Chef Ash Valenzuela-Heeger is the recipient of the Michelin Guide’s Young Chef Award for 2025, sparking a wave of celebration across South Africa’s cheffing community. The recognition has inspired an outpouring of support from fellow South African chefs on social media, celebrating the achievement for one of their own.

Eat Out readers will know Ash from her time spent in some of South Africa’s top restaurants. Her formative years were spent at The Test Kitchen, where she worked alongside Luke Dale Roberts during the restaurant’s groundbreaking early days. Diners then experienced her solo venture through ASH, an innovative dining concept that later evolved into Riverine Rabbit. The restaurant quickly became known for its distinctive approach. Ash has since taken the Riverine Rabbit name to Birmingham, UK, where she continues to push the boundaries.

When presented with the award, she said, “I’m not sure how young I am anymore but I’m pleased – thank you very much!”

 

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From her roots in South Africa’s vibrant food scene to her current success at Riverine Rabbit in Birmingham, Ash’s journey showcases the global reach of South African talent.

“I’m not surprised that Ash has been awarded,” says Eat Out Culinary Director Abigail Donnelly. ” I’ve followed her for many years – particularly when she was at The Test Kitchen when she was with Luke Dale Roberts. She’s just a powerhouse. I also followed her when she opened up her own restaurant. Her flavours are unique – powerful and packed full of flavour. I love her energy… quite crazy and quite severe too – but in a good way, and it shows on the plate. I also loved her on the Netflix’s The Final Table. She’s a little dynamite and she’s going to go places”

The Michelin Guide website mentions the following: “Ash’s cooking had been generating buzz in Brummie circles for some time thanks to various pop-ups, before the permanent opening of her inventive and invigorating restaurant which has further strengthened the brilliant Birmingham dining scene. Her original cooking is big on flavour and draws on influences from her native South Africa to across Asia.”

Ash represents a new generation of South African chefs who are taking their culinary heritage to new heights on international shores.

Congrats, Ash!

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