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On 3 July 2025, the country’s top culinary talents converged in Durban for the highly anticipated Future Menus Chef of the Year 2025 finals – a defining moment in the South African foodservice calendar.

This year’s competition once again highlighted the power of innovation, technique, and  inspired flavour, and celebrated chefs who are shaping the future of hospitality.

From meticulously plated starters to trend-led mains, the energy in the kitchen was electric, and the level of skill on display was nothing short of world-class.

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EXPERIENCE THE CHEF OF THE YEAR FINALS 

Whether you joined us in Durban or are catching up from afar, our recap video gives you an inside look at the excitement, intensity, and inspiration from the 2025 finals.

Watch what went down at the UFS Future Menus Chef of the Year 2025 Finals in Durban

01:44

CROWNING SA’S TOP SOUTH AFRICAN CHEFS

Following three rounds of regional cook-offs and finishing after an exciting day of creativity and craftsmanship among some of the country’s most promising culinary talent, these are the chefs who took top honours this year: 

JUNIOR CHEF OF THE YEAR 2025

FIRST PLACE: Pholoso Sebola (The Marriott Hotel)

FIRST PLACE:

Pholoso Sebola
(The Marriott Hotel)

SECOND PLACE: Lakishia Dayalram (1000 Hills Chefs School))

SECOND PLACE:

Lakishia Dayalram
(1000 Hills Chefs School))

THIRD PLACE: Banyana Monyuku (The Marriott Hotel)

THIRD PLACE:

Banyana Monyuku
(The Marriott Hotel)

SENIOR CHEF OF THE YEAR 2025

FIRST PLACE: Zandria De Nobrega (The Fusion Cooking School)

FIRST PLACE:

Zandria De Nobrega
(The Fusion Cooking School)

SECOND PLACE: Olwethu Vivi (Louisvale Wines)

SECOND PLACE:

Olwethu Vivi
(Louisvale Wines)

THIRD PLACE: Melusi Twala (The Marriott Hotel)

THIRD PLACE:

Melusi Twala
(The Marriott Hotel)

Each finalist pushed boundaries with creative use of ingredients, precision cooking, and passion for flavour, aligning perfectly with the Future Menus 2025 ethos: sustainable, innovative, and consumer-led food service.

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BACKING THE TALENT BEHIND THE TASTE

Unilever Food Solutions is proud to support the chefs behind the scenes: those who bring menus to life, influence dining trends, and set the standard for excellence across the hospitality industry.

This event is more than a competition – it’s a celebration of the future of food.

To all the finalists: we see you, and we can’t wait to see what you create next.

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