CULINARY INNOVATION MEETS DIVERSITY

I am delighted to support BeyondCuisine. This initiative inspires us all; it helps to break down barriers, creating a more inclusive and diverse industry where Black Female Chefs can thrive.

As CEO of Villa d’Este Hotels, I support every industry and association with this mission and values. It is an inclusive project whereby women can showcase their talents and share their stories to inspire future generations.

Thank you for promoting new networking opportunities and access to resources in the industry.

Davide Bertilaccio CEO of Villa d’Este Hotels Esteemed HoteliersGuild member

celebrating extraordinaryBlack Cheffes

In the heart of South Africa, a culinary revolution is taking place, led by Chef Mmabatho Molefe and her innovative restaurant, Emazulwini. As part of the Beyond Cuisine initiative, Emazulwini invites patrons to experience contemporary Zulu and Nguni cuisine in an upscale dining environment, a rarity even in the culturally rich South African landscape.

Positioned within the bustling Maker’s Landing at the V&A Waterfront, Emazulwini treats diners to spectacular views of the active harbor. The elegantly designed interiors, a collaboration with local artists, harmoniously blend white, red, and blue tones, showcasing unique pieces from designers such as Thabisa Mjo and Ashanti Design.

Emazulwini challenges preconceptions of traditional African cuisine by presenting elevated interpretations of homely dishes such as vetkoek (fried dough) with chicken polony and fried chicken, as well as amasi (fermented milk) ice cream with whey jellies and caramel. Each dish is served in finedining style, yet the ambiance remains warm and approachable, with friendly, vibrant servers adding to the welcoming atmosphere.

The carefully curated menu, which varies from three to six courses, is thoughtfully complemented by a robust selection of fine local wines. The full menu is highly recommended to truly appreciate the culinary journey that Emazulwini offers. The dining experience at Emazulwini isn't merely a meal; it's a chance to explore and savor a unique culinary heritage.

Beyond Cuisine commendably recognizes Mmabatho's steadfast commitment to promoting indigenous cuisine, an endeavor that reflects the true spirit of our initiative.

Mmabatho Molefe: A Culinary Champion for BeyondCuisine

The trailblazing chef promoting African cuisine, empowering Black women, and challenging preconceptions surrounding indigenous food. A proud native of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, Mmabatho Molefe is the brilliant chef behind Emazulwini, a Cape Town dining gem that amplifies the beauty of African ingredients and pays homage to the Nguni and Zulu cuisines. Operating with an all-black, all-female crew, Molefe's restaurant not only enhances racial representation in the culinary world, but also uplifts traditional ingredients and recipes often sidelined as 'not fit for fine dining'. Signature dishes such as ulimi noshatini, a delicately prepared slow-cooked ox tongue served with variations of tomatoes, and uphuthu namasi, a beloved Zulu dessert of sour milk, are exemplary of her culinary artistry. Molefe's passion for cooking was sparked during her childhood, as she crafted mud pies in the likeness of dishes she saw on television. Originally a Politics, Philosophy, and Law student, Molefe soon found her heart drawn back to the kitchen. In pursuit of her culinary dreams, she made the brave decision to leave university and enroll in culinary school, graduating in 2018. After facing difficulties landing a job in fine dining restaurants, Molefe pioneered the Long Table Experience, a pop-up communal dining event that quickly gained popularity among her friends, family, and beyond. Following redundancy from her role at Salsify at the Roundhouse in early 2020 due to the pandemic, she funnelled her energy and passion into her debut solo venture, Emazulwini, which opened its doors in December of the same year. With an enduring vision for the future, Molefe also aspires to launch Ikhayalethu, a home intended to empower and rehabilitate black youth experiencing homelessness. In line with BeyondCuisine's mission, Molefe's words resonate: “What we are trying to achieve is inclusivity and it’s the perfect time for that. For a while, traditional African cuisine in South Africa was seen as something that couldn’t be fine dining but in the past two years, I have had the honour to meet a lot of young black creatives passionately sharing their food and stories.” – Mmabatho Molefe. As we celebrate Molefe's contributions, we are reminded of the diversity and richness of global cuisine that BeyondCuisine is dedicated to showcasing.