Margot Janse

I was inspired when listening to Margot Janse talk about food and life last week Saturday at the Eat Out Conference. She says she is Dutch by birth and South African by choice and this really resonates with me. Margot is all about integrity and honesty and cooks what is available here and now (her own words). Not only is she an exceptional chef, which has been emphasized by her winning the Eat Out Top Chef of the Year award for 2012, she is also involved in feeding the community and at present her restaurant feeds 850 school children every day!

Margot Janse
Margot Janse

Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My brother, Herbert. He has been a mentor and real big brother ever since I can remember.

What started you on the path of cooking?
It evolved from a serious interest into an obsession. I have always been curious about food and trying new things. It was in Johannesburg that I decided it had to be done. I wanted to work in a professional kitchen and learn all I could.

Which three ingredients could you not live without?
Salt, lemon and butter

Which of your kitchen tools would you take with you anywhere and everywhere?

My Knives

Do you have any pet peeves in the kitchen?
Untidiness and dishonesty

Which meal is your all time favourite?
I loved the experience of dining at El Bulli 6 years ago. I can’t describe it as a meal- it was a culinary experience. Fun, exciting, entertaining, amazing, one of a kind.

Which restaurant would you visit over and over again?
D.O.M in Sao Paolo

If you could only have one recipe book, which one would it be?
That’s impossible to choose. I have many.

If you could work alongside one chef for a day who would that be?
Alex Atala. I find his beliefs and his food very inspiring.

Which ingredient will you not eat or cook with?
Nutmeg, overkill as a child!

What is on top of your bucket list?
To take a year out and travel the world with my family.

What is your food philosophy?
Highlighting our indigenous produce with integrity. Cooking with pure flavours and not overcomplicating dishes.

Any parting words for the readers?
Stop reading- Start cooking!

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41 thoughts on “Margot Janse

  1. I’ve been lucky enough to eat her food, some years back. I am a huge fan. Thanks for the super interview. See you later 🙂

  2. Hope you’re having a great time in Johannesburg, Tandy. I enjoyed reading the interview. You ask all the right questions. I also hate an untidy kitchen, that’s why I’m sitting in the bedroom at the moment, whilst hubby is working on the rebuild. 🙂

  3. Wow, Tandy: you get some great contributors to your interviews! What a refreshing attitude from a woman who clearly walks the walk a well as talking the talk. I really enjoyed this interview – thank you to you both!

  4. What a fantastic person! I wonder what she mean when she talk about dishonesty in the kitchen.

  5. Margot is realy an amazing and inspiring person! Have you ever eaten at her restaurant? I had the privilidge a couple of years ago and it was one of my experiences that I will treasure forever! Enjoy your time in Jhb!

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