DIE ding het geruk at the Daily Voice pickled fish competition’s tasting round over the weekend at The Castle of Good Hope.
This as Kapenaars gathered to celebrate a well-known Kaapse tradition - the making of picked fish.
The event showcased a klompie recipes, each vying for the title of the best in the city.
The attendees came out in numbers in the scorching Kaapse heat from different areas such as Mitchells Plain, Kraaifontein, Hanover Park, Belhar and Langa in a real battle of the lekkerste pickled fish.
The presentation was on point, the glass antique Sunday bowls came out to play. Participants had spent days perfecting their recipes, drawing on family traditions and twists to create delectable dishes that honour the essence of pickled fish.
Judges, a panel of well-respected chefs and culinary experts, savoured each entry with tasteful palates. They praised several stand-out dishes, highlighting the balance of flavours that transcended the ordinary.
One judge said: “It’s not just about the fish. It’s about the way each ingredient interacts, creating a symphony of flavours that transport you back to your grandmother’s kitchen.”
The community spirit was palpable as friends and family cheered on their favourite contenders, fostering a sense of collaboration and pride among the participants.
One attendee said: “Events like this strengthen our cultural heritage.”
After tasting all the delicious dishes, the judges could only choose 5 finalists that will go through the Finale, where the Daily Voice Pickled Fish champion will be crowned on Saturday, 12 April at 10am at Golden Acre Mall.
The finalists are Hendrina Damons from Elsies River, Laura Basson from Mitchells Plain, Zainab Johnson from Schaapkraal, Nadia Samodien from Mitchells Plain and Ncebakazi Ngxawe from Langa.
A representative of Glenryck, who partners the Daily Voice in the search for Cape Town’s best pickled fish, Samiera Fick says: "We’re proud to partner with this year’s community cook-off - a celebration of food, culture, and connection.
"At Glenryck, we believe that good food brings people together, and this event perfectly reflects our mission to nourish communities not just through our products, but through shared experiences. By supporting this cook-off, we’re honouring the creativity and spirit found in every kitchen.
"It’s more than just a meal - it’s about celebrating local talent, uplifting one another, and creating moments that bring us closer.”
