- OUR DNA
A Story Of Heritage, Family & South African Flavour
South African Food Affair was built on generations of tradition, family recipes, cultural influences, and a passion for bringing people together through food. Every dish we serve tells a story that began long before SAFA was created.
From food festivals and community markets to award-winning food truck experiences, South African Food Affair was built on a passion for sharing authentic flavours, culture, and hospitality.
Every meal tells a story. Every guest becomes part of it.
THE FOUNDERS
Meet Candice & Devan
South African Food Affair was founded by Candice and Devan Naidoo, a husband-and-wife team passionate about sharing the vibrant flavours, culture, and hospitality of South Africa.
What started as a way to reconnect with the food and traditions they grew up with soon became a mission to introduce others to the rich and diverse culinary heritage of South Africa.
The journey began in Seattle in 2016, where they launched SAFA as a passion project. In 2021, they brought the brand to Austin, Texas, continuing their mission of creating memorable food experiences and sharing a piece of home with every guest they serve.
Today, SAFA is more than a food business. It is a celebration of heritage, community, and culture.
THE JOURNEY
The Story Behind The Flavours
From family recipes to award-winning street food.
For Candice, food has always been connected to family, community, and tradition. Growing up in a small village outside Durban, South Africa, she was raised by her grandmother — the kitchen was where stories were shared and generations came together.
Those early memories shape every dish we serve today. From Durban-style curries and bunny chow to peri-peri flame-grilled chicken, the SAFA menu is a tribute to the people, places, and traditions that built it.
In June 2022, that story took the Grand Prize at the Soul Food Truck Fest — a milestone that confirmed what our community already knew: authentic South African flavour belongs at the table.
OUR HERITAGE
Where Cultures Meet
"Our heritage is not only part of our story — it is part of every dish we create."
CONNECTION
Food Is Our Love Language
At SAFA, food is more than something we serve.
- It starts conversations.
- It creates memories.
- It brings people together.
Whether we’re feeding a festival crowd, catering a private event, or serving guests from our food truck, our goal remains the same: create unforgettable experiences through authentic South African flavour and genuine hospitality.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
The Values That Guide Us
Heritage
Community
Authenticity
Hospitality
THE SAFA FAMILY
One Brand. Three Experiences.
South African Food Affair is the heart of everything we do. Through our Food Truck and Catering divisions, we continue to share the flavours, culture, and hospitality that define the SAFA experience.
- Parent brand
South African Food Affair
The heart of our brand, where authentic South African flavours and tradition come together.
- Street food on wheels
Food Truck
Authentic South African street food served fresh at festivals, private events, and corporate gatherings.
- Events & weddings
Catering
OUR VISION
Sharing South Africa One Meal At A Time
Our mission is simple. To celebrate South African culture, preserve the traditions that inspire us, and create experiences that bring people together through food.
Every event, every meal, and every guest becomes part of our story. And we are honoured to share that story with you.
Join Us Around The Table
Whether you’re discovering South African cuisine for the first time or reconnecting with the flavours of home, we invite you to experience the culture, community, and hospitality that make SAFA special.