Jan The Journal

JAN The Journal - Summer 2025

When creating this issue of JAN the Journal there was one recurring theme that presented itself naturally as the book started to come together: Pleasure. Such a simple word, but one that carries so much promise with it.

The delight of running your finger around the edge of a bowl to taste the richness of chocolate cake batter. The joy of slicing open a blood orange and the surprise of its ruby red pulp. That feeling of refinement when you sit at a table laid with theatrical flair – starched napkins sculpted into amazing creations and cutlery with stories to tell of forgotten customs and traditions. The comfort of a supper enjoyed in bed. And the overwhelming pleasure that a journey into a foreign land brings – the cacophony of delights just waiting to be discovered.

In JAN the Journal Volume 15 we share these pleasures with you. After all, that was the driving force behind the launch of the very first Journal seven years ago – to feel the pleasure of creating something special and sending it out into the world to be enjoyed.

JAN The Journal Created by South African chef and artist Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen. It blends culinary artistry with storytelling, travel narratives, and reflections on beauty and simplicity