South Africa is celebrating another global culinary triumph as Chef Ash Valenzuela-Heeger receives the prestigious Michelin Guide’s Young Chef Award for 2025. This incredible achievement not only cements her place in the international fine dining scene but also shines a spotlight on South African talent making waves across the world. From her early days in Cape Town’s dynamic food culture to the celebrated success of her Birmingham-based restaurant, Riverine Rabbit, Ash’s journey is a true inspiration.
Image: Chef Ash Valenzuela-Heeger receives the prestigious Michelin Guide’s Young Chef Award for 2025
The Michelin Star Awards
The Michelin Young Chef Award recognises chefs under the age of 36 who showcase remarkable talent, innovation, and dedication to their craft. This year, it was Ash who caught the discerning eye of the Michelin inspectors, who are known for their rigorous, secretive assessments based on consistency, technique, and culinary creativity.
More than just technical excellence, this award honours a chef’s ability to lead, inspire, and push boundaries in the kitchen. For Ash, it is a well-earned recognition of years of hard work, passion, and commitment to creating exceptional dining experiences.
Rooted in South Africa
Ash Valenzuela-Heeger’s culinary journey is deeply rooted in South Africa. She honed her skills at the legendary Test Kitchen, working alongside acclaimed chef Luke Dale Roberts during its pioneering years.
In 2016, she took a bold step and opened her own restaurant, ASH in Cape Town, where she built a reputation for her mastery of live-fire cooking. This evolved into Riverine Rabbit in 2018, a fine-dining space that reflected her refined, creative approach to food.
When the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the industry in 2020, Ash made the difficult decision to close Riverine Rabbit and relocate to the United Kingdom to be with her wife, Erin. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she shared her gratitude for the experiences she had in South Africa and looked ahead to a new chapter.
The Birth of Riverine Rabbit in the UK
Once settled in the UK, Ash and Erin launched a series of culinary pop-ups, introducing Birmingham diners to her bold, flavour-driven cuisine. These intimate events quickly gained a following and laid the foundation for the new iteration of Riverine Rabbit in Birmingham
Earlier this year, the restaurant earned a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide, an honour reserved for establishments offering outstanding food at great value. While Michelin Stars recognise the pinnacle of fine dining, the Bib Gourmand highlights eateries that serve exceptional dishes in a more relaxed setting—a testament to Ash’s ability to craft unforgettable meals at any level.
A Michelin Star is Born
Receiving the Michelin Young Chef Award, Ash accepted the honour with her signature humility and humour:
I’m not sure how young I am anymore, but I’m pleased—thank you very much!”
From her roots in South Africa’s food scene to her celebrated success in the UK, Ash Valenzuela-Heeger is a shining example of South African excellence on the world stage. Her story is proof that talent, perseverance, and passion can take South African chefs anywhere—and we can’t wait to see what she does next!
