While few South African chefs have made waves internationally, Ash Valenzuela-Heeger is cooking up a storm in the restaurant world.
The former Cape Town chef has been named the Michelin Guide’s Young Chef Award for 2025, a recognition reserved for only the best of the best.
According to Eat Out, Ash’s win has sparked widespread celebration across South Africa’s culinary community.
The award recognises chefs under the age of 36, and honours Ash’s outstanding talent, which captured the attention of Michelin inspectors over the past year.
Michelin inspectors are famously secretive and meticulous, assessing consistency, quality, technique, and the chef’s expression through their cuisine.
The award isn’t just about technical skill; it reflects creativity, leadership, and the ability to innovate while maintaining the highest standards.
SOUTH AFRICAN ROOTS
Ash Valenzuela-Heeger’s culinary roots run deep in South Africa. She spent her formative years honing her craft at The Test Kitchen. She worked alongside the acclaimed Luke Dale Roberts during the restaurant’s groundbreaking early days.
In 2016, Ash opened her restaurant, ASH in Cape Town. The menu focused on flaming live-fire cooking, which then developed into the more refined Riverine Rabbit in 2018.
However, in 2020 Ash decided to close the restaurant and move to the United Kingdom to be with her partner. She made a heartfelt post on Instagram explaining her decision.
“I’ve spent the last four years as a restaurant owner and it’s been the single most rewarding experience of my life. I’ve learnt what it takes to be a leader, an employer and a mentor to those around me.”
She added she wanted to prioritise her relationship and take the next step in her journey.
Many food enthusiasts might also recognise Ash from her appearance on the popular Netflix series The Final Table, where her skills were showcased on an international stage.
Eat Out Culinary Director Abigail Donnelly described Ash as a “powerhouse”.
“I followed her when she opened up her own restaurant. Her flavours are unique – powerful and packed full of flavour. I love her energy… quite crazy and quite severe too – but in a good way, and it shows on the plate.”
From Cape Town to Birmingham
After moving to the UK to be with her wife, Erin, the couple began hosting culinary pop-ups, sharing Ash’s innovative approach to food with local diners.
These pop-ups laid the groundwork for Riverine Rabbit, their Birmingham-based restaurant that quickly garnered a loyal following for its distinctive, inventive cuisine.
Earlier this year, the Michelin Guide awarded Riverine Rabbit a Bib Gourmand—an accolade that recognises restaurants offering exceptional food at a great value.
While Michelin Stars are awarded for exceptional fine dining, the Bib Gourmand highlights spots where you can enjoy delicious, well-prepared meals without breaking the bank.
The Bib Gourmand restaurants don’t need to be fancy or formal, as long as the food is outstanding.
A (MICHELIN) Star on the Rise
Receiving the Michelin Young Chef Award, Ash said, “I’m not sure how young I am anymore, but I’m pleased—thank you very much!”
The Michelin Guide website praises Ash and her unique flavours.
“Ash’s cooking had been generating buzz in Brummie circles for some time thanks to various pop-ups, before the permanent opening of her inventive and invigorating restaurant which has further strengthened the brilliant Birmingham dining scene. Her original cooking is big on flavour and draws on influences from her native South Africa to across Asia.”
From her early days in South Africa’s vibrant food scene to her current success at Riverine Rabbit, Ash Valenzuela-Heeger’s story is a testament to the global reach and influence of South African culinary talent.
Which South African chefs or restaurants do you think deserve international recognition next?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
