Private Chef in Central Otago District
Rent one of our 16 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in Central Otago District
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Central Otago District in July 2018, more than 16 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Central Otago District and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Central Otago District.
Starting in 2018, 2,202 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Central Otago District. To book your chef in Central Otago District, just share your event details in our form. Receive proposals from top chefs and chat with them until you find your match.
Up until today, our chefs have shared 354 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 2,550 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.66 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 2,202 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Central Otago District usually book menus around 187 NZD per person, including 3.56 courses, sharing an average of 4.17 messages with their chefs. If you've never had a chef at home but want to add an extra spice to your next celebration, just rent a chef in Central Otago District.












How it works
Personalize your request
Share with us the details of your dream meal, including type of cuisine, preferences, and intolerances.
Receive menu proposals
Our chefs will design menus based solely on your wants and needs.
Get chatty with your chefs
Don't be shy about exchanging some messages with your chefs until your perfect menu is ready!
Book your experience
Once you are happy with your choice, submit your payment to secure your experience.
Enjoy!
All there is left to do is count down the days till your culinary experience begins!
16 Private Chefs in Central Otago District
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Central Otago District












More than 2,200 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4.5 Chef
The guests in Central Otago District have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.5.
4.79 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Central Otago District received an average score of 4.79.
4.5 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.5 average score.
4.71 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Central Otago District has been scored with a 4.71 on average.
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354 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Central Otago District
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Sashimi and sushi selection including vegetarian/seafood and seafood items
Agadashi tofu in a light soy broth
Spicy prawn leaf wraps with vegan lemon aioli, chilli caramel peanuts, lime
Chinese cabbage wraps with chicken, green mano and ginger peanut sauce
Chicken larb in lettuce cups with toasted peanuts, quick pickled cucumber and roasted rice
Beetroot cured salmon and brown rice hand rolls with homemade pickled ginger and fresh wasabi
Grilled vegetable and labneh almond tart
Seaweed crackers, sea urchin, pickled shallots
Tuna fritters w pea hummus and pea shoots & grilled lime
Quinoa and halloumi herb salad w homemade coconut beetroot labneh
Scattered sushi - selection of sashimi, seafood & vegetables on seasoned rice
Lentil and chickpea salad with preserved lemon, pomegranate arils, lemon and basil dressing
Kingfish crudo with lime, mandarin and chilli
Charred squid, green mango and coconut salad
Lemon, lentil and herbed quinoa dolmades with homemade coconut tzatziki
Dukkah crusted ahi tuna, nori flecked brown rice, lightly pickled carrot, edamame, avocado cucumber salad, chilli oil dressing
Quinoa salmon cakes w makrut lime leaves, fresh galangal, finger limes, minted coconut labneh
Fresh corn tortillas with spicy grilled pork, salsa verde, green slaw, pickled carrots and radish,
Tandoori prawn skewers with fresh raita, roasted cauliflower salad, mango pickle and homemade garlic naan bread
Steamed whole snapper with coriander, cucumber and tamari salad, served with nuoc cham
Beef eye fillet steak with creamy cauliflower mash, pickled cabbage apple and radish slaw, fig and red wine jus
Spiced lamb koftas with roasted beetroot, red cabbage, pomegranate and herb salad with blood orange labneh
Steamed john dory, daikon, mussels, crustacean sauce
Raw snickers bar and raw cherry ripe bar with dairy free chocolate ice cream
Coconut pannacotta with passionfruit and mango chia jam, crispy pineapple chip
Vegan raw banoffee pie
Mango and yoghurt swirl macadamia tartlets with fresh lime
Raw cacao ice cream with hazelnut praline and fresh grilled stone fruit
