They’ve done it again! Louis Jansen van Vuuren and Isabella Niehaus have cooked up another world-class win with their latest plant-based masterpiece.
Global (20 June 2025) – There’s something incredibly heartening about seeing local talent shine on the world stage. And South Africa is once again celebrating two of its own. Renowned artist and culinary creative Louis Jansen van Vuuren, alongside beloved cook and stylist Isabella Niehaus, have just been awarded Best Book in the World at the 2024 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards… for the second year in a row!
Yes, you read that right. The creative pair behind There’s a Vegan on my Verandah, which took top honours in 2023, are celebrating another major win, this time for their latest publication, Earthling Food, with its Afrikaans counterpart Skepselkos also making waves.
The prestigious Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, founded in 1995 by Edouard Cointreau, celebrate the very best in food and wine writing across the globe. They’re often dubbed the “Oscars of the culinary world,” recognising not only top-tier recipes but also storytelling, design, and cultural significance. And once again, South African talent has delivered all of that and more.

Earthling Food is no ordinary cookbook. Louis and Isabella bring together an ensemble of ten culinary creatives, from celebrated chefs to local food heroes, in a dazzling collection of vegan recipes. The pages are a mosaic of memories, conversations, and shared love for plant-based cuisine.
According to the team at Naledi, who published the book:
“Home cooks, Isabella Niehaus and Louis Jansen van Vuuren again join forces in creating an extraordinary publication of vegan recipes. The uniqueness of the book is that they are joined by ten food-loving friends… these conversations bring a behind-the-scenes look at the inspiration and creativity that drives South Africa’s plant-based food scene.”
The cookbook is an invitation to explore the artistry and depth of plant-based cooking in a South African context. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or simply curious about what’s possible with fresh, local produce, Earthling Food offers something inspiring on every page.
Isabella announced the exciting news with just three words on social media:
“Beste in die wêreld!!!”
And the internet responded accordingly, with an outpouring of love, support and national pride.
“How absolutely awesome Bella, huge CONGRATULATIONS!”
“Congratulations, Well done Bella en Louis Jansen Van Vuuren”
It’s another massive moment for South African creativity, culture and cuisine. Louis and Isabella’s continued success proves that the stories we tell, and the food we share, matter deeply. Especially when they come from the heart and are served with a side of passion and purpose.
Well done, team. You’ve made South Africa proud… again.