Breaking kitchen stereotypes: Sifo the Cooking Husband releases 'Volume 2' of his book

To many South Africans, Sinoyolo Sifo, better known as Sifo the Cooking Husband, has made cooking cool again.

Growing up in Lusikisiki, a small town on the Eastern Cape coast, Sifo started by sharing simple, comforting meals online. His journey from home cook to bestselling cookbook author is filled with love, determination and teamwork.

Now, he’s back with his second offering, "Sifo the Cooking Husband: Volume 2", and it’s already flying off the shelves. Speaking to "Independent Media Lifestyle", Sifo shared that this project feels deeply personal; a reflection of growth, love and the shared joy of food that began in his own kitchen.

“When I started this journey during Covid-19, it was just about sharing what I love. I didn’t imagine it would grow into this, he says with a smile. Now we’re on the second book, and this one feels like the matured version of me.”

Cooking, partnership and breaking stereotypes

“'Sifo the Cooking Husband Volume 2' is a family book,  so its recipes are simple, easy and delicious. So if you’re a person who loves cooking or is still learning to cook, the book is really for everyone."

“The book is not gonna intimidate you, in terms of like having complicated dishes. “Ingredients are easy to source, I’m very big on that! When I develop recipes, I make sure it must be recipes that people can acquire, cause I understand the environment we’re in.

"And also dishes that are not too expensive, guys,” he said in conversation.

For Sifo, his wife is not only his creative partner but also the first to try his new dishes.

They share a playful back-and-forth that matches the energy of his recipes.

“My wife is my official, unofficial taster,” he laughs. “Can she cook? Let’s just say, she cooks food that won’t kill you. She cooks food that fills you, but we don’t compete in the kitchen. It’s about sharing the space.”

Their strong partnership is a big reason for Sifo’s popularity. Together, they have built a food brand based on honesty and respect, and they continue to challenge old ideas about who belongs in the kitchen.

“There’s nothing unmanly about cooking,” Sifo insists. “We need to move past that old thinking. Cooking for your partner or your family isn’t a weakness, it’s love, it’s leadership, it’s connection.”

He wants to encourage more South African men to start cooking. Judging by his many fans, he is making a difference.

Sifo’s journey to publishing success didn’t come easy. After sending out his manuscript, he faced months of silence from publishers. But giving up isn’t in his nature.

“I’m persistent by heart,” he shared in conversation. When months went by with nothing about my book. I knocked next door, and within a week, I got a response. Sometimes you’re just looking in the wrong place.”

That perseverance is the secret ingredient that flavours all his success. His first cookbook became an instant hit, now on its third reprint, and the follow-up builds beautifully on that foundation.

"Volume 2" explores new tastes and textures, featuring vegetarian recipes and dishes inspired by his travels, alongside his signature inyama (meat) creations. It’s food that’s familiar yet elevated, warm, hearty and proudly South African.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like writing a cookbook with your spouse as a manager, Sifo will tell you: it’s equal parts chaos and joy.

“There were nights my wife had to remind me, ‘The book, the book!’” he chuckles. "It’s stressful, but a good kind of stress. I’ve learned how to be disciplined, to write recipes that anyone can follow, from how much water to use for ulusu to making pasta from scratch.”

Testing recipes together has become their bonding ritual. “She has a way of critiquing with love, firm but kind. Those moments in the kitchen, going back to the drawing board together, that’s where the magic happened.”

He admits that "Volume 2" feels more refined, a reflection of both his culinary and personal evolution. “You can taste the growth,” he says. It’s me, but more intentional, more mature, more flavour, more heart.”

Beyond the books, Sifo the Cooking Husband is a movement that breaks barriers, celebrates family, and redefines masculinity in the kitchen.

“I want more men to feel at home in the kitchen,” he explains. Let’s make cooking a shared love language. When you cook for your partner, your family, it builds connection.”

His dream is simple! To launch cooking classes specifically for men, sessions that combine sport, fun, and food in a way that speaks to South African culture. “We need spaces where men can learn, laugh, and cook without feeling judged,” he says. “That’s the vision.”

Serving the future

As "Volume 2" continues to win hearts, Sifo remains grounded. His success hasn’t changed the reason he started a love for food and people. “I’m not a trained chef,” he says humbly. “I’m just a guy who loves cooking for those I love.”

He credits his culinary inspirations, including global stars like Bobby Flay and South Africa’s own Siba Mtongana, for showing him that simple, soulful food can make the biggest impact.

“Siba and Bobby inspired me from the start,” he says. “I love how their family-style food looks beautiful and easy.”

For now, Sifo says he’s enjoying the moment cooking, travelling, and sharing his story. But one thing is certain: his journey is far from over.

“This is just the beginning,” he grins. “I want every home to have a Sifo the Cooking Husband book, not just to cook from, but to connect over.”