Salted miso caramel creme brûlée with fresh berries
Chocolate and ginger nut ice cream sandwiches (dairy free)
Selection of fresh fruits and granitas
Selection of homemade seasonal raw vegan ice creams
Sesame soy pumpkin with sweet pepper relish in asian spoon
Sake marinated salmon w wasabi crème fraiche and herb salad
Japanese cucumber wraps encasing a minted papaya confit with enochi mushrooms and a light sesame sauce
Spicy tuna roll nori maki - fresh tuna w chili mayo dressing, avocado, cucumber
Chawanmushi with marinated shiitake and toasted rice
Scattered sushi with a selection of vegetable and seafood
Spider roll - crisp soft shell crab roll, shiso, yuzu mayo
Agadashi tofu in a light soy broth
Chicken, ginger and shiitake gyoza with dipping sauce
Selection of sushi nori maki
Lotus chips with wasabi mayo and furikame
Miso marinated tofu grilled and served w a pickled seaweed salad
Marinated shiitake, cucumber and avocado brown rice sushi nori maki with soya dipping sauce
Fresh tofu in a delicate yuzu broth, shiso sprouts, candied citrus peel
Soba noodle salad with roasted vegetables, toasted pumpkin seeds and rocket with sesame chili sauce
Hawaiian tuna poke with avocado and seaweed dressing
Wagyu beef lightly seared, enochi mushroom, pickled radish, light soy wasabi dressing
Beef negimaki - beef skewered w green onions, grilled
Chicken, shiitake skewers w enochi mushroom, pickled radish, light soy wasabi dressing
Vegetable and prawn tempura with dipping sauce and grated daikon
Crispy fried tofu w black bean masubi, pickled cucumber and a yuzu sauce
Lotus root, shiitake and pork gyoza, dipping sauce
Spicy ahi tuna ahi tartare, avocado, rice cracker, ponzu dressing, french breakfast radish
Seared terakihi w edamame, spring onion and radish salad and a soy orange glaze, green tea soba
Tatsutaage - japanese fried chicken, sticky rice cakes w black sesame, sweet ginger & chile dressing, cucumber salad
Fresh assorted sashimi with real wasabi and shredded daikon
Seared whole flounder w sesame butter, crispy sticky rice cakes, sauteed mushrooms, sweet ginger dressing, spinach w garlic and sesame
Seared beef ribeye, katsuobushi butter, mustard greens, seared sweet squash
Baked tempeh, edamame, sweet potato, hijiki soba noodle salad w black sesame dressing
Caramel pork cutlets with nashi pear and zingy slaw
Cold soba noodle w shiitake dashi, bonito, edamame, pickled daikon, crispy nori sheets
Donabe seafood soup with udon noodles
Miso and shiitake ramen w homemade noodles, marinated mushrooms , seaweed and grilled tofu
Orange miso salmon with lotus & pearl barley risotto, greens
Baked meringue, rosewater cream, lychee sorbet
Tempura fried custard with ginger syrup
Lime and pear tart, lychee cream, crispy pear
Persimmon baked pudding, ginger bread sauce, orange ice cream
Peanut & sesame cookie sandwiches with miso ice cream, cherry sauce
Jasmine marshmallow, fresh berries w lemongrass sauce, cashew praline
Matcha pannacotta with sesame crisp and fresh mango
Mochi ice cream
Salted caramel and sesame chocolate cream tarts, sesame candy, black sesame ice cream
Caramelised stone-fruit with whipped feta & paratha
Treacle cured salmon with cucumber & rye
Mussel fritters with chilli & yoghurt
Courgette with blackcurrant & feta
Beef fillet with tomato & anchovy
Crispy pork belly with dijon & fennel
Lamb rack withlemon & labneh
Chargrilled eggplant with miso & potata
Tempura blue cod with tartare
Milk chocolate mousse with raspberry & hazelnut
Baked cheesecake with strawberries & ginger
Pavlova with watermelon & rosewater
Antipasto # prosciutto,salami,fresh mozzarella, brie cheese,olives and cherry tomatoes
Bruschetta # grilled baguette topped with tomato, basil, parmesan, balsamic glaze
Burrata # grilled tomatoes with burrata cheese, olive oil, pesto sauce and bread
Caprese salad # fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil with balsamic glaze
Prosciutto e melone # prosciutto and melon salad with rocket and balsamic glaze
Salmon caesar salad # classic caesar salad in parmesan cup with smoked salmon and crunchy croutons
Spaghetti meat ball # spaghetti with tomato sauce,basil and meat ball
Cauliflower steak # cauliflower steak served on a bed of risotto
Chicken gloria # creamy chicken casserole with mushrooms , sun dried tomato and baby spinach
Herbs crunch lamb rack # pan seared rack of lamb coated parmesan herbs along with creamy mint sauce,gravy and mash potatoes
Scotch fillet steak # classic steak served with creamy mushroom sauce ,mash potato and vegetables
Scallops pasta # garlic & butter pan seared scallops, fusilli pasta with pesto sauce
Tiramisu # a classic layers of espresso lady fingers and silky smooth mascarpone
