Celebrated chef Shankar R. Santhiram is back in SA to film a cooking TV series.
Image: Instagram
Whether you're a dedicated foodie or a lover of spice, chances are you've spotted Shankar R. Santhiram lighting up your social feeds on TikTok or Instagram lately.
A celebrated chef, leadership guru, and the visionary behind Penang's elite Fire by Shankar, he has truly captured the hearts of his South African fans.
His deep-rooted love for Malaysian Tamil culinary traditions is matched only by his incredibly warm and welcoming spirit.
He isn’t just about vibrant culinary secrets; you’ll often find him in the kitchen whipping up a proper feast for his own dedicated staff.
Right now, he’s exploring the best local eateries across Johannesburg while filming the pilot for his 10-episode TV series, though the official name is still under wraps for now!
Naturally, Santhiram is joining a prestigious line-up of global culinary icons who have fallen for our shores.
The legendary Gordon Ramsay famously explored our rugged terrain for National Geographic’s “Uncharted”, while Jamie Oliver, beyond his familiar commercial appearances, brought a vital healthy-eating movement to Cape Town, highlighting the heart of our local markets and food sustainability.
Just recently, Warren Mendes showcased our vibrant flavours to the world with his Food Network production, “Food Trail: South Africa.”
Returning to Santhiram, he has opted to explore and film at several authentic local treasures.
Taking to Instagram on Sunday, June 28, he shared his excitement: "South Africa, I’ve landed! I've just arrived in Johannesburg to shoot the pilot for my brand-new TV series here. While it's properly cold, it's absolutely lovely to be back! If you happen to spot me in Jo'burg or Durban, please don't be shy — come over and say hello.
"And don't forget, next Sunday, 5 July, I'll be in Durban for Shankar's Banana Leaf Sunday Sappadu. I'd love to share a proper banana leaf feast with you, so grab your tickets through the Quicket link below before they're gone. See you soon! ❤️🥰🔥"
He continued to light up social media, sharing videos from various filming locations as he captured the essence of local flavours.
He truly won me over when he shared his visit to Dosa Hut, a bona fide local gem in Fordsburg, on Monday. Firstly, it is one of my absolutely favourite spots. If you know, you know. And the locals can’t get enough of it.
The dishes are heavenly, and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
In his TikTok post, where he conversed in English and Tamil, he wrote: “Dosa Hut, Fordsburg - While exploring Fordsburg Market in Johannesburg and filming the pilot for my new food and travel TV series, I was beckoned into Dosa Hut by their dosa (tosai) master, Manikandan, who told me he's been following my social media for years.
“He insisted I try his tosai ... and I'm so glad I did! Crisp, delicious, and paired with a superb coconut chutney. Thank you for the warm hospitality. With a few branches around Johannesburg, I now know exactly where to get my tosai fix whenever I'm in town.”
The shoot kicked off on Tuesday, June 30, at a raved-about spot in Rosebank.
He wrote: “ South Africa … It’s Show Time! First day of shooting the pilot for my new TV series here in South Africa! We're filming at the beautiful Modern Tailor's Indian restaurant in Rosebank, Johannesburg. Excited? Absolutely. Nervous? Just a little. Lights, camera, action ... wish me luck, Fam! 🎬🇿🇦🥰”
Boasting a massive following across Mzansi, Santhiram is certainly no stranger to our shores, having visited several times.
Back in December 2024, he kicked off his inaugural tour, hosting a series of communal banana leaf meal sessions - traditionally known as sappadu in Tamil - throughout Cape Town and Durban.
He returned this past February for a series of immersive cooking experiences in Johannesburg and Durban, followed swiftly by a third trip in May to conduct specialised culinary workshops and host communal feasts for his fans in Durban and the Mother City.
It goes without saying that he has truly embraced our local landscape and celebrated our rich cultural diversity.
He is headed to Durban next, where, among other things, he will be hosting a live cooking demonstration on Friday, June 3, at the East Coast Radio House & Garden Show.