Chef Phinda cooks South Africa for the world
'Chef Phinda' Monare serves South African flavours to guests from around the world in Madikwe, and he loves it.
South African chef, Gaobotse Hometree Monare, also known as Chef Phinda, has been cooking traditional South African cuisine for the world for a decade. Monare is the head chef at Rhulani Safari Lodge in Madikwe, where he believes food is an essential part of the bush experience. He emphasizes the importance of introducing guests from outside South Africa to the local flavors and culture.
Monare grew up in the area and has a deep connection to the land, which he brings to his culinary creations. His career showcases the opportunities that tourism can create for locals around Madikwe, with the lodge employing nearly 2,000 people. Monare started his journey in the kitchen by learning about service, housekeeping, and finally, cooking.
He joined Rhulani Safari Lodge a decade ago and worked his way up to the position of head chef. Despite the challenge of cooking for over 20 guests with diverse tastes and preferences, Monare remains unfazed, stating that experience has helped him handle large groups confidently. Among his signature dishes, oxtail served with pap is a favorite, and he takes care to balance flavors and avoid excessive heat.
Monare also enjoys baking, particularly pastries, which he says is his favorite part of the kitchen. The chef's go-to dessert is malva pudding, a traditional South African dish that has become a staple at the lodge. He has mastered this recipe to the point of needing no recipe, and the dish pairs perfectly with homemade custard.
Monare is not content with limiting his culinary adventures to Madikwe and dreams of working in America to explore different kitchens and bring back new techniques to his beloved South African cuisine.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