Bread and butter pudding # bake soft buttery bread with homemade custard and vanilla ice cream
Apple strudel # homemade apple filling in crispy filo pastry with milk crumble and vanilla ice cream
Wildberry cheesecake # smooth no bake cheesecake with wild berry coulis and fresh fruit
Brownie # double chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream
Corn cake (vege) # crispy and chewy sweet corn fritters thai style served with chef’s special sweet chilli sauce
Chicken curry puffs # minced chicken, kamara and vegetables wraped in flaky puff pastry , served with sweet and sour sauce
Bruschetta # grilled bread topped with tomato,basil,balsamic glaze
Pork on toast # crispy toast marinate pork mince and sesame seeds served with chef’s special sweet chilli sauce
Burrata # grilled tomatoes with burrata cheese, olive oil, pesto sauce and bread
Dumpling # pork and prawns dumplings with pickled ginger and sweet soy sauce
Fresh roll prawns # fresh summer roll prawns, salad, vermicelli and peanut sauce
Mussels salad # steamed mussels with chili lemon dressing, fresh herbs and lemongrass
Prosciutto e melone # prosciutto and melon salad with rocket and balsamic glaze
Vol au vents # cream cheese and smoked salmon mini vol au vents
Thai beef salad # seared tender beef served with thai chilli dressing,fresh lemon juice, herbs and vegetables
Thai fried rice # thai style fried rice with egg and vegetables choice of meat
Pad thai # traditional stir fried rice noodles with egg,bean sprouts,peanut,spring onion and tamarind sauce. *choice of protein*
Spaghetti meat ball # spaghetti with tomato sauce,basil and meat ball
Scotch fillet creamy mushroom sauce # classic steak served with creamy mushroom sauce ,mash potato and vegetables
Herbs crunch lamb rack # pan seared rack of lamb coated parmesan herbs along with creamy mint sauce,gravy and mash potatoes
Spaghetti tom yum salmon #grilled nz king salmon on bed of spaghetti creamy tom yum sauce
Yum salmon # country style grilled salmon whit thai dressing, fresh vegetables, cashew nut, green apple and mint
Wildberry cheesecake # smooth no bake cheesecake with wildberry coulis and fresh berries
Creme brulee # a dessert consisting of rich custard topped with brulee caramel
Bread and butter pudding # bake soft buttery bread with homemade custard and vanilla ice cream
Thai red ruby dessert #cubes of water chestnuts in tapioca flour,sweet coconut milk and jackfruit
Tiramisu # a classic layers of espresso lady fingers and silky smooth mascarpone
Brownie # double chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream
Apple strudel # homemade apple filling in crispy filo pastry with milk crumble and vanilla ice cream
Bacon prawns#skewered prawns wraped with smoked bacon served with sriracha mayo
Snapper sliders # pan seared snapper served with salad and garlic aioli
Vol au vents # cream cheese and smoked salmon mini vol au vents
Fresh roll prawns # fresh summer roll prawns, salad, vermicelli and peanut sauce
Mussels salad # steamed mussels with chili lemon dressing, fresh herbs and lemongrass
Mango avo prawns # grilled prawns with mango and avocado salsa
Salmon caesar salad # classic caesar salad in parmesan cup with smoked salmon and crunchy croutons
Tom yum goong # spicy prawns soup with lemon juice, mushroom and thai herbs
Choo chee salmon # grilled salmon served with steamed vegetables and coconut cream choo chee sauce
Spaghetti tom yum salmon #grilled nz king salmon on bed of spaghetti creamy tom yum sauce
Thai fried rice # thai style fried rice with prawns, egg and vegetables
Yum salmon # country style grilled salmon whit thai dressing, fresh vegetables, cashew nut, green apple and mint
Wildberry cheesecake # smooth no bake cheesecake with wildberry coulis and fresh berries
Bread and butter pudding # bake soft buttery bread with homemade custard and vanilla ice cream
Creme brulee # a dessert consisting of rich custard topped with brulee caramel
Thai red ruby dessert #cubes of water chestnuts in tapioca flour,sweet coconut milk and jackfruit
Tiramisu # a classic layers of espresso lady fingers and silky smooth mascarpone
Spring rolls (vege) # thai spring rolls stuffed with cabbage,carrot,vermicelli served with sweet and sour sauce
Pork on toast # crispy toast marinate pork mince and sesame seeds served with chef’s special sweet chilli sauce
Chicken curry puffs # minced chicken, kamara and vegetables wrapped in flaky puff pastry , served with sweet and sour sauce
Coconut prawns # deep fried jumbo prawns rolling in shredded coconut served with chef’s special sweet chilli sauce
Corn cake (vege) # crispy and chewy sweet corn fritters thai style served with chef’s special sweet chilli sauce
