"Legend Indeed": Cass Abrahams, Cape Malay Food Icon, Honoured by Woolworths' 'TASTE' Magazine
- Woolworths TASTE Magazine paid tribute to Cass Abrahams, who passed away last weekend
- Abrahams was widely regarded as a pioneer of Cape Malay cuisine and was a former teacher for 17 years
- South Africans who met her personally shared warm memories of the culinary legend online
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Cass Abrahams, one of South Africa's most beloved culinary figures, passed away last weekend. Her death prompted an outpouring of grief and fond remembrance from food lovers, fellow cooks and public figures across the country.
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Woolworths TASTE Magazine was among the first to honour her legacy, describing her as a pioneer who "paved the way for a modern South African food media, which celebrates all cultures." She was laid to rest on National Women's Day on 9 Augusts 2026
Abrahams devoted much of her life to preserving and sharing the rich culinary traditions of the Cape Malay community. Her cookbooks and public appearances introduced generations of South Africans to the aromatic spices, slow-cooked breyanis and warmly layered flavours that define Bo-Kaap cooking. She was known not only for her recipes but for the generosity and pride she brought to every kitchen she entered.
Her influence stretched well beyond the stove, according to a tribute in her honour by Woolworths TASTE. Many who knew her described a woman who was deeply committed to honouring heritage, encouraging younger cooks to cook with passion and to take pride in where they came from. Read TASTE Magazine's tribute to Cass Abrahams below:
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Mzansi remembers Cass Abrahams
South Africans flooded the TASTE Magazine comments with personal stories:
Maleeka Noordien wrote:
"I met Aunty Cass at the tender age of 19. She was doing an East meets West fusion at the Nellie. She was a true culinary inspiration and legend. Inspired so many chefs to bring out their heritage and cook with passion. 'Your ancestors are watching you.'"
Fowzia Grobler shared:
"She was such an inspirational woman. Her Breyani recipe is my absolute favourite and brought out at Eid to share with family and friends. It's the only Breyani recipe I use. She was a beautiful soul, always willing to share her art. May The Almighty grant her Janaatul Firdouz."
Nazir Adams said simply:
"Cass is my aunty. Been eating all those recipes my whole life."
Jenny Patterson added:
"I loved her passion for people, food and life. Met her several times and she autographed her book for me. RIP."
Priscilla September Utley remembered:
"You taught us to never use anything less than an HB pencil when doing our drawings in Biology. She was an icon."
Gamida Soeker concluded:
"A legend indeed in the culinary world and outside of it too. Rest in eternal bliss and Allah's rahmah upon thee. Ameen."
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Source: Briefly News
