Nompumelelo Mqwebu (born 1977) is a South African chef and author.[1] In 2018, her book, Through the Eyes of an African Chef, was named the world's best self-published cookbook at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards which took place in China.[2][3][4] The Gourmand World Cook Awards is an international competition that honours the best food and wine books.[5]

Nompumelelo Mqwebu
Born1977 (age 46–47)
KwaZulu-Natal
NationalitySouth African
Occupation(s)Chef and author

Early years and education

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Mqwebu was born on the North coast in KwaZulu-Natal, but grew up in Umlazi. She studied Marketing Management at Centec College, acquired a Culinary Diploma from City and Guilds of London Institute, and trained as a cook at the Chef School of Food and Wine in Morningside, Durban, and Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland.[6][7][1]

Career

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Mqwebu worked in supply chain and logistics of commodities and textiles for a while before branching into cooking in 2005.[7] She is the founder of the Mzansi International Culinary Festival (MICF) and Africa Meets Europe Cuisine. Prior to establishing Africa Meets Europe Cuisine, she worked at Janet's Restaurant in Kloof and Zimbali Lodge.[3][6][1]

Works

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  • She is the author for Through the Eyes of an African Chef. This book features traditional African classics and recipes using African ingredients but with a modern twist.[8]

Personal life

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She is a mother of two sons.[6]

Awards

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2018 - Her book won the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards[9][4][10]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Laylin, Tafline (17 October 2017). "The Chef Reconnecting South Africans With Their Native Food". OZY. Retrieved 18 November 2019.
  2. ^ "SA chef bags an 'Oscar' for her modern African-inspired cookbook". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 18 November 2019.
  3. ^ a b "Nompumelelo Mqwebu is having fun with food the SA way | IOL". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 18 November 2019.
  4. ^ a b "Chef accuses M-Net of plagiarism". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 18 November 2019.
  5. ^ "Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2019". www.gfw.co.uk. Retrieved 18 November 2019.
  6. ^ a b c reporter, Citizen (21 August 2018). "Chef Nompumelelo Mqwebu takes SA cuisine to the world". The Citizen. Retrieved 18 November 2019.
  7. ^ a b "Nompumelelo Mqwebu". Chefs for Development. 3 July 2018. Retrieved 18 November 2019.
  8. ^ "Through the Eyes of an African Chef - Get the best price in SA!". Publisher.co.za. Retrieved 18 November 2019.
  9. ^ Horn, Gerhard (29 May 2018). "South African Chef Nompumelelo Mqwebu Wins Global Award in China". SA Country Life. Retrieved 18 November 2019.
  10. ^ Murua, James (1 June 2018). "Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2018 winners announced". Writing Africa. Retrieved 11 May 2024.