When Martha Stewart recently called milk tart a “desperation pie,” it sparked a uproar on South Africa’s internet. Particulary on Tik Tok. The comment sections of the videos are hiliarious. For many South Africans, myself included, her attempt at rebranding milktart felt dismissive of a dessert that holds a special place in my heart. While it’s easy to see how something so simple could be misunderstood, it’s essential that we approach cultural foods with respect and understanding, especially when we share them across borders.
Milk tart, or “melktert,” is not just a dessert—it’s a part of South Africa’s heritage, passed down through generations. My mom makes it and I love it. It’s the kind of dessert that you’ll find at family gatherings, picnics, and celebratory events. It’s a comfort food, rich with nostalgia and history. To refer to it as a “desperation pie” is a bit tasteless pun intended. That being said national milk tart day is coming soon 27th of Feburary to be exact. So keep reading to learn more about why repecting cultural food matters and where to find delicious milk tart in Cape Town.
Respecting Cultural Foods Across Borders
Sharing food across cultures is a beautiful thing, but it comes with the responsibility to respect and acknowledge the roots of the dishes we encounter. Food can tell us so much about a country’s history, its people, and its traditions.
Milk tart isn’t a tart thrown together when ingredients are scarce—it’s a well-loved South African treat made from simple, staple ingredients. Martha didn’t know this and has since apologized. The filling is made from a creamy custard flavoured with cinnamon,( which Martha’s version was lacking) nestled in a buttery, crisp crust. The beauty of milk tart is that it only takes a few ingredienets to make.
It’s essential that when we explore or introduce dishes from other countries, we take the time to learn about their cultural significance, respecting the nuances that make them special.
Where to find the best Milktart in Cape Town
Limnos Bakers
They make delicious cake and their milktart does not disappoint. They have branches around Cape Town so check out their socials to find a branch.
The Velvet Cake Co.
Again this is one of Cape Town’s best bakeries and I have never been disappointed by their cakes. They are a bit expensive but you have to try their milk tart cupcake at least ones. It’s a cupcake that has the filling ok a milk tart inside of it. It’s a fun and unique spin on the traditional milk tart.
Woolworths
A beautiful milk tart with an interesting design on top of it made with cinimanon. You can find it at most Woolworths shops. Alternatively if you are living in South Africa order it here from this link: https://www.woolworths.co.za/prod/_/A-6008000535939
Quality Bake
They have a branch in Landsdown road and a wholesaler as well. Their cakes are all delicious and they also sell pies, samosas and more. Their baked goods are also always fresh.
More places selling amazing mik tart:
Thank you for reading and if you had milk tart let me know if you liked it or not.
Nikkidiscovers 