Private Chef in Port Elizabeth
Rent one of our 23 private chefs for a unique dining experience. You choose the menu, and the cleanup is included.





















A personal chef for any occasion in Port Elizabeth
Since the first private chef joined Take a Chef in Port Elizabeth in May 2020, more than 23 Private Chefs have joined our platform in Port Elizabeth and offered their services as private chefs anywhere in Eastern Cape.
Starting in 2020, 677 guests have already enjoyed a chef in Port Elizabeth. To book your chef in Port Elizabeth, 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 125 customized menu proposals, sending a total of 392 messages to their guests, who rated their experience with an average score of 5 out of 5.
Since the first dinner provided by Take a Chef, 677 guests have enjoyed unique experiences with no hassle. Our guests in Port Elizabeth usually book menus around 1 059 ZAR per person, including 4,17 courses, sharing an average of 3,57 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 Port Elizabeth.












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!
23 Private Chefs in Port Elizabeth
Get to know more about our top rated Private Chefs in Port Elizabeth












More than 600 guests have already enjoyed the experience
5 Chef
The guests in Port Elizabeth have scored the experience with their Private Chef with a 5.
5 Food quality
The quality of the menus cooked by our Private Chefs in Port Elizabeth received an average score of 5.
5 Presentation
Not only taste counts! The presentation of our private chefs' dishes has received a 5 average score.
5 Cleaningness
The cleanup of the kitchen and dining area in Port Elizabeth has been scored with a 5 on average.
View full review
View full review
View full review
View full review
View full review
View full review
View full review
View full review
View full review
View full review
125 menus personalized by our Private Chefs in Port Elizabeth
Every occasion is unique - make sure you have the right chef and menu for it!








Heirloom tomato & marula burrata salad – a mix of sun-ripened heirloom tomatoes, creamy burrata, wild-harvested marula vinaigrette, and toasted pumpkin seeds
Caprese skewer with balsamic glaze
Charred aubergine with macadamia & citrus – fire-roasted aubergine drizzled with a creamy macadamia dressing, served with fermented pineapple and toasted sesame seeds
Beetroot carpaccio with cashew cheese mousse, arugula, almond brittle and orange vinaigrette (v)
Griddled peaches, marinated mozzarella and prosciutto balsamic dressing
Herb-crusted beef fillet with umami butter – grass-fed beef with a crust of wild herbs and dried mushroom, served with creamy amasi mash, roasted garlic greens, and a red wine jus
Pan-seared linefish with rooibos-infused beurre blanc – served with millet pilaf, charred fennel, and preserved lemon relish
Herb crusted kingklip with blistered rosa tomatoes, crushed confit baby potatoes, sauteed green beans, caper sultana relish and green oil
Roast karoo lamb with yoghurt mint sauce, duck fat potatoes, spring vegetables and rooibos demi glaze
Whole roasted garlic cauliflower with goddess tahini dressing
Marula & honey panna cotta – a silky panna cotta infused with wild-harvested marula, served with a drizzle of fynbos honey and roasted hazelnuts
Rilled peaches with sorghum crumble & goat’s cheese mousse – sweet grilled peaches with a crunchy sorghum crumble, topped with a creamy goat’s cheese mousse and a drizzle of date syrup
Olive oil & orange semolina cake with rooibos syrup – a moist, golden semolina cake infused with citrus zest, drizzled with rooibos syrup, and served with whipped coconut cream
Summer berry tiramisu with a luscious mascarpone cream, infused with vanilla and a hint of baobab
Tortellini salad with tomatoes, basil pesto
Heirloom tomato & marula burrata salad – a mix of sun-ripened heirloom tomatoes, creamy burrata, wild-harvested marula vinaigrette, and toasted pumpkin seeds
Charred aubergine with macadamia & citrus – fire-roasted aubergine drizzled with a creamy macadamia dressing, served with fermented pineapple and toasted sesame seeds
Goat cheese crème brûlée with lamb's lettuce and apple dressing
Beetroot carpaccio with cashew cheese mousse, arugula, almond brittle and orange vinaigrette (v)
Burrata with pear, aged balsamic vinegar, wild rocket, salted pine nuts and pesto
Brie phyllo cups with blackberry and thyme
Griddled peaches, marinated mozzarella and prosciutto balsamic dressing
