Chef Armin Smit

Private Chef In Stellenbosch

Started out from hospitality background always interested in cooking from a young age so went to Silwood in association with Commanderie Le Cordon Bleu, my time there was nothing short of excellence. Felt completely natural, we had extensive education on food starting with the basics to getting judged by some of the best chefs on our exams.

After I finished from culinary school, I started at Fyn. This restaurant won no 5 Eat Out Awards working different sections also on the pass. I staged at other fine dining restaurants as well working with catering companies in big private and business events. I did my courses in order to work on any yacht and made my way to the South of France where it progressed further. Working for private and commercial vessels serving crew/guests with access to top quality ingredients in one of the best countries in the Mediterranean.

Having travelled to most of Europe and Asia understanding different cusines. Would like to give the best dining experience possible at the comfort of your home to friends and family. I also worked in Portugal for some time, catering to guests based in Algarve in their villas mostly European, Canadian and British. Currently back in Cape Town and hoping to give an exceptional time to the locals and abroad. Many thanks!

For me, cooking is...

Very good medium used to express different creative ideas on food, culture and unforgettable dining experience.

I learned to cook at...

While travelling in all over Europe, went to culinary school, attending different courses, being judged, mentored and examined by professional chefs.

A cooking secret...

Making sure every ingredients gets handled with care and respect. Following traditional methods with innovating in many ways to enlighten senses.

My menus

Mediterranean Essence

STARTER

All inclusive

Artisan Sourdough Bread, Zaatar Hummus, Whipped Feta Dip, Mixed Herb Olives, Genovese Basil Pesto, Prosciutto and Cured Meats

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Grilled Prawns in Gremolata Sauce, Orzo Salad with Preserved Lemon, Fennel and Feta

Tagliatelle Pasta with a Italian Black Truffle Sauce, Aged Parmesan

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Angus Beef Steak with Spanish Romesco, French Beans, Grilled Asparagus Salad with Toasted Almonds, Potato Gratin

Salmon Harissa, Cous Cous Salad with a Tahini Dressing

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Greek Revani Orange Cake with Honey, Pistachio and Vanilla Ice Cream

Chocolate Ganache Tart with Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream and Fresh Berries

Japanese Essence

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Boa Buns with Duck confit, Xo Sauce, Kewpie Mayo, Fresh Cilantro and Toasted Sesame

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Bamboo Steamed Salmon, Lemongrass, Thai Basil and Lime Sauce, Sushi Rice and Chargrilled Spring Onion

Nobu Famous Miso Cured Cod with Bok Choi and Udon Noodles in Sesame Dressing

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Sancho Spiced Steak, Celeriac Puree, Miso Butter Onions, and Reduction Sauce

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Banh Gan: Coconut Creme Brulee

Coconut Tapioca, Lychee, Palm sugar and Lime Dessert

Dinner Menu

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Artisan Breads, Black Olive Tapande, Hummus, Labneh, Muhummara and Flavoured Butter

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Confit Fennel Risotto, Pan seared Sea Bass, Crushed Peas with Lemon Yuzu Sauce

Southern French Style Bouillabaisse Seafood Soup

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Braised Beef Short Rib, Truffle Pomme Puree, Carrots la Vichy and Madeira Sauce

Zaatar Spiced Chicken Thighs with Roasted Baby Carrots in Dukkah with Pearl Cous Cous Salad, Toasted Almonds and Pomegranate

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Vanilla Creme Caramel, Armagnac Prunes, Almond praline and Preserved Lemon Gel

Portuguese Rice Pudding with Cinnamon Muscovado Crumble and Hazelnut Ice Cream

Delightful Dinner

STARTER

All inclusive

Seafood Prawn Bisque with Poached Lobster, Herb Oil and Artisan Brioche

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Chicken Ballotine with Celeriac Puree and Grilled Asparagus and Bordelaise Jus

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Confit Duck, Artichoke Barigoule with French Bean Salad and Potato Pave

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Lemon Posset with Local Honey Shortbread, Freeze Dried Raspberries

Pavlova, Madagascan Vanilla Creme Anglaise, Pineapple, Lime and Golden Kiwi Salsa

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Chef Armin's reviews

4.63

•

61 services

armin's dinner was perfect - the food was excellent, he left the kitchen spotless, and he was great host. he founds some local wines to pair with the meal and he was extremely professional, tolerating our somewhat rowdy group with patience and humor. the whole experience was wonderful.

We very much enjoyed the meal we had with Armin. The food was delicious and we enjoyed the conversation with him as well as the wine pairings. He seemed a bit shy, but had a great knowledge of cuisine. Everything he presented for us was amazing. It was a great experience.

Armin coped very well with our group of 10 adults and 7 children. We all enjoyed his food very much. He left the kitchen extremely tidy . A very pleasant young man . We would definitely recommend him to others .

Another fantastic meal from Armin. Delicious food, devoured by adults and children alike. Only a mouthful left!! Polite, charming host with endless patience while he was cooking even though all the children were in and out of the kitchen area.

Armin was really helpful with the menu for 8 adults and 6 children, especially as we needed everything gluten free. Unbelievable service and the timing was just as he said it would be. The food was “the best I’ve ever eaten” (9 year old) and the whole family was SO impressed with Armin’s service, kindness and attention to us. Would wholeheartedly recommend him to absolutely anyone.

Armin was great and made us a fantastic meal to end our holiday! We each tried to say what our favourite dish was but all of us wanted to name two or three! Would definitely recommend!

Chef Armin was amazing. He made two delicious 5 star meals - ones that were loved by the adults and by the children. I would highly recommend him and wish we had him cook for our entire Portugal visit.

Chef Armin Smit was incredible. He went above and beyond to ensure we had an amazing dining experience. Each dish was incredibly flavourful, the presentation was beautiful, and his level of service was so personalized. He was super kind and attentive and we all really enjoyed the experience. I would highly recommend Chef Armin to anyone

Amit helped plan a varied menu for a large group. Everything was beautifully presented and tasted first class. I would highly recommend him. He went over and above to accommodate our requests including helping with wine. The clear up was absolutely perfect too.

We had a great experience with our chef Armin. He took so good care of us. The breakfast was incredible. The dinner was well made and traditional portuguese dishes as we asked for. It's a great way to experience the local cuisine by having someone cook for you. Highly recommend this experience.

Chef Armin went above and beyond to provide us a wide array of dishes and excellent service throughout the night.

Chef Armin provided an overall delightful experience for my family. Highly recommend.

Had a lovely meal prepared by chef Armin. We were a group of 12 and requested an Italian themed dinner, the food was incredible and did not disappoint. The menus were printed and placed on the table, which was also dressed by the chef. Presentation was lovely and we especially liked the fresh flowers! The food could not be faulted and tasted amazing, portions were a decent size too. The only thing that could be improved on was the time taken between courses, I think for a group of our size an assistant would be required for future to help with the cleanup. Overall I would highly recommend the chef and the experience, but would suggest more staff for larger groups.