A young chef from Pietermaritzburg will represent South Africa on the global culinary stage when he competes in the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Grand Finale in Milan on 28-29 October.
Luckson Mare, who works at The LivingRoom restaurant at Summerhill in KwaZulu-Natal, secured his place after winning the regional final for Africa, Middle East and South Asia in Cape Town last year.
The 28-year-old will compete against young chefs from 14 other regions worldwide, presenting his signature dish “Duck, sweet potato, matugulu” – featuring the wild Natal coastal plum native to South Africa’s coast.
Mare’s culinary journey began at age eight in his family kitchen in Pelham, Pietermaritzburg. “I was the youngest of five, always helping my mom – peeling, chopping, tasting. That’s where it all started,” he said.
His competition dish reflects this heritage and his restaurant’s commitment to local sourcing. At Summerhill, nearly all ingredients come from within 150 km, including the clay used for their ceramics.
Preparing for Milan has presented logistical challenges. While duck and basic vegetables will be sourced in Italy, Mare is bringing crucial local ingredients from home.
“We’ve been foraging daily, picking matungulu as they ripen,” he explained. “I’ll also take purple sweet potatoes as backup and some local crockery made from KwaZulu-Natal clay.”
Mare has spent months perfecting his technique under the guidance of mentor Johannes Richter, executive chef at The LivingRoom.
“I’ve been butchering a lot of duck, paying attention to every cut,” Mare said. “Even small tasks in daily service have become training opportunities.”
Richter, who will accompany Mare to Milan, emphasised the importance of authenticity. “When you cook from a place of honesty and integrity, when your food reflects your background and culture, it stands out,” he said.
Mare views his participation as significant beyond personal achievement. “This isn’t just about me. It’s about what it represents for young chefs in South Africa and across Africa,” he said.
“For a long time, opportunities like this felt like they only happened far away. Now someone from Durban, from Africa, is competing among the world’s best. That visibility matters.”
The competition, spread over two years, tests young chefs’ stamina, technical skills and creativity. Mare’s success marks a milestone for South African gastronomy on the international stage.
The Academy was established to nurture emerging culinary talent worldwide, with previous winners going on to lead restaurants and shape global food trends.
Results from the Milan finale will be announced on 29 October.
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