Rooted in African culinary heritage and fuelled by bold flavour, LemmeChew is proving that a homegrown idea can grow into something much bigger. From its humble beginnings in a home kitchen to retail shelves across South Africa, this Pretoria-based food brand is bringing traditional flavours into the spotlight, one meal at a time.
Rooted in African culinary heritage and fuelled by bold flavour, LemmeChew is proving that a homegrown idea can grow into something much bigger. From its humble beginnings in a home kitchen to retail shelves across South Africa, this Pretoria-based food brand is bringing traditional flavours into the spotlight, one meal at a time.
There is something special about food that takes you home. The kind of flavour that reminds you of family gatherings, Sunday lunches, the aroma of a pot simmering in the kitchen, and the familiar taste of meals deeply rooted in our culture. For LemmeChew, that connection to food, heritage and home is at the heart of everything they do.
LemmeChew Foods is a fast-growing South African agro-processing company founded by Katlego Suze and her husband, Sam Suze. The brand creates bold spices and sauces designed to bring character to everyday meals. Whether you're preparing a family feast, cooking a quick meal at home or working in a professional kitchen, LemmeChew offers products that make it easier to transform familiar dishes into flavourful experiences. Its range includes Mogodu Spice Blend, BethaTop, chilli sauces and Smokey BBQ Sauce Spice, each bringing its own personality to the kitchen.
But behind every product is a story of ambition, perseverance and a couple who dared to turn their love for food into a business.
A dream that started in the kitchen
LemmeChew's journey began at home, with a love for food and a desire to create flavours that people could enjoy in their own kitchens. Katlego studied Hospitality Management after matric, before spending eight years in the corporate finance industry.
While these may seem like two very different worlds, they would eventually become the perfect combination for building a business. Her hospitality background kept her connected to food, while her corporate experience equipped her with valuable skills to navigate the business world.
Like many entrepreneurial journeys, LemmeChew's growth did not happen overnight. A significant milestone came when the business transitioned from home-kitchen production to factory production, alongside her husband, Sam.
The journey required patience, hard work and a willingness to keep learning. Today, LemmeChew has grown into a brand with six product lines, reaching customers through retail and food-service partners.
What started as an idea in a home kitchen has become a growing food business with a presence in multiple markets. And for Katlego and Sam, seeing their products reach more kitchens has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.
More than spices: Celebrating African food heritage
One of the things that makes LemmeChew stand out is its commitment to authentic African culinary diets.
While many spice brands focus heavily on braai culture, LemmeChew has carved out a space for the foods and flavours that are deeply connected to African heritage, particularly afval (offal) dishes.
For generations, meals such as mogodu have been part of the fabric of African food culture. Yet these dishes have not always received the recognition they deserve. The founder has witnessed a shift in how indigenous foods are perceived, with traditional meals increasingly appearing on retail shelves and restaurant menus, including in upmarket dining destinations such as Sandton and Cape Town.
This evolution is something worth celebrating. African food is not simply a tradition to be preserved; it is a culinary experience that deserves to be embraced, enjoyed and shared.
LemmeChew is contributing to that story by creating products that honour these flavours while making them accessible to more people.
And when it comes to a product that captures the heart of the brand, BethaTop takes a special place.
Inspired by the Pitori spirit and the language of the city, BethaTop represents the roots that LemmeChew proudly embraces. It is a reminder that local identity can be more than a story behind a business; it can be part of the product itself.
Growing a business, one milestone at a time
Every growing business has its challenges, and for LemmeChew, one of the biggest has been scaling production while maintaining consistent quality and standards.
Moving from a small operation to larger-scale manufacturing requires constant adaptation, problem-solving and learning. Yet the challenges have not stopped the brand from making remarkable progress.
LemmeChew products are now distributed through a growing network of retail partners, including Shoprite, Checkers, Spar, Meat World, OBC Group, Meat Traders, Roots Butchery, Culstuff Great Butchery in Brits, Makro Marketplace and Food Lover's Market. The brand also supplies several local restaurants.
The business is currently onboarding with Takealot and Pick n Pay, while working towards expanding into export markets.
Among its proudest achievements is winning in the Agriculture Agro-processor category at the 2026 Tshwane Women in Business Awards. The brand has also received nominations for the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards and the 2026 South African Agricultural Awards.
