Ep 2. South Africa

In episode 2 of season 2 of Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted, the acclaimed chef travels to South Africa to explore the country's vibrant food culture. From the bustling streets of Johannesburg to the rugged coastline of the Western Cape, Ramsay navigates his way through the complex flavors and diverse ingredients that define South African cuisine.

The episode begins with Ramsay meeting his guide, Zulu chef Zinhle Ngcobo, who takes him on a tour of Johannesburg's bustling food markets. Here, Ramsay is introduced to a range of unique ingredients, including the sour-tasting marula fruit and the infamous durian fruit, whose pungent smell is enough to clear an entire room.

Next, the pair head to Soweto, one of South Africa's largest townships, to sample some of the area's most iconic dishes. Ramsay tries his hand at making chakalaka, a spicy relish made from beans, tomatoes, and peppers, and also learns about the history of apartheid and its impact on South African cuisine.

From Soweto, Ramsay and Ngcobo travel to the Western Cape, where they explore the rugged coastline and sample some of the region's freshest seafood. At a local fish market, Ramsay is introduced to periwinkles, a small sea snail that is boiled and served with a spicy butter sauce. He also tries his hand at catching abalone, a rare shellfish that is highly prized in South African cuisine.

In Cape Town, Ramsay meets up with acclaimed chef Liam Tomlin, who takes him on a tour of the city's most innovative restaurants. Ramsay learns about the fusion of traditional African flavors with modern European techniques, and samples dishes like ostrich tartare with pickled beetroot and rooibos-smoked salmon with seaweed butter.

Finally, Ramsay heads to the heart of wine country in Stellenbosch, where he meets winemaker Ernst Gouws and learns about the art of pairing wine with food. Together, they visit a local farm where Ramsay gets a crash course in braai, the South African barbecue tradition. He grills lamb chops over an open flame and pairs them with a bottle of Gouws' award-winning Pinotage.

Throughout the episode, Ramsay showcases his culinary skills and his love for exploring new flavors and ingredients. He also learns about the rich history and culture that has shaped South African cuisine, and gains a deeper appreciation for the country's diverse culinary traditions.