Private Chef in Durban
Rent one of our 166 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 166 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Durban and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality.
Starting in 2017, 3 502 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 1 148 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 6 612 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4,63 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 3 502 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Durban usually book menus around 1 110 ZAR per person, including 4,74 courses, sharing an average of 3,54 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!
166 Private Chefs in Durban
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Durban












More than 3 500 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4,15 Chef
The guests in Durban have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4,15.
4,69 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Durban received an average score of 4,69.
4,62 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4,62 average score.
4,85 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Durban has been scored with a 4,85 on average.
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1 148 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Durban
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Caramelized shallot tarte tatin | rocket salad | edible flowers
Roasted fragrant butternut cubes | panko crumbed prawns | rocket | wasabi mayo | radish | guacamole
Aubergine | grilled tomato | brie cheese | basil shandis | micro berbs
French onion soup | emmental cheese | baguette
Assorted bruschetta | anchovy | olive tapenade | tomato | basil | wild mushroom | parmesan
Beetroot carpaccio | vegan cheese | strawberries | balsamic reduction | rocket
Zucchini carpaccio | italian fried mozzarella | anchovy infused mayo | pea shoots
Garden salad- confit heirloom cherry tomato | textures of cauliflower | quail egg | noodles | shimeji | radish
Roasted butternut arancini | butternut espuma | charred tenderstem broccoli | creamy blue cheese i red pepper oil
Roasted red pepper & tomato soup topped with macadamia froth
Not so greek | rocket | basil | heritage baby tomato | olive | feta cubes | marinated artichoke | herby vinaigraitte| parmesan tuile
Butternut samp risotto style topped with parmesan shavings
Mushroom gnocchi mélange of wild mushroom i potato gnocchi i poached quail egg i parmesan shavings i truffle zest
Filipino pancit bihon (vegetable / noodle stir fry)
Vegetable mussaka and accompaniments
Mushroom & green pea risotto, mint & walnut pesto
Paneer vegetable curry , basmati rice,roti, sambals
Veg breyani and accompanments
Butternut and spinach tortellini with a melange of mushroom,
A study in chocolate | chocolate brownie | chocolate ice cream | chocolate cream | chocolate dust | chocolate
Cream cheese pana cotta | berries macerated in port | sugar works | dried flowers
Study of berries -blackberry & white chocolate short cake | mixed berry mousse | wild berry sorbet | fresh berries | raspberry coulis
White mousse i red velvet cake | white chocolate | crumble | mixed berry sorbet
Peanut butter parfait | caramel ice cream | ginger bread biscuit | strawberry coulis
Honeycomb mousse | roasted apricots | honey and thyme sorbet
Deconstructed tiramisu-coffee mousse | vanilla bean sponge | mascarpone ice cream | marsala syrup
Soft centred chocolate pudding | vanilla ice cream | raspberry coulis
Grilled line fish wrapped in parma ham topped with pan fried mussel, grilled prawn, plum tomato salad, cream style curry sauce and cilantro oil
Salad of springbok carpaccio, poached pear, goats cheese, roasted sweet potato chips, beetroot reduction and micro herbs
Tournedo of beef on a almond and spinach risotto, caramelized baby carrots, grilled king oyster mushroom and a rosemary beef reduction
Almond crusted chicken supreme with potato dauphinoise, butternut puree, baby broccoli and thyme jus
Layered sheets of pastry with fresh strawberries, creme patissiere, finished with pistachio nuts,
Strawberry studded cheese cake with white chocolate mousse and basil pebbles, berry coulis and hazel nut praline
Assorted samoosa and dips
Assorted canapes | bruschetta | cold meats | marinated olives
Assorted bruschetta and canapes; smoked salmon and mango blinis i coronation chicken/mango/toasted almonds
Calamari salad | squid heads | tomato fondue | chili aioli
Chicken wings | siracha honey soya| micro shoots
Cajun spiced creamy chicken livers | herb and parmesan crostini
Build your own salad and maze, assorted dressings
Contemporary caprese -heritage tomato | baby mozzarella | mixed olives | rocket salad | smoked sea salt | basil drizzle
Not so greek | rocket | basil | heritage baby tomato | olive | feta cubes | marinated artichoke | herby vinaigraitte| parmesan tuile
Chef insalata | rocket | basil | baby tomato | olive | artichoke | parmesan cheese
French chef salad | rocket | cos lettuce | asparagus | cucumber | heirloom cherry tomatoes | beetroot | walnuts red | onion | goat cheese | vinaigrette
