Chef Lerato Swartz
Chef At Home in Cape Town
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.

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.
My menus
Crispy wonton cups filled with chilli-lime shrimp, avocado and pico de Gallo
Spiced sweet potato samoosas paired with a rich sun-dried tomato and mint chutney
Harissa poached pear with a blue cheese crostini
Pan seared ginger-soy glazed salmon served with creamy cilantro-jalapeno risotto
Tender slow cooked lamb shanks braised in red wine, rosemary, and garam masala, served with saffron infused orzo
Beef short rib braised in dark miso and red wine, accompanied by French potato puree
Matcha infused tres leches cake
Cardamom and rosewater panna cotta
Yuzu scented lemon tart with a black sesame seed crust
Chocolate delice served with fresh seasonal fruit
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Grilled Mielie with Chilli-Lemon Butter Fresh mielies (corn on the cob) are chargrilled to bring out their natural sweetness, then brushed with a spiced chilli-lemon butter. Finished with sea salt and coriander
Boerewors Sliders on Mini Roosterkoek Mini roosterkoek (traditional fire-grilled bread rolls) are filled with juicy boerewors medallions and topped with tomato smoor and chakalaka relish
Fire-Roasted Butternut & Feta Salad Cubes of butternut are roasted over the coals until caramelised, then tossed with rocket, crumbled feta, and a balsamic glaze
Creamy chicken livers with homemade steam bread)
Braai Prawn & Chorizo Skewers Local prawns, lemon, chilli, olive oil, fresh herbs
Jerk chicken skewers served on a bed of wild rocket
Mixed Grill Platter A meat lover’s dream featuring lamb chops marinated in garlic and rosemary, juicy chicken sosaties with Cape Malay apricot-curry glaze, and thick-cut boerewors. Served with creamy potato bake, chakalaka, and pap with tomato relish
Mushroom & Halloumi Skewers with Roasted Pepper Sauce (Vegetarian) Portobello mushrooms, halloumi cheese, and vegetables grilled on skewers and served over samp & beans with a fire-roasted pepper sauce
Beef oxtail with homemade herby dumplings and crispy veg
Braai yellowtail with chakalaka, creamy spinach & gourmet polenta
Catch of the day served on a bed of roasted vegetables and a butternut purée
Malva Pudding with Amarula Custard Warm, spongy pudding soaked in buttery caramel sauce, paired with velvety Amarula-infused custard
Koeksisters with vanilla ice-cream and berry sauce
Peppermint Crisp Tart Verrines The iconic South African dessert served in individual glasses—layers of whipped cream, caramel, crushed biscuits, and Peppermint Crisp chocolate
Milk Tart Cheesecake Cups Cinnamon sugar, shortbread crumb
Berry panna cotta with vanilla crème
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Grilled Mielie with Chilli-Lemon Butter Fresh mielies (corn on the cob) are chargrilled to bring out their natural sweetness, then brushed with a spiced chilli-lemon butter. Finished with sea salt and coriander
Boerewors Sliders on Mini Roosterkoek Mini roosterkoek (traditional fire-grilled bread rolls) are filled with juicy boerewors medallions and topped with tomato smoor and chakalaka relish
Fire-Roasted Butternut & Feta Salad Cubes of butternut are roasted over the coals until caramelised, then tossed with rocket, crumbled feta, and a balsamic glaze
Creamy chicken livers with homemade steam bread)
Mixed Grill Platter A meat lover’s dream featuring lamb chops marinated in garlic and rosemary, juicy chicken sosaties with Cape Malay apricot-curry glaze, and thick-cut boerewors. Served with creamy potato bake, chakalaka, and pap with tomato relish
Mushroom & Halloumi Skewers with Roasted Pepper Sauce (Vegetarian) Portobello mushrooms, halloumi cheese, and vegetables grilled on skewers and served over samp & beans with a fire-roasted pepper sauce
Beef oxtail with homemade herby dumplings and crispy veg
Braai yellowtail with butternut, creamy spinach & gourmet samp & beans
Malva Pudding with Amarula Custard Warm, spongy pudding soaked in buttery caramel sauce, paired with velvety Amarula-infused custard
Koeksisters with vanilla ice-cream and berry sauce
Peppermint Crisp Tart Verrines The iconic South African dessert served in individual glasses—layers of whipped cream, caramel, crushed biscuits, and Peppermint Crisp chocolate
