News

Every October 20th, kitchens around the world heat up with excitement (and maybe a little extra butter), because it’s International Chefs Day, the day we celebrate all men and women in crisp whites who pour their passion, creativity, and heart into every dish and remind us that food is more than fuel, it’s connection, culture and love on a plate.

International Chefs Day was started in 2004 by Dr. Billy Gallagher, a world-renowned South African chef and the president of the World Association of Chefs’ Societies. His mission? To celebrate the passion, creativity and skill of chefs everywhere, and to inspire the next generation to pick up a whisk and dream big.

Each year, chefs across the globe share knowledge, teach kids about healthy eating and spread the joy of cooking. It’s a delicious reminder that food connects us all.

At Capsicum, every day feels like International Chefs Day!

As South Africa’s leading professional chef school, Capsicum doesn’t just teach cooking, it nurtures creativity, discipline and a lifelong love for the culinary arts. From mastering knife skills to plating perfection, Capsicum students learn the skills - and science - of transforming ingredients into unforgettable experiences.

Whether it’s pastry magic, gourmet fine dining, or the art of international cuisine, Capsicum’s students and alumni are cooking up excellence in kitchens all over the world.

This International Chefs Day, Capsicum invites everyone, from foodies to home cooks and aspiring professionals, to celebrate the joy of cooking.

We asked some of the school’s chefs for their suggestions as to how to mark the day, and here’s what they came up with:

• Cook something new! Try a recipe that challenges your skills (bonus points if it includes a capsicum or two).
• Have a meal out and, if you enjoy the food, make sure you thank the chef. And if you can’t do it in person, then leave a glowing review and be sure to mention the chef by name. Guaranteed it will make his/her day brighter than a flambé torch.
• Share the joy of cooking with your children. It’ll probably be messy, but it will also be a lot of fun and full of laughter.
• Start a recipe sharing chain by posting a recipe on Facebook and then nominate a friend to do the same.
• Host a chef-themed potluck dinner. Everyone brings a dish inspired by their favourite chef or cuisine.
• Share your culinary story. Post a photo of your favourite dish and tag Capsicum to spread the chef spirit!
• Teach a friend or family member a recipe; that’s how the love of cooking grows.

From the first sizzle in a pan to the final garnish, every dish tells a story. And at Capsicum, those stories are being written every day by passionate students and chefs who believe that food isn’t just something we eat - it’s something we feel.

So, a toast to all those chefs who turn humble ingredients into something that makes us close our eyes and say ‘WOW!’’  Chefs who bring flavour, creativity, and joy to our tables. May your knives stay sharp, your soufflés stay fluffy, and your kitchens stay filled with laughter and the smell of something delicious.

If you want to learn more about culinary careers at Capsicum, diarise the school’s forthcoming Open Days, which are happening on October 25 and November 29 from 09h00 - 12h00, at all of the campuses countrywide:

• Boksburg: Unit 6, Bartlett Lake Office Park, Cnr. Leith/Trichardts Road
• Cape Town: 358 Victoria Rd, Salt River
• Durban: 300 Granada Square, 16 Chartwell Dr, Umhlanga Rocks.
• Johannesburg: 3 Keyes Ave, Rosebank.
• Nelson Mandela Bay: 1 Newmarket Rd, Greenacres, Gqeberha.
• Pretoria: Menlyn Square, South Building, 134 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen.
• Ruimsig, Roodepoort: Block D, 144 Peter Road, Ruimsig

Contact Capsicum on email chef@capsicumcooking.co.za or telephone +27 86 111 2433 .