South Africa wins top accolade at World Culinary Awards

Thursday, Dec 15, 2022 0

South African chefs and restaurateurs have been cooking up a storm and now the country has been crowned Africa’s Best Culinary Destination for 2022.

News broke from ONZE at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club in the United Arab Emirates yesterday that South Africa has won in the 3rd Annual World Culinary Awards Ceremony.

World Culinary Awards™ is a global initiative that seeks to recognise and reward excellence in the culinary industry on a truly global scale.

“It is truly a great achievement by our finest chefs and restaurateurs to be crowned Africa’s best food destination at the world culinary awards. This is extremely special. This recognition destination South Africa has received in the culinary space is testament that we have more than wildlife. We are also home to breath-taking landscapes and award-winning restaurants. We are simply a stunning destination that offers a wide variety of memorable experiences. I invite the world to come to South Africa to taste our wide variety of gastronomic delights and world-class cuisine” says South African Tourism GM: Global PR, Communications and Stakeholder Relations, Thandiwe Mathibela.

South Africa’s alluring appeal saw the country ranked #16 globally in the recently released Tourism Sentiment Index® for the third quarter of 2022. As stated by the Index, the top contributors to South Africa’s overall performance were: Wildlife Viewing (15%), Restaurants plus Dining (12%), and Festivals, Events and Concerts (10%).

Echoing the same sentiments is award-winning foodie Marina Appelbum who is the owner of two thriving eateries – Nikos and The Old Ducky French Café in Pineslopes in Fourways, Johannesburg.

“It comes as no surprise to me that South Africa has been awarded this culinary world recognition. There exists huge diversity and culinary skill in South Africa, and given this, our country may stand tall and proud,” she says.

“I am beyond excited to hear that South Africa has won this award. South Africa has distinctive indigenous foods, and spectacular places to enjoy these cuisines,” says South Africa’s trailblazing gastronomist and public speaker, Miles Kubheka.

He added: “Congratulations to the whole of Mzansi (slang for South Africa) for being recognised as the top culinary destination on our continent. I invite the world to come to South Africa to taste some of our amazing cuisines and great wines!”

Some of the winners included:

La Colombe as Africa’s Best Restaurant 2022

Qunu @ Saxon Hotel, Villa & Spa as Africa’s Best Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant 2022

Wolfgat (South Africa) as Africa’s Best Landmark Restaurant 2022

Post & Pepper Restaurant, Stellenbosch (South Africa) as Africa’s Best New Restaurant 2022

Utopia – Dining Elevated, South Africa as Africa’s Best Rooftop Restaurant 2022

DSTV Delicious International Food & Music Festival (South Africa) as Africa’s Best Culinary Festival 2022