Young Gqeberha Chefs Earn Their Aprons in Hands-On Culinary Experience

Dreams came true for 16 aspiring young chefs in Gqeberha when professional chefs from Boardwalk opened the doors of their busy kitchen, allowing children aged eight to 12 to witness and participate in a real commercial culinary environment.

From Observation to Action

After school, the youngsters arrived at Boardwalk to experience the high-energy pace of chefs delivering flawless orders across the venue’s two restaurants. Amid the clatter of pans and the sizzle of grills, the children watched, learned, and were inspired by the artistry and precision of professional cooking.

Once lunch service ended, the aspiring chefs were put through their paces in a cook-off, guided by the Boardwalk culinary team. Using ingredients including chicken, sausage, and brisket, the children crafted their own dishes before serving them to invited guests, celebrating their first taste of culinary independence.

A Vision Born From Passion

“On International Chef’s Day, 20 October, we reflected on how chefs share skills and inspiration,” said Boardwalk Executive Chef Willie Mcotoyi. “We all learned to cook by watching family members in the kitchen. We asked ourselves: what if we give children the same opportunity? Could we inspire the next generation of chefs?”

The initiative began in the Boardwalk kitchen but relied on a team effort to bring it to life. Chef Willie collaborated with local media to identify participants and reached out to food suppliers for support:

• Bidfood provided essential utensils and dried goods

• MC Brothers supplied fresh fruit and vegetables

• Cuyler Butchery contributed premium meats

• Yokhuselo Haven, an NPO supporting abused women and children, provided aprons for the youngsters

“These are daily collaborators, yet everyone eagerly joined this initiative,” Chef Mcotoyi said. “Together, we made it happen.”

Inspiring the Chefs of Tomorrow

“Today we are qualified chefs, but we enjoy sharing our skills,” Chef Mcotoyi added. “We hope these children are inspired to love cooking, explore flavours, and experiment with new dishes. This first step could spark a lifelong culinary journey.”

The event not only celebrated culinary creativity but also offered the children a tangible insight into professional kitchens, emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and the joy of cooking.