LOOK: SA chef Ash Valenzuela-Heeger wins Michelin Guide's Young Chef Award 2025
Aspiring chefs around the world dream of recognition from the prestigious Michelin Guide, a hallmark of excellence in the culinary arts.
This year, South Africa can proudly boast yet another culinary gem as Ash Valenzuela-Heeger has been awarded the esteemed Michelin Guide's Young Chef Award for 2025, a testament to her culinary prowess at her Birmingham-based restaurant, Riverine Rabbit.
Recognised for her exceptional talent and creativity, Valenzuela-Heeger’s innovative approach to cooking has captivated Michelin inspectors, who diligently evaluate consistency, quality, technique, and the chef’s expression through their culinary creations.
Understanding the accuracy of the Michelin evaluation process, it is evident that the Young Chef Award extends beyond mere technical skill.
The accolade celebrates leadership, creativity, and innovation, all while upholding the highest standards in the kitchen.
Since its debut, Riverine Rabbit has not only received acclaim and a Bib Gourmand this year but has also played a pivotal role in enriching Birmingham’s vibrant dining scene.
Valenzuela-Heeger’s cooking, deeply influenced by her South African roots and the diverse flavours of Asia, exhibits a boldness that has generated significant buzz among food enthusiasts in the city.
When presented with the prestigious award, a visibly delighted Valenzuela-Heeger remarked, “I’m not sure how young I am anymore but I’m pleased – thank you very much!” Last month, the restaurant celebrated one year of service.
Taking to Instagram, Valenzuela-Heeger wrote: “One year of The Rabbit. Thank you to those who have passed through our door in the last year, we appreciate every one of you. This year we plan to go harder, better, and maybe even get some more sleep, who knows.”
Her journey has been a compelling one, from her early culinary days in Mthatha to her formidable growth in Cape Town and her current prominence in the UK culinary landscape.
Born in Mthatha and raised in bustling Cape Town, Valenzuela-Heeger holds an impressive resume marked by significant achievements.
Her early years at The Test Kitchen under the acclaimed chef Luke Dale Roberts established a strong foundation, honing her skills alongside industry titans during the restaurant’s groundbreaking period.
In 2016, she opened ASH in Cape Town, which celebrated live-fire cooking before evolving into the more sophisticated Riverine Rabbit in 2018.
However, in 2020, in a heartfelt Instagram post, Valenzuela-Heeger announced her decision to close the restaurant, move to the UK, and focus on her personal life with her partner, acknowledging the profound journey she had undertaken as a restaurant owner.
“I’ve spent the last four years as a restaurant owner and it’s been the single most rewarding experience of my life,” she shared, emphasising the leadership and mentorship roles she embraced during that time.
Adding to her impressive portfolio, many may recall Valenzuela-Heeger from her standout appearance on the popular Netflix series “The Final Table”, where her culinary skills were showcased on an international platform.
With her unique blend of flavours and innovative techniques, her restaurant Riverine Rabbit has quickly climbed to the summit of must-visit dining spots in Birmingham.