For the founder, these recognitions are meaningful because they shine a light on the work happening behind the scenes. However, she also emphasises the importance of the less visible achievements of entrepreneurship, such as certifications, pitches and grants, which can create opportunities for growth and development.
The story of LemmeChew is a reminder that progress is not always measured by the milestones everyone sees. Sometimes, it is the quiet work of building systems, improving products and showing up consistently that makes the biggest difference.
Pitori is home, and home is part of the brand
We asked Katlego what being a Pretoria-based business means to her, and the answer is simple: Pitori is home.
The brand has received care and support from the people of Pretoria throughout its journey, and the city has played an important role in shaping its identity.
In fact, LemmeChew embraces its Pitori roots so proudly that one of its spices, BethaTop, takes its name from Spitori. The name is trademarked, making it an even more meaningful expression of the brand's identity.
For a business growing beyond its hometown, there is something inspiring about staying connected to where it all began. LemmeChew is not just a food brand based in Pretoria; it is a brand carrying a piece of Pretoria with it wherever its products go.
And that is exactly the kind of local pride worth celebrating.
Building a business that opens doors for others
Entrepreneurship has taught Katlego that she is more resilient than she sometimes gives herself credit for. It has also taught her the value of patience, continuous learning and taking things one step at a time.
But what truly stands out is her motivation beyond personal success.
She believes that she cannot win alone. There are other women who need to be carried along and given the opportunity to experience equivalent success. Her sense of responsibility to those women is what keeps her moving forward, even during difficult days.
“If I drop out, who will show them the road less travelled?”
It is a powerful reflection of what entrepreneurship can become when it is rooted in purpose. Building a business is no longer just about creating a product or generating income; it becomes an opportunity to demonstrate what is possible and inspire others to take their own first steps.
That message is particularly important for aspiring entrepreneurs in Pretoria who may be sitting with a business idea, waiting for the perfect moment to begin.
Her advice is practical and encouraging: start with what you have. Take the first step, even if everything is not perfectly figured out. Learn from your customers, ask questions and be willing to adjust along the way.
Every established business had a beginning. LemmeChew is proof of that.
The next chapter: LemmeChew and Kalaakgosi Co.
While LemmeChew continues to grow, the founders are preparing for a new chapter with Kalaakgosi Co., a broader business ecosystem that LemmeChew initially served as a prototype for.
At the heart of this vision is a powerful philosophy: As an entrepreneur don't only build products, also build systems.
For Katlego and Sam, building a successful food brand is about more than creating products that people love. It is also about understanding the structures, processes and standards that allow businesses to grow sustainably. Through Kalaakgosi Co., the founders aim to support township and rural food businesses in viewing compliance not as red tape or a barrier to entry, but as a strategic advantage that can unlock new opportunities.
Drawing from their own entrepreneurial journey, they hope to help other food businesses strengthen their foundations, navigate the complexities of the industry and position themselves for growth.
LemmeChew's journey has demonstrated what is possible when a product is supported by the right systems. Now, that experience is helping shape a bigger vision, one that extends beyond a single brand and seeks to create opportunities for other entrepreneurs within the food industry.
For Katlego and Sam, the real work is only beginning. As LemmeChew continues to expand its reach, Kalaakgosi Co. represents an opportunity to turn their experience into a resource for other businesses striving to build something lasting.
It is an exciting reminder that entrepreneurship can be about more than individual success. Sometimes, the greatest impact comes from building systems that empower others to succeed too.
Bring a little LemmeChew flavour into your kitchen
Whether you are a lover of traditional African dishes, a home cook looking to add something new to your meals, or a food-service business searching for bold flavours, LemmeChew invites you to explore its range of spices and sauces.
From the richness of Mogodu Spice Blend to the unmistakable Pitori spirit of BethaTop, there is a little something for every flavour-loving kitchen.
And beyond the products, every purchase supports a South African business that is building with purpose, celebrating its roots and proving that local brands can grow into something extraordinary.
Ready to discover LemmeChew?
Visit the LemmeChew online store, explore the store locator to find a stockist near you, or get in touch if you are interested in stocking the products or working with the brand.
Online store: www.lemmechew.co.za
Email: info@lemmechew.co.za
Phone: 062 016 1305
For Ngwana Pitori, stories like LemmeChew's are a reminder of why supporting local businesses matters. Behind every product on a shelf is a dream, a person, a journey and a whole lot of hard work.
And sometimes, all it takes is a little flavour to remind us of the greatness growing right here in Pitori.