Reuben Riffel is a renowned celebrity chef hailing from South Africa, who has received numerous accolades and awards throughout his career. He is the proud owner of Reuben's Restaurant, with multiple locations across South African cities such as Franschhoek, Cape Town, Robertson, and Paternoster.
Born on December 23, 1974, in Franschhoek, South Africa, Reuben Riffel discovered his passion for cooking at a young age. His culinary journey began when he was given the opportunity to run his own kitchen in his early twenties. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Monneaux restaurant as one of the top 100 restaurants in South Africa.
Reuben Riffel's culinary skills and innovative approach to South African cuisine have garnered him widespread acclaim. He has been honored with various awards, including multiple Eat Out Johnnie Walker Restaurant Awards and the prestigious title of Unilever's Chef of the Year.
His passion for sharing his love of food led to the publication of several successful books. "Reuben Cooks: Food is Time Travel" was recognized as the Best Chef Book in South Africa, while "Reuben Cooks Local" received the award for Best Photography Cookbook at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards.
Despite his busy schedule and culinary commitments, Reuben Riffel remains deeply rooted in his hometown of Franschhoek. It was here that he opened his first restaurant, reflecting his strong ties to the local community. He briefly resided in Cambridge, England, where he further honed his culinary skills and expanded his culinary horizons.
Reuben Riffel's expertise in the kitchen has also extended to the realm of television. He co-hosted season 3 of MasterChef South Africa, showcasing his culinary prowess and mentorship to aspiring chefs. Meanwhile, across the globe, Matt Preston, a MasterChef personality, graced screens on the Australian version of the show.
Reuben Riffel's dedication to celebrating South African cuisine and promoting culinary excellence has solidified his status as a respected figure in the culinary world. His innovative dishes, creative flair, and commitment to quality continue to inspire food enthusiasts and aspiring chefs alike.