Inspired by South Africa’s nine unique biomes, De Tafel at Palm House Boutique Hotel and Spa’s new tasting menu is a celebration of edible ecosystems, seen through a refined, contemporary lens.
The Living Landscape Series is a seasonal, terroir-driven experience rooted in sustainability and foraging, carefully curated by Executive Chef Gregory Henderson.
“The Living Landscape Series is inspired by over two decades of exploring South Africa’s diverse biomes and deepening my understanding of its indigenous food knowledge. Through foraging and working with native ingredients, I’ve seen how land, water and biodiversity shape truly local flavour. This menu brings that journey to life. It is a tasting experience rooted in sustainability, heritage and terroir.
A Culinary Triptych: Confluence, Refugia and Botanica
The Living Landscape Series unfurls in a three-part journey. Confluence explores the meeting of waters, drawing on both fresh and saltwater ingredients. Refugia elevates fauna, showcasing game, beef, C3 lamb and duck. Botanica is a plant-led expression of South Africa’s diverse flora and biomes.
“Together, these elements connect land, culture and cuisine into a cohesive, ecosystem-inspired dining experience,” says Henderson.
Signature Dishes at De Tafel
Signature dishes include White Mussel Pavé with strandspinasie, sugar bush radish petal and wild fennel blossoms; 54°C Cape Bream Sous Vide with dune spinach, sea urchin and bokkoms crumble; Venison Dombolo with amaasi espuma and heritage corn; and seven-day dry-aged smoked mountain sage duck with chestnut milk tart and tallow confit leg terrine.
In Botanica, plant-led dishes feature Bambara, Marula Nuts, Monkey Orange and Danawa, highlighting indigenous crops and biodiversity.
Wine and Non-Alcoholic Pairings That Reflect the Terroir
The menu is complemented by both wine and non-alcoholic pairings designed to reflect the terroir and narrative of each dish.
For the wine pairing, crisp, mineral-driven whites from coastal regions highlight the aquatic dishes in Confluence, while structured reds from inland vineyards and boutique producers enhance the depth of game and heritage meats in Refugia. For Botanica, lighter aromatic whites or rosés, as well as naturally fermented wines, are chosen to mirror the delicate flavours of indigenous plants and nuts.
The non-alcoholic pairing draws on botanically infused tonics, fermented teas such as honeybush and rooibos, and herbal elixirs made from indigenous fruits including marula, monkey orange and danawa.
Whichever pairing you choose, the result is a fully immersive dining experience that is flavourful, balanced and cohesive.
Sustainability at the Heart of the Living Landscape Series
At its core, the Living Landscape Series embodies a holistic approach to sustainability, biodiversity and ethical stewardship – extending beyond sourcing to embrace the interconnectedness of ecosystems, communities and culinary practice.
Seafood is carefully selected to protect marine ecosystems, while game, heritage livestock and plant-based crops celebrate species that are resilient and ecologically appropriate. This approach also supports communities, such as women in the Greater Kruger region who harvest and process marula nuts, preserving indigenous knowledge, sustaining livelihoods and creating a circular, resilient food economy.
Educating Diners on Regenerative Agriculture and South Africa’s Food Systems
“By designing the menu around South Africa’s nine unique biomes, we educate diners on these food systems, highlighting how a shift toward regenerative agriculture can restore indigenous landscapes rather than degrade them through monoculture,” Henderson concludes.
10 Oxford Street, Wynberg, South Africa | Tel: (+27) 21 745 5008 | Email
