Private Chef in Durban
Rent one of our 148 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in Durban
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Durban in April 2017, more than 148 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Durban and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality.
Starting in 2017, 3 182 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Durban. To book your chef in Durban, just share your event details in our form. Receive proposals from top chefs and chat with them until you find your match.
Up until today, our chefs have shared 989 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 5 734 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 4,63 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 3 182 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Durban usually book menus around 1 109 ZAR per person, including 4 courses, sharing an average of 4,28 messages with their chefs. If you've never had a chef at home but want to add an extra spice to your next celebration, just rent a chef in Durban.












How it works
Personalize your request
Share with us the details of your dream meal, including type of cuisine, preferences, and intolerances.
Receive menu proposals
Our chefs will design menus based solely on your wants and needs.
Get chatty with your chefs
Don't be shy about exchanging some messages with your chefs until your perfect menu is ready!
Book your experience
Once you are happy with your choice, submit your payment to secure your experience.
Enjoy!
All there is left to do is count down the days till your culinary experience begins!
148 Private Chefs in Durban
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Durban












More than 3 100 guests have already enjoyed the experience
4,15 Chef
The guests in Durban have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 4,15.
4,69 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Durban received an average score of 4,69.
4,62 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 4,62 average score.
4,85 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Durban has been scored with a 4,85 on average.
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989 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Durban
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Oysters au naturel with accompanments
Carpaccio of yellowfin tuna | lemon | rocket | shaved grana padano cheese
French onion soup | gruyere cheese | warm baguette | beetroot shoots
Lets talk about the amuse bouche
½ shell mussels | caramelized onions and garlic | parsley & thyme white wine sauce
French chef salad | rocket | cos lettuce | asparagus | cucumber | heirloom cherry tomatoes | beetroot | walnuts red | onion | goat cheese | vinaigrette
Steak tartare |warm french toast | quail egg | hollandaise | asparagus | micro herbs
Ceviche of trout | radish salad | coleslaw | chive vinaigrette
Crusted lamb rack | marple glazed heirloom carrots | potato galette | baby beetroot shavings | pea puree | thyme jus
Caldhame duck breast | confit heirloom cherry tomato | stuffed potato croquette | carrot & ginger sauce
Braised lamb shank- tender slow braised sweet and savoury lamb shank | fluffy mashed potato | complemented with a mixed berry coulis
Grilled lobster tail | warm asparagus | creamed leeks | caramelized sweet potato | champagne sauce
Seared norwegian salmon | tenderstem broccoli | citrus reduction
Butter roasted line fish | sauteed greens | artichoke puree | prawn vinaigrette
Aged beef ribeye | olive potato mash | leek puree | kind oyster mushrooms | red wine jus
Baby chicken breast- stuffed with mushroom mousseline | potato croquette | cucumber ribbons | smoked brinjal puree | marinated baby tomato
A study in chocolate | chocolate brownie | chocolate ice cream | chocolate cream | chocolate dust | chocolate
Crepes suzette | strawberry | amarula
Carrot cake with a vanilla cream cheese i vanilla pickled carrots i sweet carrot puree i macaroon
Chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream
Glazed strawberries | salted caramel cheese cake | meringue buttons | white chocolate
Home made cake | mousse | vanilla ice cream | garnish
Salmon and cream cheese roulade | petit citrus salad | dill shoots
Ostrich carpaccio | marinated mushrooms | ciabatta toast | preserved fig | balsamic reduction | parmesan cheese
Mixed antipasti and mezze platter
Minestrone soup | ciabatta
Calamari strips | squid heads | tomato fondue | chili aioli
Not so greek | rocket | basil | heritage baby tomato | olive | feta cubes | marinated artichoke | herby vinaigraitte| parmesan tuile
Contemporary caprese -heritage tomato | baby mozzarella | mixed olives | rocket salad | smoked sea salt | basil drizzle
Tian of smoked salmon | waldorf salad | wasabi mayo | micro herbs
Chicken saltimbocca | roasted mediterranean vegetables | white sage sauce
Braised oxtail | mashed potato | heirloom baby carrots
Butter roasted line fish | sauteed greens | carrot puree | prawn vinaigrette
Seared duck breast | lentil brown rice | sautéed greens | confit baby carrots | citrus duck jus
Beef fillet i bak choy i roasted bone marrow i whole grain mustard sauce
Line fish | leek and ricotta nori | moroccan salsa | balsamic reduction
Half deboned baby chicken | lemon | coconut cream | chilli | sweet potato fondant
Chocolate brownie | mint syrup | vanilla ice cream
Apple crumble/chocolate mousse cake
Crepes suzette | strawberry | amarula
Home made cake | mousse | vanilla ice cream | garnish
Lime & poppy seed panna cotta | carrot cake | berry coulis
Cured meats and cheese antipasti
Fresh oyster nest | crumbed quail egg | lemon gel | pearls
Cured beef and goat cheese rolls | sweet potato atchar | humus and pomegranate syrup | pea shoot
Assorted bruschetta | anchovy | olive tapenade | tomato | basil | wild mushroom | parmesan
Venison carpaccio | roasted tomatoes | spiced pepper salsa | micro shoots
½ shell mussels | caramelized onions and garlic | parsley & thyme white wine sauce
Panko crumbed prawns | avo mousse | mango salsa | sriracha aioli
Fristo misto- deep-fried crispy fresh fish goujons | caper | gherkins | roumelade sauce
