Lebo Phala’s culinary crusade to reclaim Africa’s food heritage

In a world grappling with fast food addictions, chronic lifestyle diseases and a deepening disconnect from natural nourishment, one Pretoria East-based chef is leading a quiet but powerful revolution, one plate at a time.

Meet Lebo Phala, a visionary chef, entrepreneur, and cultural custodian who is determined to change the way we think about food. Not just what we eat, but why and how we eat it.

Through her culinary business, HL Culinary, Phala is pioneering a return to the roots, quite literally, by celebrating and reimagining indigenous African cuisine in a fine dining context.

“Our ancestors had a thorough understanding of living in balance with the natural world,” she says. “It is from this premise that we need to recognise and start embracing indigenous foods.”

Born and raised in Mohlaletse Village in Ga Sekhukhune, Limpopo, Phala grew up immersed in the tastes, textures and traditions of African cooking. Her earliest influence was her late mother, a talented home cook who sold food to locals and imbued every meal with warmth and intention.

“My mother didn’t just feed stomachs, she fed spirits,” says Phala. “I now carry that same legacy in every dish I create.”

Though her culinary journey officially began when she enrolled at Capsicum Culinary Studio in 2019 (graduating in 2020 with a Diploma in Food Preparation and Cooking), Phala’s roots in food run far deeper. After gaining experience in various kitchens, she launched HL Culinary in 2022, a multifaceted culinary brand that includes a fine dining restaurant, a catering arm, a pop-up eatery and a line of indigenous food products like dried morogo and thelele.

Phala’s days are an intricate dance of tradition and innovation. Her mornings begin before sunrise, grounded in prayer and meditation, followed by a nourishing breakfast of soft sorghum porridge with baobab and raw honey. Then it’s on to event planning, sourcing ingredients from local farms, cooking and hosting private dining experiences. She remains hands-on in every part of the business – from menu development to mentorship – and leads a content creation team that documents and promotes indigenous food knowledge.

“HL Culinary is a space where community, creativity and culture meet. We serve more than food; we serve memories,” she explains.

Phala’s signature is indigenous fine dining, and she masterfully elevates traditional African dishes using contemporary cooking techniques and elegant presentation. Think: Ting ya mabele paired with beetroot-glazed trout or umngqusho risotto or smoked rooibos-infused lamb ribs. Each plate tells a story, one rooted in memory, identity, and sustainability.

“I want to be known as a pioneer of African food culture globally – through books, television and mentorship,” says Phala, with a clear vision for the next five years.

That vision includes a fine dining restaurant at OR Tambo International Airport, a culinary retreat in Limpopo, and an indigenous food research studio.

Phala is also passionate about women empowerment and preserving African cultural heritage through storytelling, food education and content creation. As a professional photographer and videographer, she ensures that the visual narrative of African food is just as powerful as its taste.

“Food is culture. It’s how we connect with our roots and pass on wisdom to the next generation.”

At the heart of Phala’s mission is a powerful message: Eating well is not just about health, it’s about healing, reclaiming identity and honoring the Earth. Whether you’re a foodie, a cultural enthusiast, or someone simply looking for a deeper connection with what’s on your plate, Phala invites you to take a seat at her table.

“If you’re hungry for some delicious indigenous food, please come and visit us at HL Culinary to experience the taste of real African excellence.”

Quick Bites with Chef Lebo Phala:

·    Top fridge staples: African rosemary, free-range chicken, baobab fruit pulp, fermented sorghum starter, homemade chilli oil

·    Dream dinner guests: Maya Angelou, Hugh Masekela (both in spirit), Oprah Winfrey, Trevor Noah and Chef Selassie Atadika

·    Last meal on earth: A village-style feast of goat stew, morogo, ting ya mabele, pumpkin and ginger rooibos tea

·    Favourite kitchen tool: Her cast-iron pot — “timeless and reliable”

·    Favourite cookbook: The Africa Cookbook by Jessica B. Harris

·    Chef idol: Chef Selassie Atadika – a fellow champion of indigenous African cuisine

HL Culinary is located at the corner of at Lynnwood and Stangketting Streets in Wapadrand,

Pretoria East.  Call 083 694 8991 to make a booking or for more information.

For more industry related news, click here.