Rilled linefish with fennel & rooibos beurre blanc – lightly grilled, sustainably sourced fish with a velvety rooibos-infused beurre blanc, served with millet risotto and charred fennel
Herb crusted kingklip with blistered rosa tomatoes, crushed confit baby potatoes, sauteed green beans, caper sultana relish and green oil
Herb-crusted beef fillet with umami butter – grass-fed beef with a crust of wild herbs and dried mushroom, served with creamy amasi mash, roasted garlic greens, and a red wine jus
Roast karoo lamb with yoghurt mint sauce, duck fat potatoes, spring vegetables and rooibos demi glaze
Olive oil & orange semolina cake with rooibos syrup – a moist, golden semolina cake infused with citrus zest, drizzled with rooibos syrup, and served with whipped coconut cream
Marula & honey panna cotta – a silky panna cotta infused with wild-harvested marula, served with a drizzle of fynbos honey and roasted hazelnuts
Summer berry tiramisu with a luscious mascarpone cream, infused with vanilla and a hint of baobab
Rilled peaches with sorghum crumble & goat’s cheese mousse – sweet grilled peaches with a crunchy sorghum crumble, topped with a creamy goat’s cheese mousse and a drizzle of date syrup
Spicy prawn & miso corn soup – a silky miso-corn broth infused with african bird’s eye chili, topped with grilled prawns and crispy shallots
Yum woon sen -thai glass noodle salad with shrimp or (tofu), peanut chilli sprinkle, lime and mint dressing
Chilli lime prawn skewers with coriander mango salsa
Cape malay-style tuna tataki with rooibos ponzu – lightly seared, sustainably caught tuna with a tangy rooibos-infused ponzu sauce, pickled daikon, and sesame seeds
Fragrant lemongrass & coconut mussels – west coast mussels steamed in a creamy coconut-lime broth with fresh lemongrass, galangal, and coriander, served with grilled sourdough
Sesame-crusted tofu with baobab-soy dressing – crispy sesame-coated tofu served on a bed of asian greens, tossed in a citrusy baobab and soy dressing with toasted macadamias
Kimchi & sorghum pancakes with miso drizzle – savory pancakes made with fermented kimchi and ancient sorghum flour, drizzled with a miso-tahini dressing and topped with crispy shallots
Teriyaki seared trout, crispy salmon skin, trout caviar, leek risotto, green oil, charred asparagus with garlic
Five spice duck breast with butternut puree, pickled blackberry quinoa and bok choy
Charred miso cabbage with green tahini with quinoa and apricot seed sprinkle
Miso-glazed linefish with millet & charred greens – sustainably sourced fish, marinated in miso and citrus, served with a fragrant millet pilaf, bok choy, and pickled radish
Szechuan eggplant & cashew stir-fry – wok-seared aubergine in a fiery szechuan sauce, served with black rice and crispy cashews
Sesame-crusted beef fillet with ginger-sorghum jus – grass-fed beef with a black sesame crust, served with miso-roasted root vegetables and a ginger-infused sorghum reduction
Marula & coconut panna cotta – a silky panna cotta infused with wild-harvested marula and coconut, topped with a mango-ginger compote
Grilled pineapple with sorghum crumble & miso caramel – caramelized pineapple with a crunchy sorghum and nut crumble, drizzled with a miso-infused caramel sauce
Miso apple crumble with cinnamon and vegan vanilla ice cream
Sesame crusted tuna tataki with pickled radish and ponzu dressing
Chilli lime prawn skewers with coriander mango salsa
Pumpkin fennel soup with and butter poached prawn
Hake medallion with red pepper veloute
Cape malay spiced fish cakes – served with pickled cucumber ribbons, lemon-sorghum aioli, and a micro herb salad
Smoked trout & amasi crostini – house-smoked trout with herbed amasi crème, pickled red onions, and microgreens on a crispy sourdough crostini
Creamy coconut & lemongrass mussels – west coast mussels steamed in a fragrant coconut and lemongrass broth, served with grilled sourdough
Herb crusted kingklip with blistered rosa tomatoes, crushed confit baby potatoes, sauteed green beans, caper sultana relish and green oil
Pan-seared linefish with rooibos-infused beurre blanc – served with millet pilaf, charred fennel, and preserved lemon relish
Gochujang grilled salmon, pickled ginger jus, sweet pomme puree, orange sesame broccolini and edamame salad
Butter poached rainbow trout with cauliflower puree and garlic butter and caper sauce
Charred miso cabbage with green tahini with quinoa and apricot seed sprinkle
Miso apple crumble with cinnamon and vegan vanilla ice cream
Blueberry cheesecake with blueberry compote and blueberry gold dust
