‘Awards are never the goal, but serve as a reminder’ — Chef Moses Moloi on his wins  

Earlier this week, chef Moses Moloi was crowned the Best Chef at the second annual South Africa Restaurant Awards in Sandton, Johannesburg.

The accolade comes a year after he received two out of three knives at the Best Chef Awards in Dubai.

“Receiving those accolades was incredibly humbling. Awards are never the goal, but they serve as a reminder that the work is being seen and appreciated,” Moloi told The Citizen.

In November last year, Moloi accepted the Talent Of The Year Award 2025 presented by La Liste 1000, which ranks the world’s best restaurants.

Moloi is the owner and head chef at Gigi Restaurant in Midrand’s Waterfall City. He opened the eatery in February last year.

“The Best Chef Awards and the recent recognition at the Restaurant Awards both reaffirm the long hours, the risks, and the intention behind everything we do at Gigi,” he says.

“They’re not just my wins; they belong to the entire team and to every person who’s supported me along the way,” Moloi modestly shares.

ALSO READ: Food content creator Seth Shezi pips Dineo Ranaka to Celebrity MasterChef title

Moloi’s journey reflected in the dish

Moloi has worked internationally at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Florida and locally at Greenhouse Restaurant, the Saxon Hotel’s Grei Restaurant, and, more recently, as head chef at FYN in Cape Town.

The menu at Gigi reflects the places he has worked and travelled.

“Those experiences shaped my palate and my perspective. From the structure and discipline of the Ritz-Carlton to the creative expression at FYN, each chapter added something valuable,” he said.

With Gigi, Moloi say he didn’t want to replicate the kitchens where he made his name, but rather carry the lessons forward and interpret them his way.

“The menu is a reflection of the journey, not just geographically, but emotionally and professionally.”

Gigi has been operating for just over a year now, and he says it’s still early days for the eatery.

“…but these recognitions have already been deeply affirming. Taking the leap into ownership was both exciting and daunting, but seeing the response, from our guests and the industry, reminds me that the decision was worth it.”

Speaking like a true foodie, Moloi says it’s more than just running a restaurant for him; “it’s about building something with heart, intention, and impact.”

ALSO READ: Three celeb chefs vying for South Africa Restaurant Awards gong [VIDEO]

South African chefs

To win the Best Chef award at the Restaurant Awards, Moloi faced stiff competition from Zola Nene, Lorna Maseko, and Siba Mtongana.

Other nominees included Callan Austin, James Gaag, Wandile Mabaso, Luke Dale-Roberts, Peter Tempelhoff, Bonga Williams and Thabo Phake. Moloi won the award for a second time in as many years.

Moloi said South Africa has world-class talent when it comes to its cooks.

“The creativity, resilience, and passion among chefs here is powerful. What’s exciting is that our culinary identity is evolving,” he says.

“While we may not always have the same resources as some international kitchens, the calibre and potential are undeniable. We just need to keep creating platforms that nurture and showcase that talent.”

NOW READ: Recipe of the day: Stone fruit atchar with dombolo