Lightly smoked chicken caesar salad-cos lettuce | caesar dressing | chicken strips | croutons | anchovies
Beer braised beef short rib | carrot | chateau potato | caramelized onions | button mushrooms | red wine jus
Braised oxtail | mashed potato | heirloom baby carrots
Deboned chicken thighs in coconut and coriander marinade and lemon cous cous and coriander sauce oil, sweet potato puree
Beef fillet shimeji mushrooms l wilted greens l greens i fig preserve i potato pave i leek puree i honey port wine essence
Baby chicken breast- stuffed with mushroom mousseline | potato croquette | cucumber ribbons | smoked brinjal puree | marinated baby tomato
Cape salmon /cauliflower veloute /lemon butter sauce sauce
Grilled kingklip lemon couscous l kachumbari salad l shrimp & champagne butter sauce
Vegetable mussaka and accompaniments
Butternut samp risotto style topped with vegan parmesan shavings
Pancit behon stir fry- tofu/ egg noodles i shiitake mushrooms i kimchi i julienne of seasonal vegetables i soy-chili sauce
Confit and roasted duck maryland | pomme fondant | caramelized apples | sauce bigarade
Linguine seafood pasta
Malva pudding | vanilla custard | vanilla ice cream | edible flowers
Red velvet cake | dark chocolate mousse | vanilla ice cream
Melk tart | koeksister | berry coulis | vanilla ice cream
Home made carrot cake | vanilla ice cream i carol lace
Warm chocolate and honey cake | raspberry sauce | vanilla ice cream
Cape brandy pudding / butterscotch sauce
Sticky toffee pudding/ amarula sauce
Assorted bruschetta | anchovy | olive tapenade | tomato | basil | wild mushroom | parmesan
Assorted canapes | bruschetta | cold meats | marinated olives
Cream of butternut & orange soup
Beef carpaccio | goat cheese |wild rocket | strawberries | yakitori sauce | mustard aioli
½ shell mussels | caramelized onions and garlic | parsley & thyme white wine sauce
Cajun brie | cranberry | radish salad
Garden salad- confit heirloom cherry tomato | textures of cauliflower | quail egg | noodles | shimeji | radish
Not so greek | rocket | basil | heritage baby tomato | olive | feta cubes | marinated artichoke | herby vinaigraitte| parmesan tuile
Ceviche of tout | radish salad | saffron mayonnaise coleslaw | chive vinaigrette
Butter roasted line fish | sauteed greens | cauliflower puree |champagne sauce
Half deboned chicken | lemon | coconut cream | chilli | sweet potato fondant
Grilled beef fillet medallions | feta | green fig preserve | sweet potato espuma | bok choi | honey port wine essence
Pork belly twice cooked | apple puree | charred cucumber | berry jus
Pan roasted fillet of ostrich cubed pan | roasted risotto | courgette | parmesan wafer | heirloom tomato confit
Potato gnocchi | nicoise style vegetables | chèvre cheese | quail egg
Malva pudding | butter scotch sauce | vanilla ice cream | edible flowers
Glazed strawberries | salted caramel cheese cake | meringue buttons | white chocolate
Red velvet cake | dark chocolate mousse | vanilla ice cream
Salmon and cream cheese roulade | petit citrus salad | dill shoots
Ostrich carpaccio | marinated mushrooms | ciabatta toast | preserved fig | balsamic reduction | parmesan cheese
Mixed antipasti and mezze platter
Spinach soup served with gorgonzola mousse
Calamari strips | squid heads | tomato fondue | chili aioli
Not so greek | rocket | basil | heritage baby tomato | olive | feta cubes | marinated artichoke | herby vinaigraitte| parmesan tuile
Contemporary caprese -heritage tomato | baby mozzarella | mixed olives | rocket salad | smoked sea salt | basil drizzle
Tian of smoked salmon | waldorf salad | wasabi mayo | micro herbs
Chicken saltimbocca | roasted mediterranean vegetables | white sage sauce
Braised oxtail | mashed potato | heirloom baby carrots
Butter roasted line fish | sauteed greens | carrot puree | prawn vinaigrette
Seared duck breast | lentil brown rice | sautéed greens | confit baby carrots | citrus duck jus
Beef fillet i bak choy i roasted bone marrow i whole grain mustard sauce
Line fish | leek and ricotta nori | moroccan salsa | balsamic reduction
Half deboned baby chicken | lemon | coconut cream | chilli | sweet potato fondant
Chocolate brownie | mint syrup | vanilla ice cream
Apple crumble/chocolate mousse cake
Crepes suzette | strawberry | amarula
Lime & poppy seed panna cotta | carrot cake | berry coulis
Peanut butter parfait | caramel ice cream | ginger bread biscuit | strawberry coulis
Assorted bruschetta and canapes; smoked salmon and mango blinis i coronation chicken/mango/toasted almonds
Beetroot carpaccio i goat cheese i strawberries i beetroot jam i balsamic glazeon
Chilled asian flavoured gazpacho with bean sprout salad
Ox tongue served carpaccio style | cipollini onions |green olives |petit salad | wholegrain mustard vinaigrette
Contemporary caprese tomato i baby mozzarella i mixed olives i rocket salad i smoked salt i tapenade drizzle
Avocado & sriracha mayo i shrimp i crab salad
Aubergine i grilled tomato i brie gratinated stacks i basil shandis
Saldana bay mussels | white wine | chili and parsley broth | crusty bread
Beer braised beef short rib i carrot i chateau potato i caramelized onions i button mushrooms i red wine sauce