Milktart with fresh cream
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Hummus & Braai Flatbread Creamy chickpea hummus served with warm braai-grilled flatbread and olive oil
Spiced Lamb Kofta Chargrilled lamb mince skewers with cumin, coriander and parsley, served with yoghurt sauce
Roasted Beetroot & Feta Salad Oven-roasted beetroot, local feta, fresh herbs and lemon dressing
Slow-Braised Lamb Shoulder Cooked with Middle Eastern spices until tender, served with herbed couscous
Chicken Shawarma-Style Thighs Marinated chicken thighs, chargrilled and served with flatbread and tomato-onion salsa
Spiced Linefish Fillet Pan-seared with cumin and paprika, served with lentils and fresh herbs
Chocolate brownie cups with white chocolate mousse and berry coulis
Malva Pudding with Orange Syrup A South African classic with a Middle Eastern citrus twist
Honey & Date Phyllo Parcels Crisp pastry filled with dates and nuts, drizzled with honey
Yoghurt Panna Cotta Light set yoghurt dessert with berry compote
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Truffle Arancini with Harissa Aioli Crispy risotto balls filled with fontina cheese and truffle oil, served with a North African harissa-infused aioli
Mezze Platter – Hummus, baba ganoush, marinated olives, tzatziki, and warm pita bread
Burrata with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil Oil – Creamy burrata with heirloom tomatoes, arugula, and aged balsamic
Lamb Moussaka – Layers of spiced lamb, aubergine, and creamy béchamel sauce, baked to golden perfection
Grilled Sea Bass – Served with herbed lemon butter, cherry tomato confit, and saffron-infused couscous
Seafood Risotto – Creamy Arborio rice with prawns, mussels, calamari, lemon zest, and white wine
Chicken Shawarma Plate – Marinated grilled chicken slices served with tabbouleh, garlic sauce, and flatbread
Baklava – Flaky pastry with walnuts and pistachios, soaked in spiced honey syrup
Limoncello Tiramisu – A citrus twist on the classic, with limoncello-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream
Orange & Almond Cake – Moist semolina cake with orange syrup, served with Greek yogurt and honey drizzle
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Heirloom Tomato & Burrata Salad With basil oil, toasted pine nuts, aged balsamic & gluten-free crispy quinoa
Roasted Butternut Velouté With coconut cream swirl & toasted pumpkin seeds
Coconut cream poached cob with apple, fennel slaw and chilli oil
Cucumber Ribbon Roll Whipped goat’s cheese, fresh herbs, lemon zest & toasted seeds
Karoo Lamb Loin Herb crust (GF), pomme purée, roasted baby carrots, red wine jus
Linefish of the Day Lemon beurre blanc, saffron potato fondant, charred greens
Vegetarian Wild mushroom & truffle risotto, parmesan crisp, micro herbs
Coconut Panna Cotta Passionfruit gel & almond crumble
Dark chocolate mouse with hazelnut caramel
Red wine poached pear with syrup and optional vanilla ice- cream
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Sausage roll wreath, served with a tomato salsa
Baked camembert with bacon-wrapped bread sticks
Smoked salmon with beetroot & vodka creme fraiche
Stuffed mushroom caps with cream cheese, herbs and panko bread crumbs
Blue cheese and pear tartlets
Turkey roast with 3 sides and 2 starches
Leg of lamb with mint sauce and roast potatoes
Lemon and butter whole chicken on coconut rice and 2 salads
Standing rib roast(Prime rib) served with red wine jus and 3 sides
Rosemary garlic rack of lamb, served with mushroom risotto and 2 veggies
Gammon deglazed with cherry sauce
Warm sticky toffee pudding served with homemade custard
Black Forest cake served with a decadent berry sauce
Pavlova with fresh cream and seasonal fruit
Christmas pudding
Traditional triffle
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Bruschetta with Roma tomatoes and basil
Carrot and lemon hummus with Pita
Cream of wild mushroom soup
Creamy cashew Alfredo with roasted vegetables
Lentil and sweet potato Shepards pie
Beetroot and squash wellington
Vegan Tiramisu: espresso soaked vegan lady fingers and a rich, whipped coconut- marscapone cream
Avocado chocolate mousse topped with fresh berries
Warm apple and berry crumble
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