In this episode of South African Food Stories, host Nicci Robertson sits down with one of the most influential figures in South African home cooking — Ina Paarman — the woman behind one of the country’s most iconic food brands.

What began in a converted garage in 1982 grew into a household name found in kitchens across South Africa. But the journey was anything but easy. From teaching cookery classes with almost no advertising budget to building a family business that now employs hundreds of people, Paarman reflects on the unlikely path that turned her passion for food into a national brand.

Influenced by a grandmother who “taught me how to smell and how to taste,” Paarman’s philosophy was always rooted in authenticity, quality ingredients, and a deep belief in South African produce. With the support of her family — including a son who famously declared, “You can cook, and I can count” — the business grew from a small cookery school into a thriving company built on shared values and relentless hard work.

The episode reveals the reality behind building a beloved brand: financial crises, sleepless nights, returned export shipments, and moments where everything — even the family home — was on the line. Yet through resilience and a commitment to producing honest food without shortcuts, the company survived and flourished.

Today, what started as a small family experiment continues to shape how South Africans cook — proving that great food, when made with care, can turn a simple kitchen idea into a lasting legacy.