Nick Hamman has become one of South Africa’s most unlikely cultural ambassadors, using short-form video and radio storytelling to showcase the country’s overlooked food heritage.

A broadcaster by training, he first made his name on 5FM with travel features exploring South Africa’s towns and music scenes. He has since turned his focus to the nation’s kitchens, visiting family-run eateries, shisanyamas, and corner cafés that rarely feature in mainstream media.

In his “Hammy Eats” videos, Hamman travels the country in search of stories that link food to memory and identity. Each stop doubles as a history lesson, tracing the origins of dishes like kota or tripe to communities that created them. His warm, conversational tone and open curiosity have helped him reach hundreds of thousands of followers across TikTok and Instagram.

The concept is simple but powerful, showing South Africans their own country through its food. Hamman’s visits have revitalised businesses hit hard by economic shocks and fires, with owners crediting his videos for sharp rises in customers. Beyond the food itself, he frames each visit as a story of resilience, pride, and the creativity of small entrepreneurs keeping local traditions alive.

Hamman’s growing influence has made him a bridge between old neighbourhood institutions and younger digital audiences, proving that storytelling, when done with heart and authenticity, can help rebuild both confidence and community from the ground up.