Discover Cape Town through the Eyes of Michelin-Starred Chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen

Hey there! I’m Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, a celebrated chef who recently had the incredible honor of being awarded a Michelin star. I’m actually the first South African chef to receive this prestigious recognition. Today, I want to share some stories and insights about food trends, leftovers, and my deep affection for Cape Town.

Let me start by telling you a bit about my roots. I was born and raised in two beautiful places in Mpumalanga, South Africa – Nelspruit and Middelburg. These charming towns played a significant role in shaping my culinary journey.

Right now, I’m living my dream in Nice, France, where I own my own restaurant. However, there’s a special place in my heart that beckons me – Cape Town. There’s something magical about this city that captivates me.

You might be wondering how it feels to win a Michelin star. Well, it’s a mixture of surprise and excitement. In many ways, it was unexpected. We put in a lot of hard work, relentlessly pushing our boundaries. But deep down, I never truly believed that this dream could become a reality. The moment I received the news, it hit me like a ton of bricks – anything is possible if you have determination, work hard, and follow your passion.

So, what does it take to secure a Michelin star? I believe a chef needs to possess a daring spirit, boundless energy, and an insatiable curiosity. It’s about continuously pushing the envelope, experimenting with flavors, and surprising diners with every dish.

Now, let’s talk about food trends. They shape the way we think about cooking and dining. And if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly on the lookout for what’s new and exciting in the culinary world. It’s fascinating to witness how food evolves, reflecting the dynamic nature of our society.

But let’s not forget about the humble leftover. I like to think of leftovers as precious gems waiting to be transformed into something extraordinary. They challenge me to get creative, finding innovative ways to elevate these forgotten ingredients and make them shine once again.

Lastly, Cape Town. Oh, dear Cape Town, how you enchant me. Your breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and diverse culinary scene make you a true gem of a city. If I had the chance, I would pack my bags and make this place my home in an instant. Cape Town sparks inspiration and ignites my passion for food like no other place can.

So there you have it – a glimpse into my world as a Michelin-starred chef. I hope you enjoyed this journey through my thoughts and experiences. Remember, it’s important to dare, seek knowledge, and never underestimate the power of your dreams. The culinary world is filled with endless possibilities – all you need is the drive to explore them.

JAN is a little restaurant in Nice, France, where you can savor delicious food with a unique twist. The place is cozy and has an intriguing atmosphere – its walls gradually change from light blue to a deep indigo color. Settled around the tables are traditional wooden chairs with a touch of colonial charm. You’ll be greeted by a team of stylish waiters, aged between 28 and 55, who elegantly don Parisian waistcoats, proudly displaying the name JAN in shimmering gold on their chests. And of course, no meal at JAN would be complete without a taste of their famous mosbolletjies, served with a generous dollop of homemade biltong butter.

I stay connected to what customers want through trial and error. Every Friday, we introduce a new dish to our menu. It’s like a test for the locals who come for lunch. Just by observing the restaurant, I can instantly tell if they like it or not. I don’t compromise, but our guests always come first. And it has definitely paid off…

The latest food trends are all about being “local” and “natural”. These concepts are hugely popular in France and are still growing. Street food has become the new standard for fancy dining. People now crave food that has a story and a connection.

A new restaurant trend is for chefs to be more involved and visible. They come out and explain where the dishes come from. It makes perfect sense, doesn’t it?

There are three ingredients that I absolutely cannot live without: honey, cloves, and cinnamon. These ingredients hold a special place in my heart as they remind me of the comforting feeling of coming home from school and smelling my dear grandma’s cooking. And of course, how could I forget about berries? I simply adore them!

When it comes to luxury, I believe it lies in anything or anywhere that has a timeless quality and allows me to truly be myself.

If I had the opportunity to live anywhere in the world, my top choice would undoubtedly be Cape Town. It’s not just a place; it’s where my people are!

On a typical night, my cooking routine varies with the seasons. In winter, I enjoy preparing warm and comforting casseroles, while in summer, refreshing and vibrant salads take center stage. There’s something so satisfying about throwing together a delicious meal using whatever ingredients are on hand. And let’s not forget my weakness for chocolate!

When I think back on my time living in Stellenbosch, one thing that really stood out to me was the water. There was just something special about it.

When I last visited Cape Town, I had an amazing time exploring the local culinary scene. The Chefs Warehouse left a lasting impression on me with their incredible dishes. I also made sure to stop by Willoughby’s for their famous Rainbow Reload dish. And oh boy, the Horlicks milkshake at Royale Eatery was simply delightful! I had the most fantastic lunches at Tokara and Oep ve Koep too – the flavors were out of this world!

There’s still something left on my Cape Town bucket list – I can’t wait to have a leisurely lunch under the shade of the trees in the Gardens with my friends. It’ll be the perfect way to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

When it comes to diets, the Banting diet may be a popular trend in many places, but in France, it’s all about moderation. Well, almost everything. We definitely don’t hold back on our love for bread, wine, and cheese – they’re too good to resist!

When it comes to drinks, I have a few favorites. I absolutely love wine, especially when enjoying a glass with some Hendrick’s Gin or a refreshing Bloody Mary. There’s nothing quite like sipping on these drinks and savoring the unique flavors.

Sundays are always a special day for me. I try my best to sleep in, but my excitement always gets the best of me. I can’t resist going to the local market, catching a movie, and treating myself to some delicious food at à Margaux.

They say money can’t buy happiness, and that’s true. But there’s one moment that money can’t buy – the moment when Michelin called me. It was a dream come true, and it’s a memory I’ll cherish forever.

Right after this, I’m going on a one-week vacation in the mountains.

When I wake up in the middle of the night, I jot down notes.

Someday, we’ll reflect and understand that we stressed over things that aren’t truly important.