In the heart of Mzansi, where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its people, a remarkable entrepreneur has emerged, blending gourmet vegan cuisine with a mission for sustainability.
Chef Sue Gajathar, the founder of The Vegan Chef, has not only transformed her dreams into reality but is also changing the food scene for the better as she paves the way for plant-based dining.
Born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, Gajathar's journey into the culinary world is anything but ordinary.
Despite qualifying as a tax specialist with honours in taxation and beginning her career with a prominent audit company, she says her heart was always set on entrepreneurship.
“My dream was always to change the world through a sustainable food business,” she confided.
Her passion for food was ignited at an early age, instilled in her by her mother, who was constantly experimenting in the kitchen, crafting delicious vegetarian meals that left a lasting impression on her.
Eight years ago, a pivotal moment came when she adopted a vegan lifestyle. Faced with a shortage of vegan options, she took matters into her own hands, experimenting with recipes and developing a profound interest in plant-based cuisine.
“This experience ultimately led me to open my first vegan restaurant,” Gajathar shared, reflecting on her transition from desk jobs to kitchen creativity.
Her culinary skills, primarily self-taught, flourished quickly, driven by her commitment to showcasing the full potential of vegan dining.
Since opening a small food cart in Sandton in 2019, The Vegan Chef has blossomed into a beloved chain with multiple restaurants across Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, as well as an environmentally sustainable plant-based food manufacturing facility in Midrand, Johannesburg.
“We are among the first vertically integrated plant-based food businesses in the world,” she added.
The company is committed to controlling every aspect of the food journey, ensuring that the sourcing of raw ingredients for the dining experience is both sustainable and fabulous.
The culinary offerings at The Vegan Chef are characterised as gourmet comfort food, described by Gajathar as “vegan food heaven”.
Challenging the misconceptions that vegan meals are bland and unexciting, her team has introduced innovative recipes and natural spice blends that aim to delight the palate.
“We've mastered the art of vegan baking, catering even to the sweet-toothed,” she explained.
Amidst the accolades, including being awarded Best of Joburg 2024 and Best Vegan Restaurant on Uber in 2024, Gajathar reflected on her biggest triumphs with humility. “It’s about following my passion and creating a business that is making a difference, one plate at a time,” she asserted.
Beyond her role at The Vegan Chef, Gajathar is also known for spearheading the Fourways Rustic and Gourmet market, a 100% vegan and sustainable marketplace at Design Quarters in Fourways.
She provides a platform for budding environmentally sustainable businesses to bring their products into the market. “It is important to give back and support other innovators in the field,” she noted.
As The Vegan Chef continues to capture the growing South African plant-based market, Gajathar has set her sights on expansion.
Plans are in place to scale manufacturing operations, enhance distribution networks, and penetrate uncharted vegan markets through wholesale and restaurant operations. “Our journey is just beginning, and we’re excited for what’s ahead,” she concluded.