Studio H: Legacy With a Twist

Studio H recently hosted a day-long culinary experience that brought together inventive dishes, sensory play and imaginative storytelling through food. As a leading culinary design studio, Studio H is known for its exploratory approach to food design, recipe development and trend forecasting – and its latest event, Legacy With a Twist, showcased these strengths with flair.

Founder and creative director Hannerie Visser led the day’s proceedings, reflecting the theme through her energetic hosting style and deep knowledge of South Africa’s food culture. Visser, who has been widely published and celebrated for her contributions to culinary innovation and community upliftment, is also the founder of FOOD XX, a platform dedicated to recognising and empowering women in the food & beverage industry.

The event opened with an introduction from Visser and a representative from Eskort, whose pork and bacon products formed the backbone of the tasting menu. Each course was designed to demonstrate Eskort’s versatility, with the Studio H team creating a series of inventive dishes that transformed familiar flavours into unexpected culinary experiences.

The Innovation Day Menu began with playful items such as a Bacon Bloody Mary, a Tapas Box and a Vetkoek Breakfast Mini Bun. Further dishes included a Ribs Box, Family Braai Box, Jalapeño Twisters and a standout Monkey Gland Bacon Burger Jaffle. The latter arrived under a smoking lid that added drama and depth to its flavour – a detail that perfectly encapsulated Studio H’s creative approach.

The ribs were served with additional flavour elements meant to encourage experimentation at the table, while the jalapeño dish offered one of the day’s most memorable sensory twists. Guests received two pairs of tinted sunglasses – one red, one green – and were encouraged to taste the dish while wearing each. The shift in colour perception subtly altered the flavour experience, highlighting the fascinating relationship between sight, expectation and taste.

In an exclusive interview during the event, Visser explained more about Studio H’s philosophy and the theme of the day. “Studio H is a food design studio working mainly with brands in the food retail and beverage space,” she said. “We also do food and drink trend reports – we’ve just released the 2026/27 Future Food Report. Our clients range from Nando’s in the United Kingdom to Woolworths in South Africa, and we’ve collaborated with Babylonstoren and many other brands.”

Visser emphasised how much of Studio H’s creativity is rooted in local inspiration. “We have deep respect for produce and where it comes from. We’re incredibly inspired by South African ingredients and flavours. We recently released a report called 100+ South African Flavours because we felt there was a real need to archive local food knowledge. Those lenses guide us in our approach to food design.”

Eskort’s request for an “unforgettable experience” allowed Studio H to bring these principles to life. Visser said the team focused on the senses – what guests feel, smell and touch – with several dishes designed to spark curiosity. She also highlighted Eskort’s Kiddos range, which she believes introduces younger audiences to the idea that flavours can be playful and surprising.

Reflecting on her career influences, Visser said her journey has always been driven by honouring heritage. “Using local ingredients and acknowledging the chefs and food trendsetters who came before us is vital. I’m passionate about celebrating our food traditions.”

Her dedication to women in the industry remains a central part of her work. “FOOD XX is an empowering platform for women in food. We highlight their skills through interviews, events and social media, and every two years we host an awards ceremony celebrating their contributions. Women are so important in the food system, and we need to honour them.”

She stressed the importance of supporting women-led businesses – whether through sourcing ingredients or offering industry visibility.

When asked where new ideas begin, Visser described inspiration as a constant, curious process. “When you get a brief, you instantly have a thought. But I think it’s important to look at industries outside of food: art, fashion, travel. I’m always online, always exploring what others are doing. I recently attended a food retreat in the Netherlands and was inspired by designers there. One of them told me always to ask: what if? It opens up a whole new way of thinking.”

This curiosity fuels Studio H’s focus on originality. “I always want to create new things. You’ll rarely see us repeat anything, and we never copy. If something inspires you, credit your source – but then find your own way. If everyone is doing something one way, I want to do the opposite,” she said with a laugh.

Visser singled out the chilli popper with the colour-changing glasses as one of her favourite sensory experiments of the day, along with a surprisingly decadent potato salad and an unforgettable bacon brownie with caramel sauce made from bacon fat. “I love humble food presented in unexpected ways.”

Looking back on Legacy With a Twist, Visser described the experience as “a dream brief”. “I love working with legacy, tradition and nostalgic food – and then adding a twist. That sums me up as a designer and Studio H completely. For me, this was truly a brief of a lifetime.”

Matthew van Schalkwyk

Image credit: Wide Wing Shoots