SA Chef Media announced the winners of the second edition of our Gastronomy Tourism Awards during a prestigious dinner and awards ceremony on 11 August 2025, hosted in partnership with Unilever Food Solutions and TymeBank.

Held as part of the SA Chef Conference & Expo 2025 in Sandton, Johannesburg, these awards recognise and celebrate culinary businesses, brands, services, and suppliers that promote South African gastronomy on a global scale, highlighting the country’s rich culinary tourism offerings.

Riana Andrews, Editor of SA Chef Media, said: “The SA Chef Media Gastronomy Tourism Awards aim to emphasise the culinary industry’s essential role as a key driver of tourism and promotes South Africa as a leading player in the global gastronomic tourism market.

“Following a public call for nominations, winners were chosen through a comprehensive judging process that recognised South Africa’s unique culinary tourism offerings and evaluated the nominees’ success in attracting both local and international tourists to their establishments and regions.”

Winners of the SA Chef Media Gastronomy Tourism Awards 2025:

Best in Gastronomy Tourism: Immersive Experiences Presented by TymeBank
Winner: Veld & Sea – Owner Roushanna Gray, Chef Rochelle de Wet

Nestled between the mountains and sea of the Cape Peninsula, Roushanna Gray’s immersive education space Veld & Sea attracts visitors seeking unique, place-specific gastronomic adventures that forge a deep connection to the land, ocean, and local traditions. Their seasonal experiences are highly sought after by both domestic travellers and international tourists, often booking well in advance or planning their travels specifically to visit Veld & Sea. Each season brings its own unique charm, encouraging return visits to fully appreciate the distinct flavours and experiences of the region.

Following the award announcement, the Veld & Sea team said: “Being recognised in the Immersive Experiences category is both a celebration of our craft and a testament to all of our experience shared with all of our guests who have walked with us through the fynbos, foraged along the shoreline, and tasted the hyper local ingredients of our edible landscape. A big heartfelt thank you to the judges, our incredible team at Veld and Sea and to Nature! Cheers to more connection, collaboration, and culinary adventures ahead!”

Best in Gastronomy Tourism: Cultural Dining Presented by TymeBank
Winner: Les Creatifs – Owner and Chef Wandile Mabaso

With a vision to transform Johannesburg into the culinary capital of Africa, Chef Wandile Mabaso at Les Creatifs is not just offering cultural dining; he is spearheading a culinary revolution that elevates South Africa’s status on the global stage. Each plate is a work of art, and the exclusive dining space in Bryanston, is a visual feast. Chef Wandile and his team are driving the Afrique Moderne gastronomy and cultural movement, redefining what local and international tourists can experience in South Africa.

Best in Gastronomy Tourism: Fine and Casual Dining Presented by Unilever Food Solutions
Winner: Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa – Chef Gareth Jordaan

Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, a prestigious Johannesburg establishment holding 5-Star Premium Status awarded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, has received numerous accolades for its outstanding dining experiences. The hotel hosts a variety of events that foster a deeper connection with guests while promoting culinary tourism. Led by Executive Chef Gareth Jordaan, their imaginative use of the grounds, the creation of world-class South African dishes, and exceptional service ensure a high-quality dining experience that exceeds expectations and showcases what a true 5-star experience looks like in South Africa.

Best in Gastronomy Tourism: Sustainability Presented by Unilever Food Solutions
Winner: The LivingRoom at Summerhill Estate – Owner and Chef Johannes Richter

While many establishments merely check the sustainability box, it lies at the heart of Chef Johannes Richter’s culinary philosophy at The LivingRoom at Summerhill Estate. By collaborating with small sustainable farmers within a specific radius of his KZN restaurant, Chef Johannes leverages his craft to promote the region’s rich heritage. Remarkably, non-South African ingredients account for just 0.1% of the total used at The LivingRoom. The restaurant has consistently been recognised as one of South Africa’s premier dining destinations, where sustainability, storytelling, heritage, and generous hospitality converge on every plate.

Mandla Khupe, General Manager of Commercial & Business Development at TymeBank, said: “Congratulations to all the winners and nominees. South Africa’s culinary entrepreneurs are elevating our cuisine while powering jobs and tourism. We know the role we play in enabling that growth. Our first advance, 14 years ago, was to a restaurant, and we’ve stayed active in the sector funding thousands more by keeping capital accessible, turnaround fast and terms flexible for chefs and restaurateurs.”