Introducing the young chefs from Africa, Middle East & South Asia region who are preparing to dazzle with an excitingly diverse array of dishes in the lead-up to the regional event.
The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy has seen many of its alumni rise to stardom over the years of this prestigious international competition. The carefully crafted combination of mentorship, connection to the global community, exposure to internationally acclaimed chefs and a philosophy of sustainability and personal beliefs, is about so much more than competing – it gives each chef a chance to grow, develop and reach for their very best. The latest edition sees 15 young chefs from Africa, Middle East & South Asia region who will embrace the challenge, vying for recognition and a prestigious place in the global final.
The competition’s largest region geographically encompasses an extremely diverse range of culinary cultures: India, the Middle East, South Africa and includes chefs hailing from even further afield, so expect a fascinating array of dishes and influences at the regional event, which will take place in Cape Town in January 2023.
Finalists from the Western Cape: Ellah Maepa is the executive chef and manager at The Backyard Café in Cape Town. Bianca Strydom is a development chef for Woolworths and previously worked at The Restaurant at Waterkloof as well as La Colombe. Aengus Moloney will be relocating to Ireland in late November to work as a chef at Tuscany Bistro, previously based at Gåte at Quoin Rock near Stellenbosch. Zanté Neethling recently moved to Nest restaurant in Knysna, working in the role of head chef, previously from Hazendal Wine Estate. Tiisetso Matela is head chef at Rust en Vrede in Stellenbosch.
