Instagram must be one of the most downloaded apps on the planet. It’s reported that the visual platform has 400 million active monthly users. Why do people love it so much?
Whether it’s through following your favourite celeb, a world-renowned fitness guru, style icon or big name brand… there really is something for everyone! Cat lover? You’ll find lists upon lists of the best cat Instagram accounts to follow. And another that we think is quite hysterical is called “hot dudes reading” (don’t laugh – it has over 800k followers!)
Seeing as we are a food site, we thought we’d share a list of super star SA chefs who also happen to be active IGers. Follow them to find out what they’re up to, what dishes they’re working on, perhaps an idea for your next dinner party or maybe just to drool over their food porn.
Without further ado, here are 20 that we think deserve a follow (in no specific order!).
1. James Gaag
James is Head Chef at EatOut No. 2 Restaurant – La Colombe in Constantia. He hails from a family of great cooks and went to the prestigious Silwood School of Cookery.
A photo posted by James Gaag (@james__gaag) on
2. Chris Erasmus
Chris is known far and wide for his excellent foraging skills and owns the restaurant, Foliage in Franschhoek.
3. Hylton Espey
A real surfer dude and family man, Hylton is passionate about sustainability and produces drop dead gorgeous food at Equus at Cavalli.
On a crayfish mission this morning #lovesummer #capetown @wohza @gopro @goprophotography_
A photo posted by Nature Inspired Chef (@hungoverchef) on
4. Jason Lilley (Aka Captain Bread)
Jason Lilley owns uber popular Cape Town inner city bakery, aptly named: Jason Bakery. He is set to open a second store soon – much to the delight of pastry-loving Capetonians. Follow him for his weekly doughssant post on Saturday mornings. It’s a treat for the eyes!
A photo posted by Jason Lilley (@captainbreadza) on
5. Liam Thomlin
This charming Irish chef of Chef’s Warehouse fame has spent much of his life working around the world at some of the finest restaurants. If there’s anyone who knows their way around the kitchen it’s this guy.
Entrecôte Bordelaise #tapas #bone marrow#red wine#braised shallot #
A photo posted by Liam Tomlin (@chefswarehouse_chef_liamtomlin) on
6. Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen
With a Michelin star under his belt, Jan Hendrik’s Instagram account oozes all things beautiful and creative. He has a restaurant called Jan in Nice, France. Pay him a visit!
A photo posted by Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen (@janhendrik2016) on
7. PJ Vadas
Formerly at Camphors on Vergelegen, PJ now heads up The Hoghouse and Hoghouse Bakery and Café at Spier. And yes – as the names would suggest, there is pork involved. Lots of it.
8. Jackie Cameron
Jackie is girl power personified. She owns her own cooking school in the breathtaking KZN Midlands and was a judge at last year’s EatOut restaurant awards.
A photo posted by Jackie Cameron (@jackiecameronincolour) on
9. Caro de Waal
Our former food editor, Caro takes you on a sensory journey to the stars. She makes you look at food in a whole new way and weaves a fun and whimsical element into her posts. She owns the company EatDesign that combines her two passions – food and design.
A photo posted by Caro de Waal – Cape Town (@carodewaal) on
10. Ivor Jones
Ivor is Head chef at Africa’s best restaurant, The Test Kitchen. Enough said.
Tried some fresh capetonian uni #capetown #thetestkitchen #foraging #cheflife #chef #uni
A photo posted by Ivor Jones (@ivorjones1) on
11. Pete Goffe-Wood
Known to most for his role as a judge in the MasterChef SA cooking show, Pete is always a fun guy to have around. He also knows a thing or two about cooking the perfect cut of meat so a follow he deserves!
A photo posted by Peter Goffe-Wood (@petegw) on
12. Clement Pedro
Previously of Taste Magazine, Clem is now the resident TV chef on the popular afternoon show Afternoon Express.
A photo posted by Clement Pedro (@clement.pedro) on
13. Jonny Hamman
Another creative that will give you new and interesting ideas surrounding flavour combinations and presentation. His nostalgic twist on SA heritage food is fun to see.
14. Bertus Basson
Judge on Ultimate Braai Master and chef patron at Overture in Stellenbosch. You haven’t lived until you’ve had Tannie Hetta’s apple pie from his menu.
#MeetYourMarron #MeetYourMeat @spasiect ?? by @clairegunnphoto
A photo posted by Bertus Basson (@bertusbasson) on
15. Kobus van der Merwe
Kobus is another forager who shares fascinating images of interesting edible plants – all plucked from the rocks and dunes of the West Coast and served in his restaurant, Oep ve Koep.
A photo posted by Kobus van der Merwe (@kobusvdmerwe) on
16. Franck Dangereux
Few can resist Franck’s food and a visit to his restaurant, The Foodbarn is a must if you love French-inspired cuisine.
17. Chefs Bench
This is the account for the food truck and catering business owned by Steffen Olivier. Word of warning: Don’t look at this account on an empty stomach!
18. David Higgs
David Higgs relocated from the Cape To Joburg and is taking the food scene by storm – although we’re not sure what he does more of… cooking or cycling?! He’ll be opening his new restaurant, Marble in May so watch this space!
And so it begins….. #fire #rosebank #barculture #wood #art @eatoutguide #newbeginnings #march2016
A photo posted by David Higgs (@dawiehiggs) on
19. Vanessa Marx
Vanessa is probably most well known for her out-of-this-world Eggs Benedict. She loves to post pics of her adorable little Frenchie called Ellie.
The view into our oven @savages_PE #SavagesFineFood @allykellett wooooo!! So much excitement!
A photo posted by Vanessa Marx (@vanessajaynemarx) on
20. Jessica and Luke Grant
This account showcases food in it’s simplest most beautiful form. Jessica and Luke run The Table restaurant at De Meye. Food is served platter style and al fresco. An extremely popular spot for Sunday lunches under the trees!
Which SA chefs do you follow on Instagram?