The South African leg of the Global Pizza Challenge was won by Odette Williams from Mi Casa Café in Swodana Bay, with her Coconut Chicken pizza recipe. She is set to travel to Asia at the end of 2009, to represent southern Africa in the international competition.

Endorsed by the South African Chefs’ Association (SACA), this year was the inaugural competition for South Africa. Pizza makers from stand-alone pizzerias, restaurants, take-away outlets or hotels across the country were invited to participate.  Over 100 recipes were entered, all assessed by a panel of chefs for originality, balance, creativity, and its excitement factor.

The South African Chefs Association then selected 40 finalists who competed in cook-off heats at Hostex 2009, in Johannesburg earlier this month.

Odette was selected from a shortlist of five candidates: Mathew Ballenden from Fresh Earth – Butternut Pizza; Gareth Walford from Piccolo Mondo – Michelangelo Springbok Carpaccio Piadine; Tony Rose from Tonys Spaghetti and Grill – Thai Chilli Chicken and Coriander; Tammy Henton from Food on the Move – Bobotie and Coconut Foam.

– Click here for Odettes Coconut Chicken pizza recipe