Butter has always been one of the most beloved ingredients in cooking. It’s the foundation of sauces, the secret to golden roast potatoes and the finishing touch that gives many dishes their unmistakable richness. But in professional kitchens around the world, chefs often take butter one step further by transforming it into something even more powerful: compound butter.
Compound butter is simply butter blended with herbs, spices, citrus or other flavourful ingredients. While the concept is straightforward, the effect can be remarkable. A small spoonful melting over hot food can instantly add aroma, depth and complexity. For chefs, it’s a versatile flavour shortcut — enhancing everything from grilled meats to vegetables, seafood and pasta.
Traditionally, compound butter is rolled into logs, chilled and sliced into rounds before being placed on a hot steak or stirred into sauces. But in recent years, this once restaurant-only technique has begun finding its way into home kitchens, thanks in part to brands that are making it easier for everyday cooks to use.
One such brand is Delagoa Bay, a Durban-based company that has spent the past decade reimagining how compound butter can be used at home. Founded ten years ago in Durban, the brand was inspired by the bold coastal flavours of Portuguese and Mozambican cuisine — particularly the vibrant chilli, garlic and citrus notes associated with peri-peri cooking.
The idea behind Delagoa Bay was simple: create a product that allows home cooks to add chef-level flavour to everyday meals without complicated preparation. Instead of measuring multiple ingredients or making sauces from scratch, cooks can simply add a squeeze of flavoured butter to transform a dish.
The concept has clearly resonated. To mark its 10th anniversary, Delagoa Bay entered its range into the Food & Home Awards 2025, where it received Gold for Best Dairy Product as well as Gold for Best Peri-Peri Sauce — a major recognition for the proudly Durban-born brand.
At the heart of the range are five distinctive flavour variants, each designed to complement different types of dishes.
The Original Piri Compound Butter delivers bold peri-peri-inspired flavour with a blend of chilli, coconut milk and spices. It melts beautifully over grilled chicken, prawns, steak or roasted vegetables, adding warmth and depth without overpowering the dish.
The Chilli Coriander Compound Butter offers a slightly hotter, fresher flavour profile, combining chilli, garlic and coriander amongst other ingredients. It works incredibly well with flattie hicken, and can even be drizzled over pizza or stirred through pasta.
For lighter dishes, the Lemon Herb Compound Butter combines lemon, garlic and Italian herbs. Its citrus notes make it ideal for fish, grilled chicken, mielies, mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
The Rosemary Thyme Compound Butter brings together two classic herbs known for their affinity with roasted meats. It’s a natural partner for lamb and beef, while also adding flavour to roast potatoes and hearty braai dishes.
Completing the range is the Traditional Piri-Piri Sauce, a vibrant, coconut milk-infused peri-peri sauce that captures the lively character of peri-peri cooking. It can be used as a table sauce, mixed with mayonnaise to create a quick dip, or added to marinades and salad dressings.
One of the features that makes Delagoa Bay particularly accessible for home cooks is its packaging. Rather than the traditional butter logs used in restaurants, the compound butters are presented in 250ml squeeze bottles. This allows cooks to add flavour directly into a pan, over grilled food or onto finished dishes with ease and control.
For catering companies and professional kitchens, the range is also available in 5-litre bulk containers, providing the same bold flavour at scale.
Over the past decade, Delagoa Bay has developed a loyal following among braai enthusiasts, home cooks and chefs alike. Its Durban roots and coastal inspiration continue to influence the brand’s flavour profile — combining African heat with Mediterranean-style herb and citrus notes.
Whether finishing a steak, glazing grilled chicken or adding richness to vegetables, compound butter remains one of the simplest ways to elevate a dish. With brands like Delagoa Bay bringing this chef’s technique into home kitchens, it’s easier than ever to cook with confidence — and flavour.
The full Delagoa Bay range is available from the online store at www.delagoabay.com, with nationwide courier delivery straight to your door.
For recipes, serving ideas and cooking inspiration, follow @delagoabay on Instagram and @DelagoabayZA on Facebook.
Because sometimes the simplest ingredient in the kitchen can still be reinvented.
Also See: Food&Home Awards 2025: Celebrating excellence in South African food
Food&Home Awards 2025: Celebrating excellence in South African food
