Rising township Chef
For those eager to witness her culinary journey, her TV appearances can be viewed on YouTube, and she can be reached on various social media platforms.
EVATON.-From the streets of Evaton emerges a tale of entrepreneurial success as a young creative businesswoman pursues her passion for cooking, transcending her dreams into reality.
Meet Nqobile Mabaso, a 26-year-old native of Evaton West, whose multifaceted talents have carved a unique path in the culinary world. Self-taught in the art of cooking, Mabaso’s journey extends beyond the kitchen; she’s also a food influencer, educator, and entrepreneur.
Despite holding a Bachelor of Education Degree (Bed) and being a qualified accounting technician, her heart resides in the culinary arts. Mabaso’s culinary odyssey began in 2015, culminating in the establishment of her own kitchen, aptly named ‘Nqobile’s Kitchen’, in 2022.
This venture provided the platform she needed to showcase her skills. Reflecting on her entrepreneurial drive, Mabaso reminisces about her early days in Grade 10, where she started selling sweets, unveiling her innate business acumen despite facing socio-economic challenges.
Thabisile Sirala, Mabaso’s mother, fondly recalls her daughter’s affinity for cooking and baking since childhood, a testament to her unwavering passion. In 2022, Mabaso seized an opportunity by participating in a chef competition hosted by Standard Bank on Twitter, aimed at empowering aspiring entrepreneurs.
Competing in the self-made chef category, her entry video garnered widespread attention, leading to victory and earning her the esteemed title of self-taught chef, alongside a generous starter pack valued at R20 000.
Sibongile Mofokeng, her helper, commends Mabaso’s culinary prowess, acknowledging her cooking as more than a business venture but a genuine passion that transforms humble ingredients into culinary delights. In November 2023, Mabaso showcased her talent on a national stage, appearing in a cooking competition sponsored by KOO on SABC 2.
Despite facing personal challenges, including her child’s hospitalization, Mabaso’s determination remained steadfast, progressing from the top 60 to the top 4 contestants, surpassing seasoned chefs with years of experience.
Mabaso attributes her success to a friend’s advice to share her culinary creations on social media, leading to collaborations with renowned brands and receiving accolades such as a recipe book from celebrated chef, Jan Hendrik.
Looking to the future, Mabaso plans to formalise her culinary skills by enrolling in culinary school to become a professional chef. She has forged partnerships with esteemed brands such as Tactic, Taste of Today, Castle Milk Stout, KOO, Snowflake (Jan Hendrik), Vodacom, Standard Bank, Vaal Women in Business, and Castle Free.
For those eager to witness her culinary journey, her TV appearances can be viewed on YouTube, and she can be reached on various social media platforms under the handles @_Nqobileskitchen on Instagram, @Nqobile200220 on TikTok, and @Nqobileskitchen on Facebook for bookings and updates.
