Private Chef Lerato Swartz - Take a Chef

Chef Lerato Swartz

Chef At Home In Cape Town
Chef Lerato Swartz

Get to know me better

I am Chef Lerato, a passionate South African chef with 13 years of experience, blending African flavors and global trends to create unforgettable food

My name is Chef Lerato, and I am a professional chef with over 13 years of experience in the culinary industry. I completed my studies at the International Hotel School in Cape Town in 2013, where I built a strong foundation in the culinary arts and hospitality. After graduating, I worked in some of Cape Town’s most renowned 5-star hotels, where I honed my skills and developed a passion for fine dining and exceptional service.

In 2014, I established my own company, which has allowed me to focus on delivering unique and memorable dining experiences. My journey has taken me across Africa, exploring the continent’s rich culinary diversity. These travels have deeply influenced my cooking style, inspiring me to incorporate flavors, ingredients, and techniques from various African cuisines to create dishes that celebrate our heritage while pushing culinary boundaries.

To me, cooking is more than just preparing food—it’s about creating connections and crafting unforgettable moments. I am passionate about sourcing the best ingredients and designing dishes that combine creativity, flavor, and artistry. Whether working in fast-paced, high-pressure environments or curating intimate, personalized dining experiences, I take pride in ensuring every detail is perfect.

As I transition to focusing more on private cheffing, my goal is to bring the elegance and sophistication of fine dining into my clients’ homes. I specialize in creating bespoke menus tailored to individual tastes and dietary needs, ensuring every meal is a reflection of my clients’ unique preferences. My ability to blend South African flavors with global culinary influences makes each dining experience truly special.

Photo from Lerato Swartz

More about me

For me, cooking is...

For me, cooking is a way to express love, creativity, and culture—transforming simple ingredients into memorable experiences that connect and inspire.

I learned to cook at...

I was fortunate to work with a few of the best chefs at Nobus @The One & Only. The President Hotel in Bantry Bay as well, though my mother was my best

A cooking secret...

My secret in the kitchen is balancing creativity with simplicity, using fresh ingredients and passion to craft dishes that evoke emotion and create.

Book your experience with Chef Lerato

Specify the details of your requests and the chef will send you a custom menu just for you.

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