Hi, I’m Fery – the cook, writer, and not-so-great photographer behind Zesty Limes.
I’m based in Cape Town, South Africa – arguably the best city in the country (if you ask me), where the mountains meet the ocean and good food is always close at hand.
Food, Family, and Fond Memories
My love of food runs deep. I grew up in a family where meals were more than just food — they were experiences. My maternal grandparents adored fresh, simple flavors. I’ll never forget coming home from school to salty, blanched crayfish because a family friend had shown up with an armful of them, or the dried salted hake my grandfather loved to cure. On the other side of the family, my paternal grandmother was all about desserts. My dad still recalls how she served both dinner and dessert every night without fail. These days, I usually manage one or the other – but the thought of both still gets me excited, especially if we’re talking about the traditional Cape Malay kind!
Why I Started This Blog
When Instagram food photos became a trend, I figured – I’m already taking photos of my food, why not share the recipes too? As a Gen X’er, it felt like a novel idea at the time, but I gave it a go anyway. That’s how Zesty Limes was born: a space where I could celebrate my family’s recipes, my Cape Malay heritage, and all the new flavors I’ve come to love along the way.
What You’ll Find Here
Zesty Limes is part tribute, part kitchen diary. Many of the recipes are nostalgic and aromatic, inspired by three generations of my family and the Cape Malay flavors I grew up with. But you’ll also find plenty of modern, quick, and convenient dishes — because sometimes you just need good food in a hurry.
At my own family table, we alternate between traditional Cape Malay curries and stews, quick spicy chicken pastas, and dishes with Mexican or Southeast Asian flair (a personal favorite of mine). Food has always been at the heart of our celebrations — and even weeknight dinners — and I try to bring that same sense of joy and comfort to the recipes I share here.
A Note on Photos
You’ll notice that the photos here aren’t perfect. That’s because I take them myself, and I’ll be the first to admit I’m not a photographer. But what you see is real food, made in a real kitchen – just the way I serve it to my family.
Let’s Stay Connected
If you love comforting, aromatic, sometimes quick, and always satisfying recipes, you’re in the right place. I’d love for you to join me in the kitchen by subscribing to my newsletter below. You’ll get new recipes, tips, and a little taste of Cape Town straight to your inbox.
👉 You can also find me on Pinterest at pinterest.com/zestylimesblog.
Let’s make food that feels like a good friend you’ve missed — the kind that always makes you glad you came back.