The Michelin Guide is synonymous with culinary excellence, and the chefs who earn Michelin stars are often seen as the epitome of gastronomic skill. In South Africa, where there are many top chefs, however, because the Michelin Guide has yet to extend its reach to our shores, much of our gastronomic talent earns their stars while working abroad.
In this article, find out how South African Michelin Star chefs have earned recognition in international kitchens.
Of course, we’ll also answer that burning question: how do chefs get a Michelin star?
What is a Michelin Star?
The Michelin Guide, first published in 1900 by the French tyre company, Michelin, has become one of the most influential culinary publications in the world. Initially intended to help motorists find reliable places to eat and refuel during their travels, the guide evolved over the decades to focus solely on fine dining establishments. In 1926, it was decided that one star meant “very good” two stars signified "excellent and three stars indicated "exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey."
Today, highly coveted Michelin stars are awarded based on the food itself - taste, originality, and execution. The assessment is anonymous and rigorous which means that chefs must continuously maintain exceptional standards to retain their stars. Sadly, the loss of a Michelin star can be as significant as receiving one.
How Do Chefs Get a Michelin Star?
If you are searching Michelin star South Africa, it’s worth knowing that the journey to earning a star is a long and arduous one. So, how do chefs get a Michelin star?
While the exact criteria are not publicly disclosed, the Michelin Guide prioritises the following factors:
A Michelin Star chef must show exceptional skill in every aspect of their work. Besides the quality of ingredients, the preparation and techniques used must be flawless, emphasising precision and consistency.
A high level of creativity and innovation is of equal importance.
Ultimately, however, it’s the taste of the dishes that matters most.
For chefs hoping to earn this coveted recognition, the road often begins with years of training under established culinary experts. Remember that for aspirant Michelin Star awardees, South Africa is limited to South African chefs which is why they typically work in renowned kitchens around the world.
How Do Chefs Get a Michelin Star in South Africa?
Sadly, they don’t!
Although the Michelin Guide has not yet expanded to South Africa, there is no doubt that our nation’s culinary talent is beginning to gain international recognition.
Several South African chefs have earned Michelin stars while working overseas.
This marks a significant achievement for South African cuisine and proves that the country has some of the best chefs in the world!
So, who are the South African Michelin star chefs?
One noteworthy trailblazer is Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, one of South Africa’s most famous chefs and the first to be awarded a Michelin star.
Van der Westhuizen’s restaurant, Jan, located in Nice, France, was honoured with a Michelin star in 2016, making history for South African cuisine. His work has been widely lauded for its ability to blend South African ingredients with French techniques and has shown the potential of South African produce and flavours on an international platform.
Van der Westhuizen's success has inspired other South African chefs to pursue Michelin recognition and the trend to earn Michelin stars abroad highlights the growing global appeal of South African culinary traditions and the influence these chefs are having in the world of fine dining.
Other notable South African chefs to earn a Michelin star include:
Hailing from Cape Town, Jean earned a Michelin star in 2019 for his work at the restaurant Interlude in West Sussex, England. He retained the star in 2020, demonstrating his consistency and mastery.
Conor earned a Michelin star in 2019 for his restaurant, Condita, in Edinburgh, Scotland.
While not a Michelin star per se, in February 2025, Ash Valenzuela-Heeger, a South African-born chef, was awarded the Michelin Young Chef Award for 2025. She is the chef-owner of Riverine Rabbit, a restaurant in Birmingham, UK, which has also earned a Bib Gourmand recognition.
These South African chefs represent the growing influence of South African cuisine on the international fine dining scene and are certainly among the best chefs in the world.
As the culinary industry in South Africa continues to develop, it’s likely that more chefs from the country will gain Michelin recognition!
The Impact of the Michelin Guide on the Culinary Industry
Of course, the Michelin Guide is highly respected in the culinary world, and earning a Michelin star can significantly change the lives of both chefs and restaurants. In short, Michelin-starred chefs gain international recognition and attract food enthusiasts from around the globe, eager to experience their exceptional culinary creations. Not only that, its influence extends beyond just the restaurants it reviews; it also helps to shape culinary trends, as chefs strive to create innovative dishes that meet the exacting standards of Michelin inspectors.
For Michelin Star Chefs South Africa, earning a Michelin star is both an honour and a challenge. It serves as a constant reminder of the high standards they must maintain. The pressure to stay at the top can be overwhelming, but it also encourages continuous improvement and innovation. Here the guide’s influence reaches beyond the kitchen – it shapes the entire dining landscape all across the globe.
Notable Michelin Star Chefs from Around the World
While South Africa may not have its own Michelin Guide, chefs from around the world have long been revered for their Michelin-starred accomplishments. Here are a few of the most well-known chefs who have earned Michelin stars:
- Alain Ducasse – With an impressive 19 Michelin stars, Ducasse is one of the most influential stars of French cuisine.
- Gordon Ramsay – Needing almost no introduction, he is known for his fiery personality and television career. Ramsay holds 7 Michelin stars, earned for his restaurants in the UK, France, and the US.
- Joël Robuchon – Often referred to as the "Chef of the Century," Robuchon earned 28 Michelin stars throughout his career making him one of the most celebrated chefs in history.
- Heston Blumenthal – Famous for his experimental approach to cooking, Blumenthal holds 6 Michelin stars and is renowned for his multi-sensory dining experiences.
- Thomas Keller – A renowned American chef, Keller holds 7 Michelin stars, with his restaurant The French Laundry being widely regarded as one of the best in the world.
These chefs demonstrate the global reach and significance of the Michelin star system, and their culinary genius is celebrated in fine dining establishments across the world.
Michelin Star Chefs South Africa: The Future
Even without a Michelin Guide in South Africa the growing recognition of South African chefs in international kitchens suggests that the country’s culinary scene is on the rise. One only needs to look at talented chefs like Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen and Conor Toomey who are paving the way.
For aspiring chefs in South Africa, the journey to earning a Michelin star may seem like a distant dream, but the success of South African Michelin star chefs proves that it is achievable. By honing their skills, learning from the best through cooking lessons, and pushing the boundaries of creativity and technique, South African chefs have the potential to make an impact on the global culinary scene.
The World’s a Stage for South African Michelin Star Chefs
If you are wondering how chefs get a Michelin star, the answer lies in dedication, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of culinary perfection. The impact of the Michelin Guide on the culinary industry is profound, shaping trends and elevating the status of chefs worldwide. As the recognition of South African chefs continues to grow, it’s only a matter of time before more South African chefs are added to the list of Michelin star chefs.
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