Grilled pineapple with sorghum crumble & rooibos ice cream – caramelized pineapple with a crunchy sorghum and nut crumble, paired with creamy house-made rooibos-infused ice cream
Marula-infused crème brûlée – silky custard infused with wild-harvested marula, finished with a perfectly crisp caramel top
Asian cucumber salad with sesame oil rice wine and toasted sesame seeds
Mushroom arancini with truffle aioli (v)
Springbok carpaccio with micro herbs, cashew mousse, macerated blackberries and a pomegranate and balsamic reduction
Pumpkin fennel soup with and butter poached prawn
Butter poached salmon with lemon butter caper sauce
Spiced butternut & baobab soup – silky roasted butternut soup with a hint of ginger and cinnamon, finished with a swirl of coconut yogurt and toasted pumpkin seeds
Crispy pan seared duck breast with an orange sauce, pumpkin puree and sweet potato crisps
Seared salmon, crispy salmon skin, trout caviar, lemon risotto, green oil, charred asparagus with garlic
Herb-crusted beef fillet with umami butter – grass-fed beef with a crust of wild herbs and dried mushroom, served with creamy amasi mash, roasted garlic greens, and a red wine jus
Moroccan roast lamb with eggplant purée and orange and fennel salad
Roast lamb with yoghurt mint sauce, duck fat potatoes, spring vegetables and rooibos demi glaze
Herb crusted kingklip with blistered rosa tomatoes, crushed confit baby potatoes, sauteed green beans, lemon caper beurre blanc and green oil
Pan-seared linefish with rooibos-infused beurre blanc – served with millet pilaf, charred fennel, and preserved lemon relish
Stuffed baby pumpkins with amaranth & spiced cashew cream – roasted mini pumpkins filled with a fragrant amaranth, wild mushroom, and kale stuffing, finished with a creamy cashew and smoked paprika sauce
Amarula infused créme bruleé with mascerated berries and vanilla ice cream
Chocolate malva pudding with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream (gluten free)
Blueberry cheesecake with blueberry compote and blueberry gold dust
Rooibos pear tartin with vanilla ice cream
Grilled pineapple with sorghum crumble & rooibos ice cream – caramelized pineapple with a crunchy sorghum and nut crumble, paired with creamy house-made rooibos-infused ice cream
Mushroom arancini with biltong dip
Beetroot tataki with almond brittle, wild rocket and cashew cream
Moroccan meatballs with pomegranate glaze
Smoked trout blini with dill, herbed cream cheese dill and trout caviar
Goat cheese crème brûlée with lamb's lettuce and apple dressing
Oxtail croquette with chakalaka reduction
Short rib croquettes with paprika aioli
Kachumbari salad with heirloom tomato, sorghum and caramelised onion
Duck fat potatoes
Broccolini with maafe sauce
Caper basil and lemon and parmesan linguine with black pepper
Balsamic and honey roasted carrots with thyme
Tortellini salad with tomatoes, basil pesto
Hasselbeck roasted potatoes drizzled with cream cheese, a little pesto
Mzansi all seasons salad with roast pumpkin, apples, walnuts, kale rocket , goats cheese and wholegrain mustard dressing
Mudjadarra jewelled rice
Apple and fennel salad with pomegranate and lemon thyme dressing
Biltong salad with roast grapes
Spicy eggplant & miso tahini sauce
Beef fillet and mushroom purée
Herb crusted kingklip with blistered rosa tomatoes
Dijon and dill baked salmon trout
Bbq lamb chops with mint dressing
Lemon thyme chicken thighs
Caramelised cabbage steaks with spiced tahini and dried apricots
Chilli, lime, garlic and coriander marinade mediterranean halloumi skewers
Layered panna cotta with raspberry coulis
Amarula infused créme bruleé
Mauyu- baobab fruit creme anglase and lemon cake
Apple & blackberry crumble with vanilla creme anglaise
Salmon cakes & smoked snoek bites plate on garlic and thyme mousse
A decadent kiss of summer smoked creamy butternut soup with a freshly baked loaded crouton
Decadent phyllo karoo lamb cigars served with a warm & creamy herby dipping sauce
Tender calamari, lightly battered and deep-fried, served with a spicy chili and garlic dipping sauce for an elegant coastal touch
Yellowtail carpaccio with mango and chili salsa – thinly sliced yellowtail fish drizzled with olive oil, lemon, and topped with a vibrant, refreshing fruit and chili salsa for a light, zesty start
A creamy pâté made from smoked snoek, cream cheese, and a hint of lemon, tender snoek & mussel bites served with crisp melba toast and pickled vegetables
A velvety butternut soup enhanced with amarula cream and finished with a sprinkle of finely ground biltong for a rich umami kick
