About ME

Ru is a private chef and owner of Utano Kitchen based in Cape Town, South Africa. Her professional journey in the food industry has spanned 10 years. She has a passion for food that has been evident since she was a child, when she would help her mother cook and experiment with flavors. She has travelled extensively throughout Southeast Asia, Europe, and Southern Africa, where she further developed her love of food and cooking. It comes as no surprise that her cuisine of choice is Asian infused and ‘Afro Avant Garde’.

Ru has a strong background in research and development, which she honed during her years working in the non-profit sector. These skills have been invaluable in her work as a private chef, where she loves to create innovative and nutritious dishes. She is also passionate about food education and consulting, and enjoys sharing her knowledge and expertise with others.

Utano Kitchen emerged in 2022, driven by a desire to elevate mainstream food offerings with healthier, more mindful options. Inspired by her health and motherhood journey, Chef Ru envisioned a culinary space where deliciousness could coexist with nourishment and sustainability. Recognising a gap in the market for such offerings, Utano Kitchen was born, aiming to redefine the dining experience with a focus on vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and responsible practices.

Ru is a creative and talented chef who is always looking for new ways to surprise and delight her clients. She is passionate about using fresh, seasonal ingredients and creating dishes that are both delicious and healthy. She is also committed to sustainability and social responsibility, and strives to source her ingredients from ethical and sustainable sources. This includes promoting more indigenous African food in her cuisine. She is a regular contributor to food panels and blogs and she hosts cooking classes and workshops.

If you are interested in learning more about Ru or working with her, contact her via email or leave an inquiry here.

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• I hold a Masters degree in Development Studies from UCT
• I simultaneously started and completed my culinary studies through Chefs Training and Innovation Academy (CTIA) as a new mom, while working and most of it during COVID!
• I've dabbled in TV as a guest chef on popular lifestyle show Afternoon Express