I recently tried the Chakalaka brand for the first time, and I’ve got to say—I'm officially hooked. As someone who loves bold, hearty flavors with a bit of a kick, this was right up my alley.

What stood out to me the most was the balance—spicy, but not overwhelming. You get that warm, satisfying heat layered with rich, savory depth. I had it with grilled chicken and some flatbread, and it instantly elevated the whole meal. It’s that kind of flavor that feels homemade, like someone’s secret family recipe passed down through generations.

The texture was spot on too—chunky and robust, not watery or overly processed. You can tell real ingredients went into this. I’ve even started mixing it into rice dishes, scrambled eggs, and honestly, just about anything I can get away with.

It’s the kind of pantry staple I didn’t know I needed. Full of soul, spice, and South African goodness. Highly recommend if you’re looking to level up your meals with something that feels authentic and exciting.

We are always looking for new healthy ways to liven up meals for the family. Once I read the mission statement of the founder and saw the recipe suggestions, I just had to try it!
“Chakalaka is about coming together through shared meals and stories. We make it possible for people to connect and fully experience the vibrant flavors of life in an easy to prepare, healthy and fun meal.”

We first had the mild with salmon, rice & beet salad. It was totally a hit! There are endless possibilities in the recipe suggestions so you can keep it simple or go crazy! Next we tried the medium spice with steak tips, wild rice & chicken breast. It was a different experience to the salmon with the mild mix. I lean vegetarian. So I like that it can be vegan if you prefer. It added plenty of oomph and at only 150 calories a serving, but so satisfying, it’s a great choice!
The history of the origins in South Africa is interesting, first created by miners in the 1950’s. The versatility of this dish makes it a great staple to keep in hand in your pantry! Thank you Chakalaka for trusting me to try out your new product. It’s a winner!

This is simple, easy to prepare and very tasty. Also smells amazing while preparing. You can definitely taste the spices and pepper and they harmonize perfectly! It is hot, but not too hot.

This is easy to prepare, very simple and delicious! you can definitely taste the sweetness of the sugar cane harmonizing with the turmeric flavor and I might tell you: it is a perfect combination! If you are expecting something a little bit hotter, try the orange (color) one. This one is for people who are not really fond of hot food, but still love good food.

It is straight forward on how to prepare, very simple, easy and practical. I was also impressed about hos tasteful this is! This one is really hot though. So if you cant deal with really hot foods, try another version of the beans. They are really worthy!

I love how these plant-based dishes are not only vegan but also packed with flavor! They’re perfect for families with different spice preferences, too. You can choose from three levels of heat mild, medium, and spicy, so everyone can enjoy their favorite. The mild version has a smooth, savory taste with just a touch of spice, while the medium brings a bit more kick without being too much. For those who love bold flavors, the spicy option adds a real punch. It’s amazing how these dishes stay full of flavor while being plant-based, making every meal delicious for everyone!

I was really excited to try something new with our main course meal. I cooked a stuffed chicken as well as some Hawaiin shredded beef for me and my husband and the kids along with broccoli we chose to try the mild beans and they were really yummy and had lots of flavor. I would love to see what they come out with in the future with possibly other sides to try as well we all liked them I highly recommend.

I am a major foodie and love trying new ethnic foods. The Chakalaka Sampler Pack was a welcome and delicious side dish to make! It's super easy to make and takes about 20 minutes to prepare. It pairs very well with grilled chicken, beef, and rice. Chakalaka is an absolute delight—it's like a flavorful party in your mouth! I love that it has so many great spices and vegetables. I also like the fact that it has just the right amount of heat.

The Chakalaka Sampler Pack will definitely be one of our staples when I need a delicious side to make a quick meal.

i love trying out new foods. i have never heard of Chakalaka and really had no idea what to expect. The product was very easy to make. Add the water, bring to boil, simmer 20 min. or until beans are tender. It actually reminds me of baked beans, with a little extra spice. The first two ingredients are navy beans and brown sugar, so i think it's very similar to traditional baked beans. i'm pretty sensitive to spice, so i found the mild and medium spice to be very good. The medium spice has a bit of bite to it, but is still tolerable for someone sensitive to spice. The spicy was too spicy for me, but my husband and son who really like hot food said it was good and not too hot.
Not being familiar with Chakalaka i wasn't exactly sure how to serve it. So we tried it with rice and flat bread. It was very good served both ways.
Overall, i really enjoyed this product. It is very sweet and flavorful. As a vegetarian, it makes a really nice healthy bean dish that is quick to make and that the entire family enjoys.

I recently ordered the Chakalaka Medium (Original), Chakalaka Mild (No Matatha), and Chakalaka Spicy (Mathata) 3-Pack Bundle, and it has been an absolute delight to try these vibrant South African flavors! Each option offers a unique taste, and the convenience makes it perfect for my busy schedule.

Preparing them is super easy—just boil water, add the dried Chakalaka mix, and let it cook for about 20 minutes. The beans soften beautifully, and the vegetables and spices blend into a hearty and flavorful dish.

The Mild (No Matatha) was a comforting option with a subtle hint of spice—great for lighter meals. The Medium (Original) had the perfect balance of bold flavors, while the Spicy (Mathata) added an exciting kick for days when I craved something fiery.

These mixes are incredibly versatile and can be paired with various recipes. We enjoyed them most with rice—the flavors were rich and satisfying, making for a wholesome meal that everyone loved.

Overall, it was a fantastic experience! The Chakalaka bundle is quick to prepare, full of flavor, and plant-based, which is a bonus. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to explore something new and delicious. This is definitely something I’ll order again!

I love Chakalaka so much. The flavors are so unique and delicious. I love that it comes in Mild , Medium and Hot so that I can change up my dishes. These are perfect for a main meal as well. Packed with flavor.

I ordered all 3 flavors of this bean mix, and it’s different from anything I’ve tried before. It is packed with flavor, and I really like the variety. My favorite flavor is the mild, while my fiancée loved the spicy one. Even though it has a simple 3-step cooking process, it is still delicious. Moreover, it’s a healthy and gluten-free option, which aligns with our dietary choices.