Ah, the humble egg: the most versatile of ingredients, and an absolute staple in the pantry. Poached, baked, boiled, whipped or fried, the potential behind that fragile shell is endless.

How do we love our eggs? Let us count the ways.

A post shared by PabloEggsGoBar (@pabloeggsgobar) on Sep 16, 2016 at 3:14am PDT

We love you in the morning, swiftly boiled and served simply, with just a crack of salt and black pepper.

Start your weekend right with breakfast at The Shortmarket Club.

A post shared by The Shortmarket club (@theshortmarketclub) on Jan 20, 2017 at 6:10am PST

 

We fancy you for brunch, perfectly poached and paired with decadent Hollandaise.

The JARRYDS Smoked Salmon Benedict w/ house made hollandaise + fresh micro herbs enough said…#foodporn #foodie #food #food52 #breakfast #breakfastofchampions #breakfastoftheday #jarrydseatery #delish #seapoint @lexiryman thanks for the epic pic! ☕️

A post shared by JARRYDS Espresso Bar + Eatery (@jarryds_eatery) on Jul 19, 2016 at 11:09pm PDT

We adore you as a snack, prepared any which way, generously sharing toast with your soul food, avocado.

Pistachi-YOKE! Egg toast avocado #weekend #perfection #glendasrestaurant #wakiewakieeggsandbakie

A post shared by Glenda’s (@glendas_restaurant) on Mar 4, 2017 at 12:05am PST

 

We heart you scrambled, cooked oh-so slowly with one-too-many dollops of butter.

Perfect for public holiday brunch! Hot croissant with smoked salmon, scrambled egg & creme fraiche

A post shared by Boiler Room Cafe (@boiler_room_cafe) on Apr 27, 2017 at 2:25am PDT

We smile at your sunny disposition as you perch atop a steak or nestle into a burger.

How you doing? #breakfast #bagel to get the day started. #breakfastofchampions #kleinskys #delicatessen #capetown

A post shared by Kleinsky’s Delicatessen (@kleinskys) on Apr 27, 2016 at 11:32pm PDT

 

We watch in fascination as you transform into peaks – first soft, then rising up into glorious, thick clouds – ready for your transformation into magnificent meringues.

Mmm Lemon Meringue cheese cake @cafedelsolsa #bakeacake #homemade #baking #botanico #cafedelsolsa #jozieats

A post shared by Cafe del Sol (@cafedelsolsa) on Mar 15, 2017 at 12:07pm PDT

We love you, gently bobbing in ramen, adding another layer of flavour to that hot bowl of umami.

Enjoy fragrant, flavourful bowls of ramen when you order in from Downtown Ramen, the Mother City’s first authentic and traditional Japanese noodle joint!

A post shared by Mr D Food (@mrdfood) on May 3, 2017 at 4:20am PDT

 

We wait in anticipation to reveal your yolk. Will you ooze adequately, with just the right amount of fudgy texture?

Poached @usanafarm eggs on our fresh house-made seeded bread! Made with flax, sesame, chia, pumpkin seeds, pecans and hazelnuts. Made with no flour, no egg and no butter! Thanks for the great photo @run_sweat_happy

A post shared by Clarke’s bar & dining room (@clarkescapetown) on Apr 29, 2017 at 12:23am PDT

We’re happy to see you warm and cosy, nestled in a warm bed of pastry.

Bacon Eggie sans Pastry

A post shared by CaptainBreadZA (@bardough_by_jason) on May 10, 2017 at 10:58pm PDT

 

We watch in despair as the naïve drop you into boiling water and walk away, ne’er a timer set. Have they no shame? You’re worth so much more than that dark black ring around your once delicate core.

Making the best out of hospital food while little man sleeps. Fruit, cottage cheese, hard boiled egg. #stayhealthy #staystrongformyboy #overcookedegg #illeatitanyway

A post shared by @fabjackson on Aug 9, 2014 at 8:42am PDT