Career News

At just 29 years old, chef Charmaine Lehabe is already taken the culinary world by storm.

Eighteen young up-and-coming African chefs have been selected for a unique employment opportunity offered by Qatar Airways. The newly appointed chefs will join the award-winning carrier’s catering as well as retail and dining subsidiaries in Doha, Qatar. While the majority of recruits are South African, some candidates have also listed Nigeria, Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya as their country of origin.

On completion of her first year, Sulaiman was offered a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunity at the Oyster Box Hotel where, she says, she had the best experience and was able to apply and improve on, what she had learnt in her freshman year at Capsicum.

Mduduzi Ngwenya’s culinary journey from Brakpan to Doha

Laken Charmaine Chinyande’s love for cooking began at a very young age and, as early as she can remember, she has been fascinated and intrigued by the process of creating something delicious from simple ingredients. “Watching family members cook, experimenting in the kitchen, and the joy of sharing food with loved ones have all fuelled my passion for cooking,” she says. Now, 27-years-old, and living in Midrand, Chinyande is the proud owner of Lakie’s Bites, a healthy meal prep and private catering company that she started after the lockdown to help people stay on track with their health goals. Chinyande or, as she prefers to be known, Chef Lakie, graduated from Capsicum Culinary Studio’s Pretoria campus in 2020 with a Professional Chef Qualification. She says she chose to study at Capsicum Culinary Studio because of its reputation as one of the leading culinary schools in the country and because it “offers a dynamic learning environment that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the demands of the culinary industry. “Additionally, the school’s emphasis on creativity, innovation, and excellence resonated with my own aspirations as a budding chef,” she says. So how did Lakie’s Bites come about? “The idea came to life when I noticed a gap in the market for healthy and convenient meal preps. This realisation hit home when my brother and his colleagues began asking me to prepare healthy lunches they could take to work, avoiding the need to order unhealthy options.” Since then, Lakie’s Bites has grown into one of Gauteng’s top healthy meal prepping companies, offering customised meal plans to suit any dietary needs. “We collaborate with dietitians to ensure our clients receive the right nutrition tailored to their specific requirements. Our primary goal is to bring convenience to our clients’ lives with ready-made meals, which has been a lifesaver for busy professionals, gym enthusiasts, moms and families. In addition to meal prepping, our private catering services are designed to not only be delicious, but to also to add a touch of class and elegance to any event. We take pride in presenting aesthetically pleasing dishes that enhance the overall experience of any occasion.” Lakie’s Bites also offers cooking classes for individuals, groups, and corporate team-building events, helping participants hone their cooking skills or learn new techniques. “Our team-building classes are especially popular, as they are not only fun but also promote camaraderie among friends and colleagues,” says this dynamic young woman. One look at Lakie’s Bites website and it’s staggering to see the range of options on offer. So where does she get her inspiration? “I draw inspiration for the meals we sell at Lakie’s Bites from a variety of sources. Firstly, my passion for cooking and my desire to create healthy, delicious, and convenient meals drive my creativity. I am constantly exploring new recipes and culinary techniques to ensure our offerings are both nutritious and flavourful. I also keep a close eye on current food trends and innovations in the culinary world. This helps me incorporate modern twists into our meal preps and catering services, keeping them exciting and relevant for our clients. Feedback from our clients plays a crucial role as well. Understanding their preferences, dietary needs, and favourite flavors allows me to tailor our offerings to meet their expectations and beyond. Collaborating with dietitians also provides insights into creating balanced and health-focused meals that cater to specific nutritional requirements. This blend of personal passion, client feedback, and collaborating with dietitians ensures that Lakie’s Bites consistently delivers delicious, health-conscious meals that delight and satisfy our clients.” Chef Lakie says her most popular meals include the Chicken & Beef Taco Bowls from the High Protein menu, which are a hit among those looking to boost their protein intake; the Vegan Curries are also a favourite, offering a flavourful and satisfying option for plant-based clients; and from her regular menu, the hearty and homey stews are a crowd pleaser, as is the spiced cauli-rice, which is particularly popular among clients following no-carb or Keto diets. So where does she see Lakie’s Bites in five years’ time? “I envision Lakie’s Bites expanding its reach internationally, beyond the borders of South Africa and Zimbabwe. My goal is to offer our healthy meal preps, private catering services, and cooking classes to a global audience, providing healthy convenience to even more people. Additionally, I’d like to establish a cooking academy dedicated to enriching others with cooking skills and knowledge, highlighting the importance and value of the culinary profession, which I believe is often overlooked. By creating a space for learning and growth, I hope to inspire and equip the next generation of chefs and culinary enthusiasts.” We asked Chef Lakie to answer a few quick fire questions and requested a favourite recipe. What is your favourite snack when you are feeling peckish? Butter-flavoured microwave popcorn (convenience is key!) What five items are always in your fridge? Crushed garlic & ginger, unsalted butter, fresh milk, sauces (usually soy and sweet chilli sauce), and water. What would you make to impress someone? I’m big on hearty meals, so it would probably be red wine braised lamb shank on creamy mash and sautéed garlicy broccolini. Do you have a simple recipe that you can share? Here’s my recipe for a delicious healthy Mexican Pulled Chicken Bowl Ingredients For the pulled chicken: 3 skinned chicken breasts ¼ cup oil 3 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp cayenne pepper 1 tsp salt chicken spice (optional) black pepper zest of 1 lime 1 cup chicken stock oil for frying lime zest for garnish coriander for garnish Method: In a bowl, mix oil, spices and lime zest. Add the chicken breasts and coat fully. Cover the chicken and refrigerate for 20-30mins. Heat oil in a non-stick pan. Fry the chicken breasts on low heat for 3-5 mins on both sides. Add the chicken stock, then cover and cook for 10-12 mins till the stock is reduced and the chicken is fully cooked. Avoid overcooking the chicken as it will get tough. Once cooked, transfer the chicken breasts to a bowl and let them rest for 5-8mins. Get two forks and shred the chicken breasts then add lime zest and chopped coriander. For the Mexican Rice: 1 cup cooked rice 1 cup canned kidney beans or black beans ½ red pepper, chopped ½ red onion, chopped 1 tsp paprika ½ tsp ground cumin chilli (optional) 1 tsp lime zest handful coriander salt and pepper oil for cooking ½ cup cooked sweetcorn 6 rosa tomatoes, halved 1 avocado, chopped into bite-size pieces ½ cucumber, diced rocket leaves Method Fry onion, red pepper, paprika, cumin and chilli if using. Add the beans. Add rice, coriander, lime zest and season well. Cook for 3-5 mins. To assemble, lay the rocket leaves in a bowl. Add the rice then add sweet corn, halved rosa tomatoes, avocado, and cucumber. Top with the pulled chicken. Serve and enjoy!