Three of South Africa’s most celebrated chefs—Kobus van der Merwe, Vusi Ndlovu, and Johannes Richter—are joining forces for a special culinary collaboration in Durban. Set to take place on Friday, 29 August and Saturday, 30 August 2025, the event includes two dinners and a lunch hosted at The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate.
Durban Gets a Seat at the Culinary Table
Long overshadowed by Cape Town and Johannesburg in food circles, Durban is now set to host an event that highlights the city’s potential as a culinary destination. The collaboration promises an experience of bold flavours, creative flair and shared culinary vision.
Meet the Chefs
Johannes Richter, recently named South Africa’s Chef of the Year, brings a menu inspired by Durban’s local produce and flavours, combining modern and classical techniques with a strong focus on sustainability.
Kobus van der Merwe, of the acclaimed Wolfgat in Paternoster, is known for his forage-driven cooking and dishes that reflect the biodiversity of the West Coast.
Vusi Ndlovu, from EDGE, brings a pan-African approach, blending traditional ingredients, storytelling, and open-fire techniques to create innovative interpretations of African cuisine.
A Menu of Collaboration
The chefs will present a nine-course tasting menu that includes both signature dishes and collaborative creations inspired by one another’s work. The result is expected to be an immersive culinary journey rooted in South African identity.
Sommelier Johanna Richter (The LivingRoom) and restaurateur Absie Pantshwa (EDGE) will lead the front-of-house experience, rounding out the team behind this high-level collaboration.
A Moment Worth Noting
This event marks an important moment for South Africa’s culinary scene—especially for Durban. It’s a showcase of talent, friendship and innovation, where regional voices come together to celebrate what modern South African cuisine can be.
