Chef Johannes Richter of The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate in Durban has been awarded one knife at The Best Chef Awards 2024, held in Dubai.
This prestigious event, which ran from Monday to Wednesday, united the world’s most celebrated culinary talents, including chefs, journalists, and thought leaders, for three days of gastronomic dialogue and celebration. The culmination was the Awards Gala that unveiled the latest ranking of the globe’s top chefs.
Chef Johannes is one of nine South African chefs to be included in the guide. He joins a roster of global culinary talents celebrated not only for their skills but for their innovative contributions to the world of gastronomy. Upon the announcement of the achievement Chef Johannes expressed his gratitude:
“It’s a real privilege to be included in this guide and acknowledged among this exceptional group of chefs from around the world. While the award recognises the chef, I really couldn’t do it without my wife and business partner Johanna, who runs our front of house, and our entire team who work tirelessly to bring The LivingRoom experience to life.”
Chef Johannes draws inspiration from the lush, sub-tropical terrain of KwaZulu-Natal – from which he sources his ingredients – and his classical training in Michelin-star kitchens across Europe. Known for his commitment to hyper-local ingredients and sustainable practices, he masterfully combines these influences with distinctly South African flavours. His dishes, often centred around three core ingredients, shine a spotlight on unique, indigenous ingredients sourced from his surroundings in KwaZulu-Natal.
The 2024 edition of The Best Chef Awards marks a shift from the traditional ranking system to a rating format, where chefs are awarded one, two, or three knives. In this system, three knives represent top-tier culinary mastery, two knives signify world-class excellence, and one knife denotes exceptional culinary skills. Chef Johannes’s award of one knife is a testament to his commitment to sustainable fine dining and his dedication to showcasing KwaZulu-Natal’s culinary diversity.
Feature image: Supplied
