When asked about their outstanding culinary experience in Namibia, most holidaymakers would likely mention a barbecue under a clear, starry sky. Braaivleis – meat grilled over glowing charcoal, nowadays also accompanied by vegetarian barbecue creations.
But alongside this rather rustic cuisine, a sophisticated culinary art has long since developed in Namibia, driven by growing tourism. For example, there is a Namibian branch ('Bailliage') of the 'Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs' (see the article on Namibian.org).
The most recent and youngest example is the Namibian chef Elizabeth Puleni Taati Isai. At just 25 years old, she is competing with aspiring culinary professionals in the Champions League of haute cuisine.
Chef Elizabeth Isai (25) from Namibia is one of the 15 finalists of the Global Chefs Challenge in May in Wales. Screenshot from the organiser WorldChefs's website
Isai will participate in the final of the Global Chefs Challenge, the Namibia Chefs Association (NCA) announced in a press release. This competition, which includes regional semi-finals and a global final, is organised by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WorldChefs).
In the semi-final, which featured chefs from the Middle East and Africa region, Isai took first place. This qualified her for the final, which will be held from 16 to 19 May 2026 in Newport, Wales.
These culinary creations earned Chef Elizabeth Isai (25) from Namibia first place in the semi-final of the Global Chefs Challenge for the Middle East and Africa region. Screenshot from the organiser WorldChefs's website
Elizabeth Isai is from Windhoek. In 2020, she completed her chef training at the Hotel School of the Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST). She also attended cooking courses at other institutions.
In 2022, she won the NCA title 'Junior Chef of the Year' (see Elizabeth Isai's LinkedIn profile). In 2024, the NCA awarded her the title of 'Senior Chef of the Year'.
She also began making her mark on the international stage in 2022. At the 'WorldSkills Africa' competition in Swakopmund, she won the gold medal. At the African Culinary Cup in Abu Dhabi later that same year, she took home the bronze medal.
Elizabeth Isai participated in the WorldChefs' 'Global Chefs Challenge' for the first time in 2023. In the semi-finals in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), she immediately won the silver medal in the junior category.
On March 26, you can meet the young chef and experience her culinary skills firsthand. The NCA is hosting an 'Evening at the Chef's Table: A Gala of Culinary Excellence'. The proceeds will secure Isai's participation in the 'Global Chefs Challenge' final in Wales. Each participant has to cover his / her own expenses.
Namibian Chef Elizabeth Isai (25) creating culinary delights. Photo (2024): Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST)