Never has connecting been more important and needed. With South Africa on a 21-day lockdown, the restaurant industry has become one of those most deeply affected, and chefs have started taking to social media to sprinkle some positivity back into our feeds during these trying times. With everything from backyard braais to the best-ever banana bread, our local culinary heroes are keeping us connected and inspired in the kitchen. Here are just a few of our favourites to follow.

Arno Janse van Rensburg

Not only is the Janse & Co. chef spending his 21 days braaing, he’s also been dedicating his time to helping Ladles of Love create nutritious meals for those in need.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-fCGUtpgQT/

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/arno_janse/

Ash Heeger

While chef Ash Heeger (previously of Riverine Rabbit) might have moved to the UK, she’s still showing off those skills from her new home in Birmingham (think tofu latkes or Guinness cake).

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-ehGFIpXs7/

Follow:  https://www.instagram.com/grand_master_ash/

Bertus Basson

The 2019 Eat Out S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna Chef of the Year is kicking it family-style and cooking up simple, wholesome recipes like homemade bread, Mareli’s “Ballistic banana bread”, and your new go-to chilli sauce.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-W_kE4pPc4/

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/bertusbasson/

Chantel Dartnall

Restaurant Mosaic at the Orient’s chef Chantel Dartnall is inspiring fans with everything from tips on how to extend the shelf life of avos to dreamy oats to start your morning, and how to pickle your own mushrooms.

Follow: https://www.facebook.com/ChantelDartnallOfficial

Christi Semczyszyn

Chef Christ of Tjing Tjing Momiji fame has been showing off her skills in the kitchen with tips and tricks to making delicious ramen bowls and gyoza at home.

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/pepper_annarchy/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-fYIdbp3rX/

David Higgs

Chef David Higgs is no stranger in front of the camera and his daily Instagram lives are definitely going to get you hooked. The Marble chef is keeping fans inspired by sending recipe ideas for what’s in the fridge, doing hilarious daily recipes videos on bloody Marys, risotto, scrambled eggs, and what’s been dubbed a “lamb stewy broth thingy”.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-bPyv_pWP7/

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/davidhiggschef/

Ivor Jones

If you’re already following the Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia chef then you’ll know you’re not going to be bored. The chef keeps it real with experimental recipes and some honest humour around the reality of lockdown. Bonus: He’s also showing off his artistic talent with Alice Toich’s #21DaysOfArtSA challenge.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9NUUhoJueI/

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/ivorjonesct/

Jackie Cameron

Even though the Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine can’t operate as normal during lockdown, chef Jackie Cameron isn’t letting that stop her from inspiring and teaching. Her feed is teeming with nostalgic recipes that are perfect to beat those blues. Think fairy cakes from her childhood, corn fritters, rusks, and no-churn ice cream. You’ll even find her sharing what her students are up to in her IG stories.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-aScZnJdyh/

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/jackiecameronincolour/

Marcelle Roberts

Chef-owner of Durban’s Café 1999, Unity and S43 is sharing her kitchen creations with fans, featuring recipes like preserved cucumbers, miso butternut, and fried leftover rice. Bonus: She’s throwing in some workout routines in between the feasting.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-ZZyLdpDcB/

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/marcelles_food/

Matt Manning

Grub & Vine‘s chef Matt Manning is serving up his lockdown series named Quarantine Cuisine. The chef can be seen cooking up dishes like truffle scrambled eggs or carbonara pasta in his enviable kitchen.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-XYtrYpSws/

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/mattmanningchef/

FYN Restaurant

The team at FYN is taking turns to cook up some inspired lockdown recipes. Follow chef Ashley Moss’ secret burger mayo recipe or whip up some yakitori with Peter Tempelhoff. You’ll also find Jennifer Hugé sharing her recipe for a refreshing Naartjie Boom cocktail.

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/fynrestaurant/

Luke Dale Roberts

The Test Kitchen chef, who usually stays off social media, is spending 21 days taking over TTK’s Instagram account, along with his wife Sandalene. What can you expect from one of the country’s best chefs? Luke’s famous market rosti, Korean fried chicken bibimbap, and braaied yellowtail with a carrot-and-ginger emulsion. You might also spot Sandalene cooking up her roast potatoes or her signature spinach salad.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-hLloXnyE2/

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/thetestkitchenct/

Ryan Cole

Salsify’s chef Ryan Cole is sharing some seriously drool-worthy dishes from his kitchen. Perfect your pasta technique and follow his pasta guide story; whip up his wholewheat pizza; or go full comfort and follow his recipe for umami-rich brothy noodles.

Follow: https://www.instagram.com/ryancole23/