Thai beef salad # seared tender beef served with thai chili dressing, fresh lemon juice, herbs and vegetables
Larb chicken # cooked chicken minced with fish sauce,lemon juice,chilli flake, fresh fragrant herbs and ground roasted rice
Tom yum goong # spicy prawns soup with lemon juice, mushroom and thai herbs
Mussels salad # steamed mussels with chili lemon dressing, fresh herbs and lemongrass
Pad thai # traditional stir fried rice noodles with egg,bean sprouts,peanut,spring onion and tamarind sauce. *choice of protein*
Massaman lamb shank # slowed cook lamb shank, kumara , onion , whole peanut in aromatic massaman curry
Green curry chicken # tender chicken in traditional thai green curry with coconut milk and vegetables
Thai fried rice # thai style fried rice with egg and vegetables choice of meat
Choo chee salmon # grilled salmon served with steamed vegetables and coconut cream choo chee sauce
Thai red ruby dessert #cubes of water chestnuts in tapioca flour,sweet coconut milk and jackfruit
Bread and butter pudding # bake soft buttery bread with homemade custard and vanilla ice cream
Wildberry cheesecake # smooth no bake cheesecake with wild berry coulis and fresh fruit
Brownie # double chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream
Coconut panna cotta #dairy-free, coconut panna cotta topped with slightly boozy berries coulis
Fresh fruits # cut and craving assorted fresh fruits on season
Snapper sliders # pan seared snapper served with salad and garlic aioli
Bacon prawns#skewered prawns wraped with smoked bacon served with sriracha mayo
Bruschetta # grilled bread topped with tomato,basil,balsamic glaze
Pork on toast # crispy toast marinate pork mince and sesame seeds served with chef’s special sweet chilli sauce
Burrata # grilled tomatoes with burrata cheese, olive oil, pesto sauce and bread
Vol au vents # cream cheese and smoked salmon mini vol au vents
Mussels salad # steamed mussels with chili lemon dressing, fresh herbs and lemongrass
Salmon caesar salad # classic caesar salad in parmesan cup with smoked salmon and crunchy croutons
Gazpacho soup # fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, red onion, garlic, tabasco and worcestershire sauce
Thai beef salad # seared tender beef served with thai chili dressing, fresh lemon juice, herbs and vegetables
Pumpkin soup # caramelized baked pumpkin creamy soup with parmesan garlic bread
Herbs crunch lamb rack # pan seared rack of lamb coated parmesan herbs along with creamy mint sauce,gravy and mash potatoes
Cauliflower steak # cauliflower steak on risotto bed
Massaman lamb shank # slowed cook lamb shank,kumara,onion,whole peanut in aromatic massaman curry
Spaghetti tom yum salmon #grilled nz king salmon on bed of spaghetti creamy tom yum sauce
Scotch fillet steak # classic steak served with creamy mushroom sauce ,mash potato and vegetables
Snapper coconut cream # pan seared snapper in chili lemon coconut cream with veggies and rice
Bread and butter pudding # bake soft buttery bread with homemade custard and vanilla ice cream
Creme brulee # a dessert consisting of rich custard topped with brulee caramel
Tiramisu # a classic layers of espresso lady fingers and silky smooth mascarpone
Wildberry cheesecake # smooth no bake cheesecake with wildberry coulis and fresh berries
Brownie # double chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream
Apple strudel # homemade apple filling in crispy filo pastry with milk crumble and vanilla ice cream
Personalize your menu
A romantic dinner or a gathering of friends. Traditional dishes or exotic flavours. A fine dining experience or a family-style meal. Every private chef experience is unique! Submit your request and personalize yours.








Frequently asked questions
Below, you can find the most common questions about private chef services in Central Otago District.
What does a private chef service include in Central Otago District?
A private chef service includes everything necessary to enjoy a personalized dining experience at home. This includes:
- Customization of a menu based on your preferences;
- Purchase of ingredients;
- Mise en place (preparation of ingredients) before arrival;
- Preparation of the menu at your home;
- Complete table service;
- Set up and cleaning of the kitchen and used spaces.
Please note that tableware and glassware are not included. Gratuity is entirely at your discretion.
How much does a private chef cost in Central Otago District?
The price of renting a chef in Central Otago District can vary depending on the specifics, but smaller groups tend to have a slightly different price per person compared to larger gatherings.
