Private Chef in Port Elizabeth
Rent one of our 35 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in Port Elizabeth
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Port Elizabeth in May 2020, more than 35 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Port Elizabeth and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Eastern Cape.
Starting in 2020, 1 489 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Port Elizabeth. To book your chef in Port Elizabeth, 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 149 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 222 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, 1 489 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Port Elizabeth usually book menus around 1 055 ZAR per person, including 4,09 courses, sharing an average of 3,67 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 Port Elizabeth.












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!
Find your chef
Customize your request and start talking with your chefs.
35 Private Chefs in Port Elizabeth
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Port Elizabeth












More than 1 400 guests have already enjoyed the experience
5 Chef
The guests in Port Elizabeth have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 5.
4,5 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Port Elizabeth received an average score of 4,5.
4,5 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4,5 average score.
4,5 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Port Elizabeth has been scored with a 4,5 on average.
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149 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Port Elizabeth
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








•four bean salad (vegan, gf) a vibrant mix of beans, roasted peppers, red onion, and fresh herbs, tossed with a zesty lemon dressing
Roasted beetroot & feta salad roasted beetroot, danish feta, rocket, toasted walnuts, orange segments and balsamic glaze
Classic broccoli salad broccoli, crispy bacon, cranberries, sunflower seeds and a creamy dressing
Charred corn ribs fire-roasted corn brushed with garlic butter, smoked paprika, parmesan, fresh coriander and a squeeze of lime
Crispy crushed baby potatoes golden baby potatoes finished with garlic butter, rosemary and fresh chives
Braai garlic bread rustic artisan loaf filled with garlic herb butter, mature cheddar and mozzarella, toasted over the coals
Homemade chakalaka
Honey roasted butternut
• sticky sweet & spicy chicken wings
•braaied wors traditional south african sausage braaied over coals, smoky, juicy, and bursting with flavour served with tangy tomato relish
•char-grilled pork chops tender lamb chops with a smoky, spiced rub
• cape malay–style beef sosatie skewers with a light apricot glaze
Traditional milk tart light cinnamon pastry cream in a buttery crust
South african cheese & charcuterie board a selection of mature cheeses, biltong, droëwors, cured meats, olives, preserves, seasonal fruit, nuts and artisanal crackers
Tuna tataki with ponzu dressing, pickled ginger, and sesame crust
Crayfish medallions with champagne butter and dill emulsion
Caviar on potato blini with crème fraîche and chive oil
Tempura baby abalone with lemon aioli and seaweed salt
Pan-seared line fish (chef’s choice) with shellfish bisque and potato fondant
Luxury seafood boil: crayfish, prawns, mussels & clams with garlic butter and corn
Surf 'n turf: fillet of beef with grilled prawns, parsnip purée and red wine jus
Saffron risotto with lemon zest, grilled artichokes and asparagus (v)
Champagne granita with citrus segments and mint
Salted caramel tart with sea salt crust and miso chantilly
Lemon panna cotta with black sesame crumble
Passionfruit pavlova with toasted coconut cream
Sesame crusted tuna tataki with pickled radish and ponzu dressing
Chilli lime prawn skewers with coriander mango salsa
Pumpkin fennel soup with and butter poached prawn
Hake medallion with red pepper veloute
Cape malay spiced fish cakes – served with pickled cucumber ribbons, lemon-sorghum aioli, and a micro herb salad
Smoked trout & amasi crostini – house-smoked trout with herbed amasi crème, pickled red onions, and microgreens on a crispy sourdough crostini
Creamy coconut & lemongrass mussels – west coast mussels steamed in a fragrant coconut and lemongrass broth, served with grilled sourdough
Herb crusted kingklip with blistered rosa tomatoes, crushed confit baby potatoes, sauteed green beans, caper sultana relish and green oil
Pan-seared linefish with rooibos-infused beurre blanc – served with millet pilaf, charred fennel, and preserved lemon relish
Gochujang grilled salmon, pickled ginger jus, sweet pomme puree, orange sesame broccolini and edamame salad
Butter poached rainbow trout with cauliflower puree and garlic butter and caper sauce
Charred miso cabbage with green tahini with quinoa and apricot seed sprinkle
Miso apple crumble with cinnamon and vegan vanilla ice cream
Blueberry cheesecake with blueberry compote and blueberry gold dust
Grilled pineapple with sorghum crumble & rooibos ice cream – caramelized pineapple with a crunchy sorghum and nut crumble, paired with creamy house-made rooibos-infused ice cream
Marula-infused crème brûlée – silky custard infused with wild-harvested marula, finished with a perfectly crisp caramel top
Watermelon feta salad fresh watermelon cubes ,crumbed feta chesse ,fresh mint leaves a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of salt and pepper topped with toasted pumkin seeds
Chilled cucumber soup cucumber ,plain yogurt ,dill, garlic and lemon juice blended until smooth and served cold topped with micro herbs and pepper salad
Shrimp cocktail fresh tomatotes ,red onion ,coriander ,salt pepper garlic lemon juice topped with coriander
Grilled solomon with citrus glaze salmon fillets grilled grilled and topped with a tangy orange and lemon glaze served with a side of asparagus and roasted baby potatoes
Bbq pulled pork sliders slow cooked pulled pork served in soft slider buns with colselaw and a tangy bbq sauce
Grilled lemon herb chicken with summer vegetables marinated chicken chicken breasts served with charred zucchini ,bell peppers and cherry tomatoes
