Spotlighting five formidable female foodies in the local culinary scene

In celebration of International Chefs Day, we’re pointing the lens towards five formidable female foodies who are at the frontiers of culinary exploration locally. With most of these chefs already raking in multiple international culinary awards, their can-do approaches are worth taking notes over. Let’s meet the five female chefs making waves in South Africa:

Chef Adri Morel

Adri’s love for Japanese culture and cuisine shines through in her marvellous culinary creations. After studying hospitality and catering in Stellenbosch, she joined the Tjing Tjing House team in 2015 as head of pastry. Adri’s trips to Japan have inspired and informed her authentic knowledge and skill for Japanese pastry. Her bright personality matches her unique enthusiasm for of creative play in the kitchen – something that many renowned Japanese chefs share in common with her.

In addition to being the Executive Chef of Tjing Tjing House (consisting of Torii Restaurant, Momiji Restaurant and Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar), Adri was also fundamental in the opening of Mochi Mochi, a Japanese-inspired pastry shop specialising in artisanal mochi and mochi-related treats.

Everyone knows that Japan is the dream destination when it comes to new, exciting culinary experiences. Chef Adri has brought a piece of that back with her to Cape Town and continues to nurture a fantastical connection to authentic Japanese style dishes and pastries.

Chef Julia du Toit

Julia du Toit is the head chef at Beyond, a Cape Town based restaurant serving contemporary African cuisine, nestled in between Constantia’s mountain slopes and rolling vineyards. Julia put South Africa on the culinary map when she was invited to work French Michelin-starred restaurant L’ Atelier des Augustins for a brief stint, representing Beyond.

While in France, Julia dedicated her menu to local author Deon Meyer. Highlighting the diversity of South African cuisine, her menu drew on flavours from across the world that resulted in her winning signature combinations.

Julia has big dreams for herself, with hopes that her working trip to France has cemented further culinary opportunities for her there. When she’s not busy creating Michelin-star menus, her everyday superpower is the sense of calm she maintains in the kitchen.

In an interview with Eat Out, Julia says “If I’m the one person in the kitchen who remains calm, then everyone else knows to stay calm too.”

Chef Judi Fourie

In 2020, Cape Town based chef Judi Fourie was deemed one of the Cape’s Top Women Restauranteurs of the year.  In 2021, she was nominated as a 2021 Top 10 Woman Chef, as the owner of concept restaurant Pilcrow & Cleaver, and deli/beer garden, Fideli’s.

In an article about Cape Town’s best kept secrets, the following was quoted about Chef Judi’s Fideli’s:

“Easily one of Parliament Street’s favourite coffee dens and deli pick-me-ups, Fideli’s will have you questioning whether you’re actually in New York City. A master of many trades, Fideli’s is also an inner-city grocer that sells and uses only the freshest ingredients that are locally sourced. It’s also a beer garden, that offers one of the most serene spots in the city.”

As a leading female force at the forefront of concept restaurants, deli spaces and beer gardens locally – Judi most certainly is a force to be reckoned within the culinary sphere.

Chef Siba Mtongana

Chef Candice Philip