SA-born chef Ash bags prestigious Michelin award!
Updated | By Stacey and J Sbu
A huge congratulations to South African chef Ash Valenzuela-Heeger for winning the Michelin Young Chef Award for 2025!

Say hello to Ash Valenzuela-Heeger, the South African chef taking the culinary world by storm.
Driven by a passion for cooking that began in Cape Town, Valenzuela-Heeger has gained international acclaim, showcasing her skills on Netflix's 'The Final Table' and now leading the renowned Riverine Rabbit restaurant in Birmingham, UK
Alongside her wife Erin, Valenzuela-Heeger celebrates local produce and serves up inventive small plates that have earned a coveted Bib Gourmand, reports Good Things Guy.
The Michelin Guide raves about her restaurant, praising each dish as "a vibrant joy to eat" that guarantees a fun night out.
Valenzuela-Heeger’s innovative cooking style, blending South African and Asian flavours, has created a buzz on the culinary scene.
Her recognition as the Michelin Young Chef Award winner for 2025 comes as no surprise, solidifying her position as an exciting young talent in the industry.
We couldn't be prouder of this talented South African chef.

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