POLOKWANE – For chef Anza Dazri Shihlomulo, cooking is a passion that began in childhood and has grown into a rewarding career.

Shihlomulo said her journey started by watching cooking shows and being fascinated by the creativity, presentation and artistry behind every dish. Watching her mother prepare delicious meals with only a few ingredients inspired her even more.

She began trying recipes she found on social media and soon realised she wanted to become a chef.

‘I enjoy discovering new flavours’

“What I enjoy most is discovering new flavours, learning new skills every day and seeing the smiles on people’s faces after they enjoy my food,” she said.

Pasta is her favourite dish. Growing up, it was often prepared in simple ways, such as with tinned fish or mince, which inspired her to experiment with different recipes and create her own pasta dishes. Today, it has become her signature meal.

Overcoming challenges

Like many chefs, Shihlomulo has faced challenges. One of the toughest moments in her career came when she broke her leg while working in the United States.

In the fast-paced kitchen environment, the injury temporarily affected her career, but she worked hard to recover and return to doing what she loves.

She says the greatest reward is receiving compliments from customers and seeing them enjoy her food. She also enjoys creating new dishes and bringing her ideas to life.

Advice to aspiring chefs

Shihlomulo encourages young people who dream of becoming chefs to make sure they are truly passionate about cooking.

“If you love it, give it your all. Success is not only about where you studied, but about your willingness to learn, work hard and grow in the kitchen,” she said.

Dreams of opening her own restaurant

Looking ahead, Shihlomulo hopes to open her own restaurant where she can serve fine dining meals at affordable prices, because she believes everyone deserves to experience quality food.

Her advice to aspiring chefs is simple: “Don’t focus on mistakes. Keep learning and aim for better results every time.”

A special meal for her parents

If given the opportunity to cook for anyone in the world, she says she would prepare a fine dining Alfredo pasta for her parents as a way of thanking them for their love and support.