It started – as many great things do – with a last-minute scramble, a panicked email to self, and a studio full of suspicion. Yes, this week’s Top 10 Tuesday on HOT 1027 Breakfast was brought to you by the fine art of improvisation… and comfort food cravings.

Reminded mid-coffee sip that it was his turn to deliver the goods, Parky reached deep into the recesses of his winter brain and whipped up a list to warm the belly and the soul. And what better theme than Top 10 Winter Foods in Joburg?

Spoiler alert: there were potjies. There were puddings. There was even the curious rebranding of the humble boerie roll as “winter cuisine” – wrapped in foil, of course, for that gourmet glow.

From the sturdy Oma Rusk (equal parts biscuit and dental challenge) to the beloved but rarely sighted Bobotie (“a national treasure disguised as a casserole”), this week’s list had us all nodding in nostalgic agreement – or loudly disagreeing depending on how you feel about chicken livers before 8am.

Let’s not even start on the bunny chow as a handwarmer debate.

If you missed the countdown or want to challenge the list with your own top-tier winter dishes (we’re looking at you, pancake fans), click below for the full audio clip. You might find yourself inspired to dust off the slow cooker… or at the very least, pop to the shops for some custard.

Whatever your tastebuds crave when the mercury dips, HOT 1027 Breakfast has the food, the laughs, and the foil-wrapped drama to keep you warm all winter long.