Private Chef in Durban
Rent one of our 132 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.
A personal chef for any occasion in Durban
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Durban in April 2017, more than 132 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Durban and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality.
Starting in 2017, 2,331 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Durban. To book your chef in Durban, 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 679 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 4,464 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4.6 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 2,331 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Durban usually book menus around 1,085 ZAR per person, including 3.64 courses, sharing an average of 3.45 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 Durban.
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!
132 Private Chefs in Durban
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Durban
More than 2,300 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4 Chef
The guests in Durban have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4.
4.75 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Durban received an average score of 4.75.
4.75 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4.75 average score.
4.75 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Durban has been scored with a 4.75 on average.
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679 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Durban
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!
Freshly baked foccacia
Vegetable antipasti - roasted peppers with pesto, green bean and mint salad , carponata, marinated tomatoes, olives, and balsamic olives. tapenade
Large mixed antipasti - napoli salami, rosemary ham, proscuitto, braesola, roasted peppers with pesto, green bean and mint salad , carponata, marinated tomatoes, olives
Cured meats and cheese antipasti gorgonzola dolce, crema precorino,parmesan cheese, speck di merano, milano salami, braesola
Beef carpaccio i goat cheese i strawberries i yakitori sauce
Beetroot carpaccio i vegan cheese i strawberries i balsamic reduction/ rocket
Home made rolls , mini grissini /bread sticks-tapenade and basil pesto
Salad of mixed leaves with herbs and parmigiano reggiano
Rustic vegetable salad with artichokes, rocket and mozzarella
Fresh ripe tomatoes with oregano, basil and roasted peppers
Grilled asparagus, poached egg, shallots and pantelleria capers
Bufallo mozzarella with baby gem, grilled peppers and an anchovy- garlic dressing
Carpaccio of yellowfin tuna with lemon , rocket and shaved parmesan cheese
Ricotta crostini with cherry tomato, olives, lemon and honey
Minestrone soup
Thin crust pizza -tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, parmigiano, braesola, asparagus and truffle oil
Thin crust pizza -tomato sauce, onion, speck di merano, basil and rocket
Thin crust pizza -tomato sauce, mozzarella, prawns, oregano roasted garlic
Thin crust pizza -tomato sauce, portabello and porcini mushrooms
Thin crust pizza -fresh spinach, feta, olives, mozzarella topped with a sweet & sour sauce with pepper relish & chilli garlic oil
Tikka chicken pizza- chicken, mushroom, peppers & onions
Tuna & red onion pizza -tuna, mozzarella, fresh cubes of tomato, green & black olives topped with fresh red onions, crisp rockets drizzled with chilli garlic oil
Moroccan pizza- chicken or bacon, mozzarella, feta, cucumber salsa & fresh coriander with yoghurt & feta dressing
Tikka chicken pizza-chicken tikka, mushroom, peppadew & onions, on a mozzarella cheese and tomato base
Spare ribs pizza. marinated deboned pork spare-ribs topping on a mozzarella cheese and tomato base
Marinated chicken, bacon, tomato, feta, mozzarella with fresh avocado on a mozzarella cheese and tomato base
Nutella base - dessert pizza-create your own ( choose 3). astros i bar one i condensed milk i crunchie flake i jelly tots i kit kat i marshmallows i oreo biscuit i peanut butter i peppermint i smarties
Rooibos panna cotta
Coffee semifreddo
Tiramisu
Italian gelato ice cream
Smoked salmon trout gravalax
Half shell mussels i chilli i lime vinaigrette i bacon soil i tuile
Mediterranean style grilled vegetables i marinated feta cheese i fine herbs
Oven roasted heirloom tomato i mozzarella cheese i basils pesto
Salmon and cream cheese roulade i petiit citrus salad i dill shoots
Cinnamon and ginger couscous salad i pine nuts i micro herbs
Home made gnocchi i fresh mussels i prawn i salmon i white wine and creamy dill sauce
Fristo misto i fried crispy fresh fish goujons i capers i gherkins i roumelade sauce
