About
Hi, I'm Zandeleen. Pleased to feed you.
I'm a food creator, stylist and photographer from South Africa. I want people to look at local ingredients in new ways: rooibos in a hot chocolate, naartjie in a tart, a koeksister that turns into something else entirely.
My journey with food began at university, when I found inspiration on the Foodies of SA page. One of my first experiments was a chocolate muffin with caramel in the middle and a dash of cayenne pepper. I picked up food photography during lockdown, set it aside briefly, and came back with full force in 2022, diving into competitions and content creation.
I also started bakt, a bespoke patisserie.
What I believe about food
Local first
The best ideas start with what's already in a South African pantry.
Playful, never sloppy
Cookies, chaos and creativity, with recipes that actually work.
Make people hungry
Whether it's a recipe or a campaign, the picture should do the talking.
Behind the scenes
A few things about me
- Based in
- Pretoria, South AfricaWilling to travel
- I cook in
- English & Afrikaans
- Signature twist
- A dash of cayenne in dessert
- Creating for
- Foodies of SA, since 2022
Awards & features
Judged, featured and eaten.
Competitions & TV
- 2026Winning teamEntiro Celebs vs Chefs cook-offWatch the cook-off →
- 2024Top 10Top Lifestyle Foodie Influencer Search
- 2023Top 10Robertsons’ Famous for Flavourwith my chai white chocolate cheesecake
- 2022WinnerGolden Cloud’s Golden Baker SearchWatch the winning round →
- 2022FeaturedKoo Colour Your Plate, Season 2Watch the episode →
Features & recipe books
- 2024–26Maroela Media’s SmulPlanned, cooked, filmed and edited food videos for their food section. See my work on Maroela Media →
- BookFoodies of South Africa: 100 Recipes, 100 CreatorsOne of 100 featured creators. Content creator for Foodies of SA since 2022.
- 2024The Great Marula MenuFour original recipes. Read about the launch →
- MagEssential FlavoursFeatured in various issues, including a two-page feature on my journey and the front cover photo for Spring 2026. See the cover → All my features →
- WebSAborHerosOriginal milk tart tacos
- 2023Twinsaver Home ChefA cream cheese Christmas tree, shaped with cling wrap. See the recipe e-book (PDF) →
- BrandMmm MOIR’S & MEBrown butter banana cake
- BookMaroela Media’s Huis-HuisQuick and easy carrot cake muffins
Work with me
Let's make something delicious.
Food styling, photography and recipe development for food brands, restaurants and agencies.
Instagram @zandilions · TikTok @zandilions
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