Modern Kasi Flavours: Lessons from Food By K’s Rise with Koketjo Semenya

Modern Kasi Flavours: Lessons from Food By K’s Rise with Koketjo Semenya. When Koketjo Semenya launched Food By K in 2018 in Lenasia South, he did so with a kitchen, little capital, and a vision to modernise township street food. Inspired by late chef Lesego “Les Da Chef” Semenya, Koketjo turned his unemployment into an opportunity, blending familiar flavours like kota and quesadillas with presentation and consistency. His journey reveals actionable lessons for food entrepreneurs aiming to shine.

Finding Purpose in the Kitchen

After earning a diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Koketjo struggled to secure employment. Cooking became a therapeutic escape and an incubator for creativity. The moniker “Food By K” emerged from his role as creative cook and curator for township palates.

Actionable insight: Let adversity guide you, use personal need as the seed of opportunity.

Serving Kasi Flavours with a Twist

Food By K’s menu reimagines local favourites, crunchy kota, beef quesadillas, gourmet versions of township comfort food. A Globe Post feature described the Beef Quesadilla as a top seller, often selling out within an hour. Koketjo intentionally blends modern presentation with Kasi authenticity.

Actionable insight: Offer distinction through fusion, preserve the soul of local cuisine while elevating its form.

Bootstrapped Beginnings and Smart Hustle

With no investors, Koketjo began by selling meals through small events and pop-ups. He grew organically, relying on word-of-mouth, community support, and popular monthly events like Ladies Wine and Dine Sundays. Staffing stayed lean: two permanent and five casual workers during these occasions.

Actionable insight: Start lean. Use events and personal networks to grow demand before investing in infrastructure.

Creating Buzz through Media and Events

Featured on Relebogile Mabotja’s 702 Food Feature podcast, Koketjo described Food By K as modern Kasi street food that everyone loves. His voice, menu distinctiveness, and media mentions built visibility beyond Lenasia. Social media buzz from TalkRadio702 highlighted his bold spirit and flavour creativity.

Actionable insight: Earn visibility through storytelling and culturally-aligned media platforms rather than costly ads.

Milestones that Mark Strategic Growth

• Launched Food By K in Lenasia South, inspired by food shows and driven by unemployment
• Recognized in Globe Post as a self-funded culinary gem known for unforgettable meals
• Regular feature on the Food Feature podcast, elevating his brand nationally
• Participation in culinary events like Ladies Wine and Dine, growing local buzz

Each of these moments anchored both credibility and community trust.

Actionable insight: Use recognition and media features as brand milestones, share them to deepen trust and extend reach.

Overcoming Challenges Through Community Loyalty

Limited funds and space were recurring hurdles. Koketjo managed by maximising resources, using delivery services like UberEats, and working within community spaces. He repeatedly emphasised his aspiration to expand into larger venues, funded through reinvested revenue and incoming demand.

Actionable insight: Persist through structural constraints by focusing on service quality and creative distribution strategies.

Fostering Growth via Digital and Real-World Presence

Food By K built community both online and offline. Instagram and Facebook posts showcase creations, customer reactions, and event highlights. UberEats listings added convenience and accessibility. Offline, pop-ups and word-of-mouth fuelled real-time engagement.

Actionable insight: Blend digital convenience with in-person connection. Serve customers online while nurturing offline community engagement.

Seven Lessons from Food By K’s Journey

• Transform obstacles into brand purpose
• Innovate by elevating local flavours with presentation and creativity
• Start lean using grassroots events and networks
• Gain visibility through storytelling in trusted channels
• Share milestones, even informal ones, as signs of progress
• Navigate financial limitations with creativity and relevance
• Cultivate both online visibility and grounded real-world connection

Final Reflection

Koketjo Semenya’s journey with Food By K shows that authentic flavours, persistence, and community connection can yield remarkable results, without investors or formal infrastructure. From humble beginnings to becoming a podcast-featured culinary brand, Food By K teaches that purpose-led entrepreneurship grounded in local identity breeds sustainable innovation. When entrepreneurship is rooted in both flavour and feeling, every meal shared becomes a story worth tasting.