Ostrich carpaccio i marinated mushrooms i ciabatta toast i preserved fig i balsamic reduction i parmesan cheese
Yakitori chicken wings i mint i dill i edamame beans i cucumber i melba toast
Grilled citrus salmon i sautéed spinach i black pepper pasta sheets i salsa verde
Compressed beef short rib i garlic mash i walnuts i rocket
Seared duck breast i lentil brown rice i sautéed greens i confit baby carrots i citrus duck jus
Braised lamb shanks i fluffy mashed potato i wilted spinach i beetroot & berry coulis
Basil crusted beef fillet i potato gallete i confit heritage tomato i confit onion pickle i beef marrow jus
Line fish i leek and ricotta nori i moroccan salsa i balsamic reduction
Study of lamb i rolled loin of lamb i lamb cutlet i lamb kidney i cauliflower and pea puree i thyme lamb jusi glazed carrot i peas shoots i flowers
A study in chocolate i chocolate brownie i chocolate ice cream i chocolate cream i chocolate dust i chocolate
Glazed strawberries i salted caramel cheese cake i meringue buttons i white chocolate
Rooibos panna cotta i berries macerated in port i apricot mousse i sugar works i vanilla semi freddo
Caramelized shallot tarte tatin i rocket salad
Roasted butternut i panko crumbed prawns i rocket l wasabi mayo l radish l guacamole
Salmon mousse blinis i cream cheese mousse i chives l citrus aioli l crackling
Arancini i charred broccoli i creamy blue cheese i red pepper pesto
Knysna oysters gratinated i spinach i cream
Tataki of beef i cucumber i ponzu sauce
Fresh zesty kimchi i edemame beans i chick pea puree i sesame
Smashed avocado bites i pancetta i spicy olive oil drizzle
Steak tartar i french toast i quail egg i hollandaise i asparagus
Fegatini al balsamico-pan fried chicken liver i balsamic vinegar i juniper berries i sour dough
Zucchini carpaccio i italian fried mozzarella i anchovy filled zucchini flowers i sage leaves
Chef insalata i rocket i basil i baby tomato i olive i artichoke i parmesan cheese
Garden salad- confit heirloom cherry tomato i textures of cauliflower i egg noodles i shimeji
Lightly smoked chicken caesar salad-cos lettuce i caesar dressing i chicken strips i croutons i anchovies
Cauliflower with a lot of flavours-dukkha roast cauliflower i cauliflower kimchi i textures of cauliflower i sorels
Smoked garlic mussels ½ shell mussels i caramelized alliums (onion & smoked garlic) i parsley & thyme white wine sauce i baked bread roll i crispy onion i bacon dust
Wanton i chicken & butternut farce i butternut velouté
Herb butter emulsion truffle i parmesan compression of heirloom tomatoe & basil
Gazpacho i confit heritage tomatoes i moroccan mussels i flaked almonds i lemon
Fristo misto, i capers i gherkins i sriracha aioli
Roasted butternut arancini i butternut espuma i charred tenderstem broccoli i creamy blue cheese i red pepper oil
Cajun prawns i butternut compote i prawn bisque i squid ink carole lace
Aubergine i grilled tomato i brie gratinated stacks i basil shandis
Chicken livers-juniper berries i onion i garlic i balsamic vinegar i chili cream i ciabatta
Pan fried kingklip, finished in the oven with tomato sauce capers, olives, chili and garlic (livornese)
Linguine allo scoglio- linguine with fresh tomato , calamari, prawns and mussels
Baby chicken breast- stuffed with mushroom mousseline i potato croquette i cucumber ribbons i smoked brinjal puree i marinated baby tomato
Mushroom gnocchi mélange of wild mushroom i potato gnocchi i poached egg i parmesan tuile i truffle zest
Chicken saltimbocca, roasted mediterranean vegetables and white sage sauce
Grilled kingklip lemon couscous i kachumbari salad i shrimp & champagne butter sauce
Crumbed chicken i butter i lemon i tomato basil white wine wine vinegar, olive oil green peppers, carrot, red peppers, onions- b
Grilled beef fillet i medallions of beef fillet i feta i green fig preserve i sweet potato espuma i bok choi i honey port wine jus
Pork saltimbocca, pan fried, wrapped in parma ham and sage, served with polenta l basmati l roast baby potatoes
Cannelloni with spinach and ricotta
Beer braised beef short rib, carrot and chateau potato, caramelized onions, button mushrooms and a red wine sauce
Dukkha chicken breast and herbed parmesan polenta and dried apricot chutney
Vegan torta panzanella roasted, smoked & marinated vegetables l herbed polenta l balsamic reduction
Twice cooked pork belly i sweet potato fondant i tender stem broccoli l sherry and plum jus
Pancit behon stir fry- tofu/ egg noodles i shiitake mushrooms i kimchi l julienne of seasonal vegetables / soy-chili sauce
Lamb rack- marple glazed baby carrots i potato mille feuille i baby beetroot shavings l pea puree l thyme jus
Herb crusted fillet of hake i sweet red pepper risotto i aubergine caviar l baby leaf spinach sauce
