Moses Moloi wins Best Chef Award for a third time, cementing his place among SA’s culinary elite

South African chef Besele Moses Moloi has been named Best Chef at the South Africa Restaurant Awards 2026, marking his third victory in the prestigious category. The award, decided by over 1.2 million public votes, was presented at Hotel Sky Sandton and highlights his influence in shaping South Africa’s culinary landscape. Moloi’s career began as an executive chef at Zioux, an upscale Sandton restaurant where his innovative cuisine earned widespread acclaim. His success at Zioux led to the launch of Gigi Restaurant, a venture that further expanded his culinary vision and established him as a key figure in South Africa’s hospitality sector. The award underscores Moloi’s ability to blend technical excellence with entrepreneurship, making him one of the country’s most recognizable chefs. His journey reflects broader trends in South Africa’s food industry, where chefs are increasingly taking on roles beyond cooking to become brand builders and cultural ambassadors. Moloi has consistently credited his team and collaborators for his achievements, emphasizing that success in the restaurant industry relies on collective effort. Despite his three Best Chef titles, he has stated that recognition is not his primary motivation, but rather a validation of hard work and dedication. The South Africa Restaurant Awards 2026 also recognized other top performers, including Tempo Luxury Restaurant for Best Culinary Experience and La Colombe Restaurant as Best Restaurant in Cape Town. Moloi’s continued success places him among South Africa’s culinary elite, with his focus remaining on innovation and inspiring future generations of chefs.