Braai lamb chops seasoned with a smoky spice rub, flame grilled, a mint and yogurt sauce, polenta cubes with an tomato gravy served with roasted baby vegetable and a micro-leaf salad
Braai-braised oxtail with a deep red wine sauce, served with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables
A succulent fillet of kingklip, grilled to perfection over an open flame, topped with a zesty lemon and garlic butter sauce, and served with roasted fingerling potatoes and a side of charred asparagus
Crispy roasted pork belly, served with a tangy barbecue sauce, traditional pap, a creamy mielie (corn) salad and charred baby carrots
Amarula panna cotta with a citrus gel : a smooth, creamy panna cotta infused with amarula, served with a vibrant citrus gel and caramelized macadamia nuts
Flambéed malva pudding with infused fruit segments, served with homemade and fresh cream custard
Milk tart, fruit & mint tarter, bits & flowers
Honey and wine-roasted hibiscus pears with fresh cream, mint, and a gold garnish, drizzled with a light hibiscus syrup
Asian style carpaccio of linefish
Linefish ceviche lime and coconut, mango salad
Gaspacho with golden croutons and raw vegetables
Cucumber and coconut soup
Grilled linefish sauteed vegetables and saffron beurre blanc
Grilled linefish with venere rice, pak choi and jalapeño sauce
Beef picania chimichurri, potato darphin and sauteed mushrooms
Braised lamb shank provencal way, homemade potato puree
Beef skirt steak, potato darphin, brocoli and shallot sauce
Lime granite with marinated honey and vanilla citrus fruits,
Malva pudding with vanilla ice cream and butterscotch sauce
Meringue crunch with seasonal fruits
Caramelized apple on puff pastry, 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 Port Elizabeth.
What does a private chef service include in Port Elizabeth?
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 Port Elizabeth?
The price of renting a chef in Port Elizabeth 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 828 ZAR to 1 643 ZAR. For groups of 13 people or more, the price is 828 ZAR per person. For groups of 7 to 12 people, the cost is 828 ZAR per person. For groups of 3 to 6 people, the rate is 1 256 ZAR per person, and for 2 people, the price is 1 643 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 Port Elizabeth?
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 23 chefs available in Port Elizabeth. Fill out a form specifying your needs and the date. Take a Chef will connect you with the best available chefs in Port Elizabeth 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 Port Elizabeth?
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 Port Elizabeth
Discover more details about our private chefs and their services.
The average age of our private chefs in Port Elizabeth
Percentage of our women chefs in Port Elizabeth.
The average wait time from submitting the request and receiving the first menu.
Our very first private chef service in Port Elizabeth.
Percentage of services with kids in Port Elizabeth.
Maximum number of bookings for a personal chef by a single client in Port Elizabeth.
Increase in the number of bookings for a chef from last year in Port Elizabeth.
Languages spoken by our personal chefs in Port Elizabeth.
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 Port Elizabeth.
Average timeframe from sending the request to booking.
How many chef services are booked in Port Elizabeth each month?
Private chef reservations can vary seasonally depending on the destination. In Port Elizabeth, 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 Port Elizabeth.
Cost of a private chef in Port Elizabeth
The cost of hiring a private chef in Port Elizabeth 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 828 ZAR to 1 643 ZAR per person.
For 13 people or more: 828 ZAR
For 7 to 12 people: 828 ZAR
For 3 to 6 people: 1 256 ZAR
For 2 people: 1 643 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.
What is the most reserved type of cuisine in Port Elizabeth?
We mainly offer six types of cuisine in Port Elizabeth: 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 Port Elizabeth!






Talk to our chefs in Port Elizabeth
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 Port Elizabeth? You’ll get it. Tell us about your event in Port Elizabeth, and discover the best chefs who will customize every detail of your experience.










Take a Chef services in nearby cities
Discover cities near Port Elizabeth where you can enjoy a Private Chef service
Cities where you can enjoy a Private Chef
Discover cities of South Africa where you can enjoy our experiences.