Antiboise tornedoes of seabass queen scallop anna potatoes, carrot puree, baby leeks chive beurre blanc
Surf turf and earth beetroot and earl grey cured salmon, dill emulsion, sweet, pickled cucumber, orange and vanilla gel, lemon segments
Grilled kingklip , with an apricot and macadamia nut crust accompanied by glazed carrots, baby corn, green asparagus, served with a potato dumpling, enhanced with parsley butter sauce
Seasonal fruit and a traditional sabayon
Sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce
Study of berries blackberry & white chocolate short cake, gooseberry mouse, wild berry ice cream accompanied by raspberry coulis
White mousse i red velvet cake i white chocolate i crumble l mixed berry sorbet
Cardamon, orange vanilla crème brulé cinamon and raisin biscotti poached pear l salted caramel l honeycomb l vanilla pod ice cream
Chocolate marques i papaya puree i mixed fruit salibab
Assorted canapes i bruschetta i cold meats i marinated olives
Beef carpaccio i goat cheese i strawberries i yakitori sauce
Beetroot carpaccio i vegan cheese i strawberries i balsamic reduction/ rocket
Avocado & sriracha mayo i shrimp i crab salad
Ostrich carpaccio i wasabi mayo i parmesan i mixed herbs
Red onion tarte tartin i olive tapenade i marinated artichokes i red pepper coulis
Pea and mint soup i potato and feta salad
Tian of smoked salmon i waldof salad i wasabi mayo
Cajun brie i cranberry i radish salad
Greek calamari with glass noodles
Moroccan mussels i chili i flaked almond i lemon
Contemporary greek salad i honey mustard sauce
Tataki of beef i ribbon cucumber i honey soy reduction i heirloom carrot
Poached pear salad i blue cheese i candied nuts i greens i fig dressing
Beef fillet i bak choy i roasted bone marrow i whole grain mustard sauce
Classic mediterrnean grilled prawn i arabiatta sauce i rsotto arancini i soy oil drizzle
Panko crumbed prawn i guacamole i mango salsa i chili aioli
Spinach and ricotta ravioli
Butter roasted line fish i heritage tomato i cauliflower puree i lime butter sauce
Lamb chop i quinoa salad i confit belly
Chicken bollantine i mashed potato i coconut infused sauce
Chicken bon bon i thai sweet chili
Kingklip i apricot & macademia nut crust i glazed carrot i parsley oil
Aged mini prime steak i smoked cauliflower veloute i chumichuri
Confit duck leg i red lentil coussallet i spinach i jus
Beer braised short rib i mashed potato i tenderstem brocolli
Braised lamb shank roll i mash i wilted spinach i jus
Chef's assorted mini desserts- cake , tarts , truffles
Strawberry skewers i balsamic & chocolate reduction
Assorted canapes and bruschetta
Ox tongue carpaccio style / rocket/honey mustard
Amuse bouche , chef choice
Soup as yo like / sour dough baguette
Caesar salad/yoghurt infused dressing
Contemporary greek salad/ honey mustard sauce
Contemporary caprese salad
Chicken salad , cucumber ribbons, mixed lettuce, red onion, red wine vinnagrette
Tian of smoked salmon /waldof salad/wasabi mayo
Aged ribeye/sweet potato crisps/pak choy/light ponzu/ sweet chili mayo
Beef fillet , melange of vegetables, roasted bone marrow and mushroom sauce
Cape salmon/ prawn dumbling /cauliflower veloute /saffron sauce
Ostrich fillet , tender stem broccoli, mashed sweet potato, red wine jus/petit salad
Duck breast/honey/pepper/ cauliflower puree/ creamed leeks/red wine essence
Butter roasted line fish, sauteed greens, cailiflflower puree , lime butter sauce
Deboned whole reds- slinger or red snapper
Seared norwegian salmon/tenderstem broccoli/yakitori sauce
Butternut samp risotto style topped with parmesan shavings
Seafood pasta / squid ink tagliatelle
Cake and macarons n more
Cake i mousse i gelato ice cream and more
Cape brandy pudding / butterscotch sauce
Malva pudding pudding/ creme anglaise
Cream cheese pana cotta, , with berries macerated in port
Chef's dessert table
Goats cheese stuffed mushrooms
Chicken liver pâte with onion marinade
Roast kingklip with potato discs & asparagus with dill butter sauce
Pan fried duck with orange sauce & roast baby potatoes
Choux double chocolate & praline
Pear frangipane
Spicy meat balls served with cream cheese and chives
Crumbed hallumi and avo bites
Pulled pork served with chapati red cabbage salad
Springbok carpaccio served with chimchuri sauce, parmasan cheese and ciabatta crostini
Chicken hot pot served with creamy mashed potatoes
Chicken cape malay curry served with yellow rice, mango salsa
Kingklip and mussel malay served with rice
Pan seared pork chops served with honey mustered sauce, baked baby potatoes and grilled fine beans
Sunday beef roast served with pan jus. seasonal vegetables and creamy polenta
Amarula don pedro
Malva pudding served with amarula anglaise and vanilla icecream
Vanilla panacotta served with mango and passion fruit purée, cookie soil and icecream
