If you believe food is more than what is on the plate, then this is one date to circle on your calendar.
On Sunday, September 6, the International Trade Fair will turn into a buzzing culinary playground as Chef’s Sunday brings together food, local produce, professional cooking and plenty of flavour under one roof.
Hosted by the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), with the Eswatini Chefs Association, Chef’s Sunday is set to bring a fresh energy to this year’s Eswatini International Trade Fair.
The theme, ‘From Farm to Plate: Celebrating authentic Eswatini products’, puts local products firmly in the spotlight while showing just how exciting they can be in the hands of skilled chefs. This is not simply a case of watching someone cook.
……Think culinary theatre, where the chopping, sizzling, plating and tasting all happen right in front of you.
The audience gets to see professional chefs work their magic while picking up practical tips on cooking techniques, food safety, sustainability and creative recipe development. Taking centre stage will be Chef Mbhekeni Dlamini, Executive Chef at Royal Villas Hotel; Chef Eric Malinga, Head Chef at Ubombo Country Club; and
Chef Lindo Dlamini, Chef de Partie at Happy Valley Hotel. Each chef will prepare a signature starter, main course and dessert, creating a three-course showcase of culinary skill and creativity.
Keeping the energy flowing will be Chef Sihle van Vuuren, who will host the demonstrations, interview the chefs and get the audience involved. Expect questions, banter and plenty of opportunities to learn from the professionals.
Adding even more flavour to the experience are Chef’s Sunday partners, including Buy Eswatini, ENPC, Lactalis, Simunye Beverages, Master Meats and Unifoods. Their participation will help bring the farm to plate concept to life through locally available products and ingredients.
Simunye Beverages is also exploring the addition of a cocktail bar, bringing another exciting dimension to the food experience.
Master Meats will showcase a selection of processed and uncooked meats, while the participating partners will give visitors a closer look at products that can be incorporated into everyday cooking.
And because food is always better when you get to be part of the experience, visitors can look forward to tasting and vote competitions, audience quizzes, spot prizes, product giveaways, recipe cards and product tastings.
There will also be an opportunity to meet the chefs after their demonstrations and capture those all-important foodie photographs.
For local food producers and industry experts, Chef’s Sunday offers something equally exciting:
A platform to see Made in Eswatini products transformed into restaurant worthy dishes and to witness the potential of local ingredients.
For the everyday foodie, it is inspiration for the next meal at home.
Ultimately, Chef’s Sunday is about putting Eswatini on the plate and proving that local products can stand proudly alongside the best anywhere in the world. So come hungry, come curious and come ready to taste.
Chef’s Sunday takes place on September 6, 2026, at the International Trade Fair. Your Sunday plan just got a whole lot tastier.
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