Not so greek | rocket | basil | heritage baby tomato | olive | feta cubes | marinated artichoke | herby vinaigraitte| parmesan tuile
Classic mediterranean grilled prawn | arrabiatta sauce | risotto arancini | extra virgin olive oil drizzle
Seared citrus salmon | sautéed spinach | black pepper pasta sheets | salsa verde
Aged beef ribeye | olive potato mash | leek puree | kind oyster mushrooms | red wine jus
Baby chicken breast- stuffed with mushroom mousseline | potato croquette | cucumber ribbons | smoked brinjal puree | marinated baby tomato
Pork loin ‘bon bon | confit belly pork | pan seared fillet | tender stem broccoli | caramelized onion puree | cucumber | edamame beans | soy-orange reduction
Ostrich fillet | balsamic coated tenderstem broccoli | olive mashed potato | ostrich ravioli| sundried tomato salad
A study in chocolate | chocolate brownie | chocolate ice cream | chocolate cream | chocolate dust | chocolate
Soft centred chocolate pudding | vanilla ice cream | raspberry coulis
Almond torte | mint syrup | glazed almonds | vanilla ice cream
Fusion mess for two -coral sponge | chocolate ice cream | glazed strawberries | salted caramel | meringue buttons all in a white chocolate basket
Assorted bruschetta | anchovy | olive tapenade | tomato | basil | wild mushroom | parmesan
Freshly shucked oysters with accompainments
Caramelized sweet potato & cauliflower soup | cinnamon cream | carrots crisps
Caramelized onion, ricotta and roasted tomato tart tatin | olive tapenade | basil vinaigrette | micro herbs
Grilled scallops | lemon scented hollandaise sauce | coriander shoots
Smoked salmon trout gravadlax | salmon mousse terrine | beetroot gel | pickled beets | granny smith slaw
Assorted canapes | bruschetta | cold meats | marinated olives
Cajun brie | cranberry | radish salad
Pan fried haloumi | warmed mushroom salad | dressed greens | caper and sherry vinaigrette
Tomato and roasted red pepper | basil | mascarpone soup
Grilled fillet of beef | peppedew flavored risotto | roasted root vegetables | wilted greens | spicy berry coulis
Seared norwegian salmon | tenderstem broccoli | citrus reduction
Mushroom gnocchi - mélange of wild mushroom | potato gnocchi | poached quail egg | parmesan shavings | truffle zest
Vegan torta panzanella -roasted, & marinated vegetables | herbed polenta | balsamic reduction
Lamb rump- marple | glazed baby carrots | basil potato mash | baby beetroot shavings | pea puree | mint gel
Chicken ballotine | pickle carrots | sour cream corn puree | orange sweet potato | wilted spinach | mushroom sauce
Almond torte | mint syrup | glazed almonds | plum ice semi freddo
Soft centred chocolate pudding | vanilla ice cream | raspberry coulis
Fusion mess for two -coral sponge | chocolate ice cream | glazed strawberries | salted caramel | meringue buttons all in a white chocolate basket
Duo of gelato italian ice cream
Assorted bruschetta and canapes; smoked salmon and mango blinis i coronation chicken/mango/toasted almonds
Smoked salmon carpaccio | micro greens | cucumber salsa | lemon dressing
Tomato and vermouth soup | herb and parmesan crostini
Grilled haloumi | grilled courgette salad | olive dressing | basil oil
Ceviche of trout | radish salad | coleslaw | chive vinaigrette
Fegatini al balsamico-pan fried chicken liver | balsamic vinegar | juniper berries | sour dough
Avocado & sriracha mayo i shrimp i crab salad
Wild mushroom & green pea risotto, mint & walnut pesto
Cape salmon/ prawn dumbling /cauliflower veloute /lemon butter sauce sauce
Linguine allo scoglio- linguine | fresh tomato | calamari | prawns | mussels
Aged beef ribeye | olive potato mash | leek puree | shimeji mushrooms | red wine jus
Roast rump of lamb | melange of vegetables | lentil | borlotti bean risotto
Baby chicken breast- stuffed with mushroom mousseline | potato croquette | cucumber ribbons | smoked brinjal puree | marinated baby tomato
Grilled kingklip | apricot and macadamia nut crust | glazed carrots | baby corn | green asparagus | potato dumpling | enhanced with parsley butter sauce
A study in chocolate | chocolate brownie | chocolate ice cream | chocolate cream | chocolate dust | chocolate
Almond torte | mint syrup | glazed almonds | vanilla ice cream
Jasmine panna cotta | raspberry compote | baby toffee apple
Italian gelato ice cream
Traditional cape brandy pudding | crème anglaise | cinnamon cream
Assorted bruschetta and canapes; smoked salmon and mango blinis i coronation chicken/mango/toasted almonds
Beetroot carpaccio i goat cheese i strawberries i beetroot jam i balsamic glazeon
Chilled asian flavoured gazpacho with bean sprout salad
Contemporary caprese tomato i baby mozzarella i mixed olives i rocket salad i smoked salt i tapenade drizzle
Avocado & sriracha mayo i shrimp i crab salad
Aubergine i grilled tomato i brie gratinated stacks i basil shandis
Beer braised beef short rib i carrot i chateau potato i caramelized onions i button mushrooms i red wine sauce
Butter roasted line fish i heritage tomato i cauliflower puree i lime butter sauce
Deboned chicken thighs in coconut and coriander marinade and lemon cous cous and coriander sauce oil, sweet potato puree
Berries i zabaglione i plum semi freddo i carol lace
Home made carrot cake i mousse i ice cream i carol lace
Malva pudding i butter scotch sauce i vanilla ice cream i edible flowers
Grilled chicken mexican inspired salad
Bruschetta with blissed tomatoes and balsamic vinegar
Spicy chicken livers
Stuffed mushroom trio (spinach and feta/bacon and cheese/garlic and herb)
Lamb shank with banging mash
Butter chicken curry with basmati rice and mustard naan
Lamb chops with creamy mushroom risotto
Mulva pudding +ice cream & custard
Cheese cake
Chocolate mouse
Smoked salmon carpaccio
Caprice salad
Smoked salmon salad
Panko crumbed chicken salad
Spinach and fritter ravioli
Bolognese gnocchi
Lamb chops, veggies and banging mash
Catch of the day served with stir fry
Seafood penne /tagliatelle pasta and spicy mediterranean sauce
Barry pavlova
Mud cake with vanilla ice cream
Personalize your menu
A romantic dinner or a gathering of friends. Traditional dishes or exotic flavours. A fine dining experience or a family-style meal. Every private chef experience is unique! Submit your request and personalize yours.