Lemon posset with shortbread cookies a creamy lemon dessert made with cream ,sugar and lemon juice served with shortbread cookies
Strawberry cheese cake served in individual jars on a base of ginger crumble topped with berry puree and fresh mint
Mango panna cotta creamy panna cotta made with coconut milk and topped with fresh mango puree
Canapes served with a local aperitif
West coast mussels with white wine and cream sauce, home garlic bread
Cape point yellowfin tuna tartare and avocado stack, wakame salad
Local line fish, cauliflower puree, bokkom butter, green asparagus
Butternut ravioli, sage butter, crispy sage leaves, local parmesan, toasted pine nuts
Venison or ostrich fillet, green peppercorn cream sauce, duck fat potatoes, seasonal vegetables
Your choice of cut of aged beef steak or free range chicken breast, truffle infused mushroom cream sauce, duck fat sauteed potatoes, seasonal vegetables
Local line fish as per starter, with added vegetables and savoury rice
Free range duck breast, gooseberry gastrique, red cabbage, potato bake, seasonal vegetable
Cauliflower steak, romesco sauce, seasonal (tempura) vegetables, potato bake,
Lemon, rooibos and spekboom posset, passionfruit curd ice cream, orange tuile biscuit
Amarula crème brulee, water buffalo milk gelato, almond tuile, fresh berries
Dom pedros a la vic
Malva pudding, amarula cream sauce, water buffalo milk gelato
Marinated olives, roasted peppers & hummus with flatbread
Greek village salad with feta, olives & oregano vinaigrette
Lentil & lemon soup with fresh herbs
Roasted aubergine dip (melitzanosalata) with pita crisps
Spiced lamb koftas with herbed couscous and tzatziki
Grilled chicken souvlaki with lemon potatoes and garlic yogurt
Baked hake with olive tapenade, tomatoes & herb rice
Stuffed bell peppers with herbed rice, pine nuts & tomato sauce (v)
Greek yogurt with honey & seasonal fruit
Semolina orange cake (revani) with syrup
Pistachio baklava bites
Fresh fruit skewers with mint & lime
Arrival canape
Fresh oysters and sabrage (please supply mcc)
All food is served on the center of the table as a family style feast, please see below
Whole roasted beef fillet served with chimichurri
Wild mushroom gnocchi served in a roasted garlic cream topped with parmesan
Sundried tomato arancini balls
Buratta, heirloom tomatoes salad drenched in basil pesto, balsamic and olive oil
Steamed greens with parmesan cheese or green salad
Whole roasted cauliflower with yoghurt and chimichurri
Butternut ravioli with a sage burree noisette
Whole grilled trout with fennel and lemon butter or baked white fish in a lemon and fennel cream
Traditional tiramisu
0.5 long pavlova served with berries, lemon curd and cream topped with sparkles, great for a celebration
Dark chocolate and brandy semifreddo with salted caramel
Ricotta gnocchi with burnt butter, sage & parmigiano
Carpaccio of beef with rocket, parmesan, lemon zest & truffle oil
Charred artichokes with whipped feta and lemon crumb
Burrata with pickled beets, basil oil & toasted pine nuts
Veal osso buco with saffron risotto and gremolata
Chicken supreme with porcini cream sauce and truffle mashed potato
Grilled sea bass with white wine caper sauce, herbed farro & grilled lemon
Ricotta & spinach ravioli with sage butter, toasted hazelnuts & shaved parmesan (v)
Classic tiramisu with espresso soak & mascarpone cream
Lemon semifreddo with limoncello syrup and pistachio dust
Chocolate hazelnut torte with espresso ganache and orange zest
Vanilla bean panna cotta with amaretti crumble and honey drizzle
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 Port Elizabeth.
What does a private chef service include in Port Elizabeth?
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 Port Elizabeth?
The price of renting a chef in Port Elizabeth 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 841 ZAR to 1 656 ZAR. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 841 ZAR per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 828 ZAR per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 1 270 ZAR per person, and for 2 people, the price is 1 656 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 Port Elizabeth?
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 35 chefs available in Port Elizabeth. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Port Elizabeth 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 Port Elizabeth?
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 Port Elizabeth
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Port Elizabeth
Percentage of our women chefs in Port Elizabeth.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Port Elizabeth.
Percentage of services with kids in Port Elizabeth.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Port Elizabeth.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Port Elizabeth.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Port Elizabeth.
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 Port Elizabeth.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Port Elizabeth each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Port Elizabeth, 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 Port Elizabeth.
Cost of a private chef in Port Elizabeth
The cost of hiring a private chef in Port Elizabeth 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 841 ZAR to 1 656 ZAR per person.
For 13 people or more: 841 ZAR
For 7 to 12 people: 828 ZAR
For 3 to 6 people: 1 270 ZAR
For 2 people: 1 656 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.
What is the most reserved type of cuisine in Port Elizabeth?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Port Elizabeth: Mediterranean, Italian, French, Japanese, Mexican, and surprise. The type of cuisine with the highest number of bookings is the Chef's special, 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 Port Elizabeth!






Talk to our chefs in Port Elizabeth
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 Port Elizabeth? You’ll get it. Tell us about your event in Port Elizabeth, and discover the best chefs who will customize every detail of your experience.










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