Booking prices range from 155 NZD to 260 NZD. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 155 NZD per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 163 NZD per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 207 NZD per person, and for 2 people, the price is 260 NZD per person.
Seasonal ingredients, your location, and how soon you book also affect the final price. If you're interested in getting free quotes with no obligation, fill out our form and let the best chefs near you send unique proposals for your event.
How can I hire a private chef in Central Otago District?
Booking is easy! Just tell us the date of your event, number of guests, dietary preferences and any allergies, and a few details about your kitchen. Within a few hours, you'll receive customized menus from qualified chefs. Each chef's profile will include their experience, reviews, and photos of their dishes.
Feel free to chat directly with the chefs through our platform. Ask them to modify menus, discuss pricing, or get answers to any questions you might have. Once you've found the perfect chef and menu, finalize your reservation online. We'll then provide the chef's contact information to confirm any final details.
How can I find a private chef near me?
There are currently 16 chefs available in Central Otago District. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Central Otago District who will send you their menu proposals. You can then choose the chef and menu that suits you best.
Is there a maximum number of guests for a private chef service?
While there's no strict limit on guest count, private chef experiences are designed to create a more intimate atmosphere, perfect for gatherings of friends and family. Since most homes have limited space to accommodate large groups, parties typically don't exceed 15 people.
Does the chef cook at my house?
Yes, the chef always prepares the menu at your home for a more personalized experience. However, some prep work might be done beforehand for complex dishes.
Can I cook along with the chef?
Absolutely! Many guests are passionate about food and relish the chance to learn from the chef. You can pick up new kitchen skills and get a behind-the-scenes look at each dish on the menu. Feel free to jump in and cook alongside the chef for a truly interactive experience!
Are the ingredients fresh?
Yes, they're 100% fresh. Unlike restaurants with pre-made dishes, private chefs prioritize using the freshest ingredients possible. This is because the chef creates a customized menu specifically for you, then goes out and sources the finest ingredients to bring your chosen dishes to life.
Are drinks included in the personal chef service?
Drinks are not typically included, but you can discuss adding them to the menu proposal with the chef.
How much should I tip my private chef in Central Otago District?
Tipping for private chefs is entirely at your discretion. Our goal is for you to have an unforgettable experience, and the chef always appreciates a nice tip. However, the decision and amount are completely up to you.
Key information about our chefs in Central Otago District
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Central Otago District
Percentage of our women chefs in Central Otago District.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Central Otago District.
Percentage of services with kids in Central Otago District.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Central Otago District.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Central Otago District.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Central Otago District.
Percentage of guests that hired a chef more than once.
Average number of days booked for multiple services at home with a private chef.
Photos uploaded to the platform by our private chefs in Central Otago District.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Central Otago District each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Central Otago District, for example, demand often increases during special dates like Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, so it's best to book in advance.
If you're wondering about the best time to hire a chef, any month is perfect for enjoying a private chef. Just keep in mind that prices may vary, especially for last-minute bookings. So, don't wait—book your chef early to secure your unique dining experience in Central Otago District.
Cost of a private chef in Central Otago District
The cost of hiring a private chef in Central Otago District can vary based on several factors, including the number of people in your group or seasonality. Larger groups tend to have a different average rate per person compared to smaller groups that hire a chef:
Booking prices range from 155 NZD to 260 NZD per person.
For 13 people or more: 155 NZD
For 7 to 12 people: 163 NZD
For 3 to 6 people: 207 NZD
For 2 people: 260 NZD.
Additionally, prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year, location, and how soon you book your personal chef. If you want to get free quotes, just fill out our form and receive tailored proposals for your event. No committment at all.
What is the most reserved type of cuisine in Central Otago District?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Central Otago District: Mediterranean, Italian, French, Japanese, Mexican, and surprise. The type of cuisine with the highest number of bookings is the Surprise, but you can have anything you want (our surprise menu will cover that!).
Beyond these six types of cuisine, our private chefs personalize diverse menus for their clients every day, adjusting every detail to find the perfect menu for every occasion and every group. Our private chefs can accommodate any allergy or dietary restriction and suggest other cuisines or fusion dishes. Submit your request and hire a chef in Central Otago District!






Talk to our chefs in Central Otago District
Each of our chefs is one-of-a-kind, with professional culinary training and years of experience in diverse restaurants. Craving Italian pasta, Spanish paella, or traditional sushi in Central Otago District? You’ll get it. Tell us about your event in Central Otago District, and discover the best chefs who will customize every detail of your experience.










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