Page 12 - Waterfall City Issue 10 October 2024

Waterfall City Lifestyle

MEET THE CHEF

ZAKHELE BHENGU

Head Chef at Ponta, Mall of Africa

H eading up the kitchen at Q: Do you have any

Portuguese themed Ponta
accolades?
restaurant in Mall of Africa
A: I completed a masterclass in the
is Chef Zakhele Bhengu,
our candidate for this month’s Meet rolling of pizza dough and handmade
pasta.
the Chef profile. Chef Zakhele brings
Mozambiquan flair to Ponta’s menu, Q: What is your cooking
ensuring that patrons enjoy delicious style?
and generously portioned food while A: I wouldn’t say I have a specific cooking
also having a rip-roaring good time. style, but rustic Portuguese and Italian
dishes are my go-to.
Q: What is the restaurant and
cuisine? Q: What is your inspiration for
A: Ponta Mall of Africa, serving new recipes/dishes?
Portuguese-inspired cuisine. A: I enjoy cooking and developing
seasonal recipes, refreshing dishes in
Q: When did you decide to summer and more hearty, spicy dishes
become a chef? during the cooler months.
A: At the age of 18, after moving from
KZN to Johannesburg. Q: What is your favourite dish
to prepare on your current
Q: Did you study? menu and why?
A: No, I’m a natural. A: I enjoy preparing the Rump and Prawn
Combo because of the unique flavours of
the Peri-Peri sauce.

Q: What is your favourite
home-cooked meal?
A: Oxtail for sure.

Q: In your opinion, what is the
most underrated ingredient
and why?
A: Lemon, be it the zest or juice. It creates
depth and enhances the flavour of
almost any dish.

Q: If you could cook with only
three ingredients, what would
they be?
A: Chicken, cream and garlic.

Q. What are the kitchen tools
you cannot function without?
A: A proper pan and good knives.
The Rump and Prawn Combo with its unique Peri-Peri sauce flavours is Chef Zakheles’ favourite dish to
prepare on the Ponta menu.

10 Waterfall City Issue 10 2024