘mother city’.

After taking a cable car ride up to the city’s highest point, Table Mountain, Gregg discovers how the native flora survives without water, and finds out how the aerial transport system is cleverly used to send water up the mountain.

He then risks life and limb by using a scooter to go down Signal Hill into Bo Kaap, where he explores the spice markets of the historic Malay community.

He is invited into the home of local resident, Gamindah Jakobs, who shares with him some of the secrets of Cape Malay cuisine. Following her expert instructions, Gregg makes koeksisters – a traditional doughnut that is both spicy and sweet.

The foodie then continues his journey by going on a wine tram through the picturesque town of Franschhoek, where vines have been grown for 350 years.

Set within the Cape Fold mountain range, the lush valleys of the Western Cape winelands create ideal growing conditions for grapes and are home to over 80 independent winemakers.

Gregg also meets 2019 recycling champion of South Africa Jocelyn Van Der Ross.

This so-called ‘greenpreneur’, started her company as a one-woman business but it has grown to employ 19 full-time staff.

Then, at Le Petite Ferme boutique vineyard, Gregg has his first go at harvesting grapes by hand.

He tastes both the local wine and the national dish of South Africa, bobotie, a delicious mixture of curried minced meat and fruit with a creamy golden topping.

It’s a fitting way to conclude the latest leg of his tour, and unlike his days out in Europe, there isn’t a celeb-spotting member of public in sight.

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