Why this 22-year-old chef believes South African cuisine rivals the world’s best

At just 22, Johannesburg-born chef, Sandiso Skota, is carving out his own lane in South Africa’s culinary scene, using social media to showcase his creativity and celebrate local flavours.

Known online as EVERYDAYCHEFSTORIES, Skota says his journey into the kitchen began with an unexpected source of inspiration, celebrity chef, Gordon Ramsay.

“My love for cooking honestly came from watching Gordon Ramsay’s Boiling Point. I watched it for the first time and thought, ‘I want to do that.'”

He credits his high school Consumer Studies teacher, Mrs Essop, with encouraging him to pursue culinary school at a time when he had no clear career direction.

That decision prove life-changing. Skota graduated top of his class, achieving 100% in his final semester, an achievement he describes as proof that years of sacrifice and dedication were worthwhile.

“Graduating… finishing top of my class and achieving 100% in my final semester showed me that all the late nights, long shifts and endless hours of researching food were worth it.”

Despite working under some of Johannesburg’s leading chefs, Skota says professional kitchens can be difficult environments for young chefs, who are often given limited opportunities to express their creativity.

He says that experience motivated him to start creating food content online earlier this year.

“Being a chef in professional kitchens is very difficult, especially when you’re young… That’s why I started posting online—to have a space where I could express my own ideas and creativity.”

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Skota believes South African cuisine deserves global recognition.

He says the country’s produce and flavours continue to inspire his cooking, adding that tradition remains at the heart of everything he creates.

“I absolutely love South African flavours, I genuinely think we’re up there with Asia when it comes to flavour.”

His approach to cooking focuses on creating dishes that evoke memories, while using modern techniques to elevate familiar tastes.

“Flavour is always rooted in tradition rather than innovation. I love nostalgic flavours because I enjoy sparking a specific memory in someone when they eat my food.”

Like many young creatives, Skota’s journey hasn’t been without challenges.

Last year, he stepped away from the kitchen for three months after resigning from his job to prioritise his mental health. Although he briefly considered changing careers, he ultimately realised cooking remained his true calling.

More recently, he celebrated another milestone by hosting his first pop-up restaurant in Braamfontein alongside his brother, Eric Mphela.

Looking ahead, Skota hopes to expand EVERYDAYCHEFSTORIES through collaborations beyond the food industry, partnering with brands in fashion, music and art, while hosting intimate apartment dinner experiences.

Above all, he hopes his work inspires others to embrace their own creativity in the kitchen.

“I want people to remember that I gave them the confidence to express themselves through food… I want people to feel that their ideas are valid and worth exploring.”

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe