It’s hard to believe that KFC was only established in South Africa in 1971.
Since then, the fried chicken chain has become one of the most popular fast food franchises in Mzansi. Yet throughout its 54-year entire existence, no one has managed to crack the code on their top-secret recipe.
Now, all that is about to change once the recipe is revealed next week.
KFC’S SECRET RECIPE: AN UNVEILING OF EPIC PROPORTIONS
In a recent statement, KFC Africa declared its intention to finally reveal the mythical recipe that’s shaped almost the entirety of their menu.
“People have been asking us for years about our secret recipe,” explained Grant Macpherson, KFC Africa’s Chief Marketing and Digital Officer.
“They’ve guessed, they’ve pleaded and they’ve done their best to copy it. And now we’ve decided the world can finally share it. We think it will be better for everyone if it’s out in the open.”
The recipe is scheduled to be revealed sometime next Wednesday, 8 October 2025. Details regarding how exactly it will be unveiled are still to be announced.
WINNER, WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER OR A COCK-AND-BULL STORY?
Many South Africans who’ve been eager to know what makes KFC chicken tick are excited about the curtain being lifted on the chain’s notoriously classified recipe, which is speculated to contain 11 herbs and spices.
While some folks fear that these fried chicken dishes will lose their magical appeal, others are sceptical about the nature of the unveiling itself.
Specifically, they doubt that KFC Africa will actually reveal the recipe; if they do so, will all of the ingredients be detailed in full?
Macpherson’s statement strongly indicates that it is indeed happening. He also acknowledged the potential implications of the unveiling:
Our loyal customers may be wondering whether this will kill [the brand’s] mystique… We don’t think it will, but everything will become clear on 8 October. Until then, all the guesses and opinions will be just that.
A BIG GAMBLE FOR KFC
It’s a big gamble that KFC Africa’s taking, albeit one that’ll pay off greatly if they play their cards right.
For South Africans who’ve attempted to cook their own replica meals at home, they are sure to welcome the real deal with open arms AND mouths. For others, it’s a matter of waiting and seeing if KFC will deliver on their promise.
Whatever happens on 8 October, it will certainly be a finger-lickin’ moment to remember.
