Chef Confronts South Africans About Tinned Fish Cooking Rules

• Chef Makamo’s TikTok sparked a lively debate about how to cook tinned fish, attracting thousands of views and comments
• Viewers shared recipes, debated techniques, and discussed why there seem to be so many rules for this popular dish
• The viral post became more than a cooking video, inspiring home chefs to experiment while respecting tradition

South Africans reacted strongly to a TikTok that questioned traditional tinned fish cooking methods, creating conversation about heritage, creativity, and home cooking trends.

Social media users were buzzing after a video by chef and TikToker @chef_makamo tackled one of South Africa’s most talked-about culinary debates of how to cook tinned fish. Posted on 4 September 2025, the clip quickly gained over 4,000 likes and more than 300 comments, sparking discussions about cooking methods and the rules surrounding this staple ingredient.

Chef Makamo questioned why there are so many unspoken regulations when it comes to preparing tinned fish, challenging viewers to reconsider traditional approaches. The video showed the chef in a lively kitchen setting, addressing his audience directly and playfully critiquing different ways of cooking tinned fish.

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From frying to grilling, each method seemed to have its loyal defenders, and the comments section became a lively space for sharing recipes and opinions. Many viewers were entertained by the chef’s humour while simultaneously feeling compelled to weigh in with their own tried-and-tested tips.

Debating the perfect tin fish

Beyond just entertainment, his video also highlighted how food culture in South Africa is tied to tradition and regional preferences. Chef Makamo’s playful confrontation encouraged home cooks to experiment while also respecting the heritage of this beloved ingredient.

The discussion around tin fish went further than cooking technique; it tapped into larger conversations about creativity in the kitchen. Fans expressed both admiration and disagreement, showing that culinary debates can be as engaging as any trending topic online. Chef Makamo managed to turn a simple cooking tutorial into a viral discussion about taste, tradition, and the freedom to innovate.

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Mzansi reacted to the video

BONGIE wrote:

"Saw'bona Chef Post mortem is very important. ☝🏽 Let's not argue hle. 😭😭"

Buliewongcondemqaba commented:

"I once heard it on the radio that those bones we are taking out are important for omega 3, since then I don't do postmodern on the tinfish."

Tman Ngobeni said:

"Chef, when it comes to tin fish, please, it must go through post-mortem."

Ntebo commented:

"Every family has their own tradition when it comes to that staple food. Pls leave this one, Chef. ✋🏾"

NancyMo said:

"As a person who has never set foot in a culinary school. I will cry until amafinyela aphuma if you tell us that we must cook it without postmortem."

TshitsoMafole🇿🇦 wrote:

"Chef, sicela some freedom on this one. Kuna some insides lapho, yebo azibulali kodwa azijabulisi. Please, please allow us to remove those. Siyacela tu."

Zuzu commented:

"Please don't shout at us for performing post-mortem to the fish. 😩"

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Ayanda Kotoyi said:

"The debate of removing the bones and eggs or not! That's the only reason why I'm in the comments. 😂"

Check out the TikTok video below:

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Source: Briefly News