Butter roasted line fish i heritage tomato i cauliflower puree i lime butter sauce
Deboned chicken thighs in coconut and coriander marinade and lemon cous cous and coriander sauce oil, sweet potato puree
Confit of duck | root vegetables | baby potatoes | brandy and thyme jus
Seared tuna | mixed dhal curry | cucumber salad | minted yoghurt
Berries i zabaglione i plum semi freddo i carol lace
Home made carrot cake i chocolate mousse i ice cream i carol lace
Malva pudding i butter scotch sauce i vanilla ice cream i edible flowers
Champagne jelly | confit fruit | watermelon granita | watermelon konfyt | vanilla dust
Cardamon crème caramel white | chocolate ganache sesame tuile | granadilla sauce
Ceviche of tout | radish salad | saffron mayonnaise coleslaw | chive vinaigrette
Ox tongue served carpaccio style | cipollini onions |green olives | petit salad | wholegrain mustard vinaigrette
Beef carpaccio | goat cheese |wild rocket | strawberries | extra virgin olive oil | balsamic pearls
Fristo misto- deep-fried crispy fresh fish goujons | caper | gherkins | roumelade sauce
Smoked salmon carpaccio | micro herbs | cucumber salsa | lemon dressing
Twice cooked pork belly i sweet potato fondant i tender stem broccoli l sherry and plum jus
Pork belly twice cooked | apple puree | charred cucumber | berry jus
Beer braised beef short rib | carrot | chateau potato | caramelized onions | button mushrooms | red wine jus
Aged tomahawk prime steak | smoked cauliflower veloute | wild mushroom sauce
Aged beef ribeye | olive potato mash | leek puree | shimeji mushrooms | pepper sauce
Rosemary larded beef fillet | roasted vegetables | braised deboned oxtail | slow cooked lentils | oxtail jus
21 day aged beef tomahawk cured cherry tomato i field mushroom i pomme paille i chimichuri sauce
Traditional cape brandy pudding | crème anglaise | cinnamon cream
Study of berries -blackberry & white chocolate short cake | mixed berry mousse | wild berry sorbet | fresh berries | raspberry coulis
White mousse i red velvet cake | white chocolate | crumble | mixed berry sorbet
Aubergine | grilled tomato | brie cheese | basil shandis | micro berbs
Assorted bruschetta and canapes; smoked salmon and mango blinis i coronation chicken/mango/toasted almonds
Smoked salmon carpaccio | micro greens | cucumber salsa | lemon dressing
Beetroot carpaccio | vegan cheese | strawberries | balsamic reduction | rocket
Zucchini carpaccio | italian fried mozzarella | anchovy infused mayo | pea shoots
Garden salad- confit heirloom cherry tomato | textures of cauliflower | quail egg | noodles | shimeji | radish
Roasted butternut arancini | butternut espuma | charred tenderstem broccoli | creamy blue cheese i red pepper oil
Not so greek | rocket | basil | heritage baby tomato | olive | feta cubes | marinated artichoke | herby vinaigraitte| parmesan tuile
Fristo misto- deep-fried crispy fresh fish goujons | caper | gherkins | roumelade sauce
½ shell mussels | caramelized onions and garlic | parsley & thyme white wine sauce
Ceviche of tout | radish salad | saffron mayonnaise coleslaw | chive vinaigrette
Calamari strips | squid heads | tomato fondue | chili aioli
Thai vegetable and coconut curry parcel | lemon pickle | peppadew | peanut salsa
Filipino pancit bihon (vegetable / noodle stir fry)
Wild mushroom & green pea risotto, mint & walnut pesto
Spinach and ricotta ravioli
Braised lamb shank | tuscan bean | faro stew
Lamb chops rubbed with ras al hangout | quinoa salad | salsa machouia
Butter roasted line fish i heritage tomato i cauliflower puree i lime butter sauce
Deboned whole red snapper or slinger | lemon cous cous | lime beur blanc
Lamb rump marple | glazed baby carrots | potato mille feuille | baby beetroot shavings | pea puree | mint gel
Baby chicken breast- stuffed with mushroom mousseline | potato croquette | cucumber ribbons | smoked brinjal puree | marinated baby tomato
Chicken lemon marinated chicken supreme i brinjal & potato curry i coriander relish
Deboned chicken thighs in coconut and coriander marinade and lemon cous cous and coriander sauce oil, sweet potato puree
Cape salmon /cauliflower veloute /lemon butter sauce sauce
Seared norwegian salmon | tenderstem broccoli | citrus reduction
Cream cheese pana cotta | berries macerated in port | sugar works | dried flowers
Study of berries -blackberry & white chocolate short cake | mixed berry mousse | wild berry sorbet | fresh berries | raspberry coulis
White mousse i red velvet cake | white chocolate | crumble | mixed berry sorbet
Peanut butter parfait | caramel ice cream | ginger bread biscuit | strawberry coulis
Honeycomb mousse | roasted apricots | honey and thyme sorbet
Deconstructed tiramisu-coffee mousse | vanilla bean sponge | mascarpone ice cream | marsala syrup
Malva pudding | butter scotch sauce | vanilla ice cream | edible flowers
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 1 201 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 166 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: 1 201 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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