Get to know me better

“I create vibrant, wholesome dishes that nourish the body and delight the senses.”

My love for cooking began long before professional kitchens. Living with vegetarians for over five years taught me to truly honour ingredients, especially vegetables, and to build flavour through creativity, balance, and intention rather than excess.

I later refined my skills through formal culinary training and hands on experience in high standard, fast paced kitchens, which shaped my discipline, consistency, and attention to detail. Travelling widely across South Africa further fine tuned my palate and deepened my appreciation for regional ingredients, seasonality, and bold yet thoughtful flavour combinations.

Leading the kitchen at a coastal lodge in the Eastern Cape allowed me to work closely with fresh seafood and strengthened my commitment to sustainable, conscious cooking. This experience helped shape a style that feels grounded, adaptable, and deeply connected to place.

At the heart of my cooking is the joy of bringing people together. I create food that feels vibrant, comforting, and refined, dishes that excite the senses while remaining nourishing and approachable. Whether for intimate gatherings or special occasions, my aim is always to offer an experience that feels warm, elegant, and memorable.

More about me

For me, cooking is...

a gentle kind of magic, giving ingredients personality and creating dishes that bring people together while delighting the senses.”

I learned to cook at...

“Officially, I trained at the International Hotel School. Unofficially, my palate was refined much earlier through creative, ingredient led cooking.”

A cooking secret...

“The quiet alchemy of balancing fats, acids, sweetness, and salt with intention. I believe food should always be vibrant and flavourful.”

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Chef Mpho's reviews

4.38

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14 services

Chef Mpho was very good. She arrived and after showing her where everything was, got to work straight away. She never imposed on the time myself and my wife were enjoying together, she was attentive when serving and clearing, never interupting whilst we were still eating. The flavours were beautiful and presented well. Cleaned the kitchen thoroughly, as if she had never been there. Amazing first experience of Take a Chef, and a private chef for the evening as an alternative option to going out. Will book again soon,

Chef Mpho delivered an exceptional dining experience that exceeded all our expectations. The menu was not only absolutely delicious but also perfectly reflected our request for authentic, traditional South African cuisine, giving us a true taste of the local culture. She was incredibly flexible and accommodating, both with the menu and the setup in the house, which the entire group really appreciated. Chef Mpho and her assistant were warm, professional, and a joy to have around, making the evening feel both special and effortless. It was a truly memorable experience that none of us will forget. I would highly recommend booking with Chef Mpho and would not hesitate to do so again on my next trip to Cape Town!

100% amazing - Mpho got the brief in a flash, came to visit the venue in preparation, always on time, super well prepared and efficient and the ingredients and dishes on the day were top notch and exactly what I was hoping for. Cannot recommend her highly enough!

Professional and great food