Gluwein
Artisan garlic bread
Root vegetable salad
Nicoise salad
Whole grain potato salad/ poached quail egg
Peppadew and jalapeno quesidilla
Shatini
Chef's boerewors
Marinated minute steaks
Marinated pork chops
Marinated lamb chops
Bbq chicken drumsticks
Melk tart
Malva pudding / butter scotch sauce
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 Durban.
What does a private chef service include in Durban?
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 Durban?
The price of renting a chef in Durban 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 808 ZAR to 1,476 ZAR. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 808 ZAR per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 795 ZAR per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 1,169 ZAR per person, and for 2 people, the price is 1,476 ZAR 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 Durban?
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 132 chefs available in Durban. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Durban 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 Durban?
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 Durban
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Durban
Percentage of our women chefs in Durban.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Durban.
Percentage of services with kids in Durban.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Durban.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Durban.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Durban.
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 Durban.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Durban each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Durban, 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 Durban.
Cost of a private chef in Durban
The cost of hiring a private chef in Durban 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 808 ZAR to 1,476 ZAR per person.
For 13 people or more: 808 ZAR
For 7 to 12 people: 795 ZAR
For 3 to 6 people: 1,169 ZAR
For 2 people: 1,476 ZAR.
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.
Private chefs registrations
After many years of offering our services, we are lucky to have a fantastic team of chefs that keeps growing in Durban!
1 personal chefs register with us every month. Our verification team reviews these new chef profiles daily to categorize them, allowing you to discover incredible new chefs every month.
What is the most reserved type of cuisine in Durban?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Durban: 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 Durban!
Enjoy exquisite food with a Private Chef
Enjoy a Private Chef experience in the comfort of your own home! Let Take a Chef turn your kitchen and dining room into a professional restaurant. It’s a unique experience; ideal for special occasions, lunches with friends, family dinners or a great gift for that special someone. Let us know what cuisine you’re craving and give us some quick details about your kitchen to start receiving personalized menu proposals from our chefs. You just have to choose your favorite proposal! On the day of your meal, your chosen chef will head to their preferred local market to pick up the freshest ingredients. They will cook in your kitchen and provide table service for you and your guests. What’s more, they’ll make sure your kitchen is spotless before leaving. To get started click below!
Durban’s best Private Chefs come to your home
Our Private Chefs have trained in some of the best hospitality schools in the world and many have worked in Michelin Star restaurants. We can find the perfect fit for your special occasion. All you have to do is let us know the type of cuisine you’d like to enjoy, and we’ll find the right chef for you. You’ll be able to talk to the chef directly to make sure that every detail is exactly how you would like it!
Try something different! Try a Private Chef service in Durban.
The best and most original experiences are those that surprise you from the very beginning and do not stop until the end. These are the experiences that make the best memories. This is Take a Chef’s philosophy. We offer a completely personalized service, show cooking, gastronomic advice and the chance to understand how the dishes on your menu are made. Any American, Asian or Mediterranean dishes can be showstoppers on your dining table with the expertise of one of our Private Chefs.
Talk to our chefs in Durban
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 Durban? You’ll get it. Tell us about your event in Durban, and discover the best chefs who will customize every detail of your experience.
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