Latest news with #Madubela
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Pressure, precision, and plan B for Chef Donaldson Madubela
When Chef Donaldson Madubela walked into the Global Chef Competition kitchen in the UAE, he knew he was stepping into more than just a cooking challenge. Representing South Africa and, by extension, Africa, came with the kind of pressure that even 20-plus years in top kitchens can't quite prepare you for. Read more: Sandton Sun's Chef's Table wows media and foodies 'Even after I came back, I had to quickly forget about it because of business requirements. But now that the dust has settled, I feel proud. There's been a lot of interest in what happened and what's next.' Madubela was one of only three chefs chosen to represent Africa at the 2025 semi-finals, competing against counterparts from the Middle East. He said the tempo was brutal as he had to plate nine dishes in two hours. 'In the first hour alone, we were sending out courses every 15 to 20 minutes.' Madubela pointed out that a moment of real triumph came when his freezer failed just as he needed to set a sorbet. With no time to panic, he reached for dry ice. 'In 15 minutes, it was frozen perfectly. That was the moment. That's when I knew the backup plan was working.' He explained that his standout dish was a halibut creation inspired by his decade of cooking on island resorts. 'Seafood is something I am deeply connected to. And every time I cook that dish, the team says they cannot fault it.' Madubela elaborated that, still, challenges abounded, especially from unfamiliar equipment to the UAE's scorching heat, but he had to adapt fast. Sharing limited prep space and a fryer filled with palm oil, not his preferred sunflower, tested his precision. Madubela credits the competition for sharpening his awareness of the details. 'One thing I did not expect was the emphasis on mise en place documentation. You had to record temperatures from receiving to plating. It's something we do in hotels, but I never thought it would be part of the competition.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
The Citizen
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Sandton culinary star to cook on the global stage
Sandton is overjoyed with pride as one of its own, executive chef Donaldson Madubela, of NH Sandton's Tradewinds Restaurant, prepares to represent South Africa, and the entire African continent, at the 2025 Global Chef Competition Senior Semi-Finals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With over 15 years of culinary excellence behind him, Madubela's selection is a proud moment, not just for Sandton, but for Africa as a whole. He added that he will join two other top chefs from the continent, representing Namibia and Morocco, to showcase Africa's rich culinary heritage. 'Together, we will stand alongside counterparts from Syria and the UAE, highlighting the Middle East and Africa's talent on the global stage.' Also read: New season, new menu in Sandton Madubela explained that his passion for food began in childhood, inspired by his father, and has since grown into a celebrated career. His journey has seen him hone his craft in world-renowned kitchens, ultimately landing him at the helm of Tradewinds. 'I've curated a sophisticated five-course menu that beautifully blends South African flavours with global influences.' He highlighted that his nomination by acclaimed South African chef Trevor Boyd underscores his outstanding skills, innovation, and dedication. 'If I win in the UAE, I will advance to the global finals in Wales in 2026, a thrilling opportunity to compete with the world's best chefs.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