Frequently asked questions
Below, you can find the most common questions about private chef services in Durban.
What does a private chef service include in Durban?
A private chef service includes everything necessary to enjoy a personalized dining experience at home. This includes:
- Customization of a menu based on your preferences;
- Purchase of ingredients;
- Mise en place (preparation of ingredients) before arrival;
- Preparation of the menu at your home;
- Complete table service;
- Set up and cleaning of the kitchen and used spaces.
Please note that tableware and glassware are not included. Gratuity is entirely at your discretion.
How much does a private chef cost in Durban?
The price of renting a chef in Durban can vary depending on the specifics, but smaller groups tend to have a slightly different price per person compared to larger gatherings.
Booking prices range from 808 ZAR to 1 476 ZAR. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 808 ZAR per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 795 ZAR per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 1 201 ZAR per person, and for 2 people, the price is 1 476 ZAR per person.
Seasonal ingredients, your location, and how soon you book also affect the final price. If you're interested in getting free quotes with no obligation, fill out our form and let the best chefs near you send unique proposals for your event.
How can I hire a private chef in Durban?
Booking is easy! Just tell us the date of your event, number of guests, dietary preferences and any allergies, and a few details about your kitchen. Within a few hours, you'll receive customized menus from qualified chefs. Each chef's profile will include their experience, reviews, and photos of their dishes.
Feel free to chat directly with the chefs through our platform. Ask them to modify menus, discuss pricing, or get answers to any questions you might have. Once you've found the perfect chef and menu, finalize your reservation online. We'll then provide the chef's contact information to confirm any final details.
How can I find a private chef near me?
There are currently 148 chefs available in Durban. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Durban who will send you their menu proposals. You can then choose the chef and menu that suits you best.
Is there a maximum number of guests for a private chef service?
While there's no strict limit on guest count, private chef experiences are designed to create a more intimate atmosphere, perfect for gatherings of friends and family. Since most homes have limited space to accommodate large groups, parties typically don't exceed 15 people.
Does the chef cook at my house?
Yes, the chef always prepares the menu at your home for a more personalized experience. However, some prep work might be done beforehand for complex dishes.
Can I cook along with the chef?
Absolutely! Many guests are passionate about food and relish the chance to learn from the chef. You can pick up new kitchen skills and get a behind-the-scenes look at each dish on the menu. Feel free to jump in and cook alongside the chef for a truly interactive experience!
Are the ingredients fresh?
Yes, they're 100% fresh. Unlike restaurants with pre-made dishes, private chefs prioritize using the freshest ingredients possible. This is because the chef creates a customized menu specifically for you, then goes out and sources the finest ingredients to bring your chosen dishes to life.
Are drinks included in the personal chef service?
Drinks are not typically included, but you can discuss adding them to the menu proposal with the chef.
How much should I tip my private chef in Durban?
Tipping for private chefs is entirely at your discretion. Our goal is for you to have an unforgettable experience, and the chef always appreciates a nice tip. However, the decision and amount are completely up to you.
Key information about our chefs in Durban
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Durban
Percentage of our women chefs in Durban.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Durban.
Percentage of services with kids in Durban.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Durban.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Durban.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Durban.
Percentage of guests that hired a chef more than once.
Average number of days booked for multiple services at home with a private chef.
Photos uploaded to the platform by our private chefs in Durban.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Durban each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Durban, for example, demand often increases during special dates like Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, so it's best to book in advance.
If you're wondering about the best time to hire a chef, any month is perfect for enjoying a private chef. Just keep in mind that prices may vary, especially for last-minute bookings. So, don't wait—book your chef early to secure your unique dining experience in Durban.
Cost of a private chef in Durban
The cost of hiring a private chef in Durban can vary based on several factors, including the number of people in your group or seasonality. Larger groups tend to have a different average rate per person compared to smaller groups that hire a chef:
Booking prices range from 808 ZAR to 1 476 ZAR per person.
For 13 people or more: 808 ZAR
For 7 to 12 people: 795 ZAR
For 3 to 6 people: 1 201 ZAR
For 2 people: 1 476 ZAR.
Additionally, prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year, location, and how soon you book your personal chef. If you want to get free quotes, just fill out our form and receive tailored proposals for your event. No committment at all.
Private chefs registrations
After many years of offering our services, we are lucky to have a fantastic team of chefs that keeps growing in Durban!
1 personal chefs register with us every month. Our verification team reviews these new chef profiles daily to categorize them, allowing you to discover incredible new chefs every month.
What is the most reserved type of cuisine in Durban?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Durban: Mediterranean, Italian, French, Japanese, Mexican, and surprise. The type of cuisine with the highest number of bookings is the Surprise, but you can have anything you want (our surprise menu will cover that!).
Beyond these six types of cuisine, our private chefs personalize diverse menus for their clients every day, adjusting every detail to find the perfect menu for every occasion and every group. Our private chefs can accommodate any allergy or dietary restriction and suggest other cuisines or fusion dishes. Submit your request and hire a chef in Durban!

