Alumnus: Hendrik Pretorius

Hendrik Pretorius grew up in Heidelberg, Gauteng but later moved to Pretoria where he studied for a Diploma in Food Preparation & Cooking at Capsicum. “I chose Capsicum because they offer a programme in culinary arts that is accredited internationally by City & Guilds, which helps you enter the international marketplace. They also have great partnerships with the likes of the Swiss Education Group, TAFE Western Sydney Institute and the South African Chefs Association,” he says.

Following his graduation in 2016, Hendrik applied to work in Dubai and was offered a position in the pastry section of a Japanese concept restaurant called Kyo Café and Lounge. Thereafter followed stints in the pastry kitchens of the Renaissance Hotel and in the Morimoto Restaurant before he was offered the job of pastry chef at Simpli - a top café in Lisbon.

Flash forward to 2024 and Hendrik (now 30), has opened his own eatery in the Portuguese capital called Quest, impressing customers with his menu that includes a range of breakfast and brunch options, as well as teatime treats and some of the best coffee around.

“It took a while to find the right location and, as anyone who has ever opened a restaurant will tell you, it is not an easy journey. But I learned a great deal along the way and it has been a fascinating experience stepping into the business side of things rather than just concentrating on the cooking and baking.

And, as if he wasn’t busy enough opening a restaurant, Hendrik has also written a cook book, The Sweet Side of Life, which is currently in the process of being published and will be out later this year.