Enjoy exquisite food with a Private Chef
Enjoy a Private Chef experience in the comfort of your own home! Let Take a Chef turn your kitchen and dining room into a professional restaurant. It’s a unique experience; ideal for special occasions, lunches with friends, family dinners or a great gift for that special someone. Let us know what cuisine you’re craving and give us some quick details about your kitchen to start receiving personalized menu proposals from our chefs. You just have to choose your favorite proposal! On the day of your meal, your chosen chef will head to their preferred local market to pick up the freshest ingredients. They will cook in your kitchen and provide table service for you and your guests. What’s more, they’ll make sure your kitchen is spotless before leaving. To get started click below!

Durban’s best Private Chefs come to your home
Our Private Chefs have trained in some of the best hospitality schools in the world and many have worked in Michelin Star restaurants. We can find the perfect fit for your special occasion. All you have to do is let us know the type of cuisine you’d like to enjoy, and we’ll find the right chef for you. You’ll be able to talk to the chef directly to make sure that every detail is exactly how you would like it!

Try something different! Try a Private Chef service in Durban.
The best and most original experiences are those that surprise you from the very beginning and do not stop until the end. These are the experiences that make the best memories. This is Take a Chef’s philosophy. We offer a completely personalized service, show cooking, gastronomic advice and the chance to understand how the dishes on your menu are made. Any American, Asian or Mediterranean dishes can be showstoppers on your dining table with the expertise of one of our Private Chefs.






Talk to our chefs in Durban
Each of our chefs is one-of-a-kind, with professional culinary training and years of experience in diverse restaurants. Craving Italian pasta, Spanish paella, or traditional sushi in Durban? You’ll get it. Tell us about your event in Durban, and discover the best chefs who will customize every detail of your experience.










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