The Cookery by The Secret Jozi Chef

OUR FABULOUS NEW WINTER SCHEDULE IS ONLINE - DON'T MISS OUT!!!

Winter is just a month away, and we’re already warming up to the idea of slow cooking, deep comfort, and warm kitchens. As the days start to shorten and that first chill creeps in, we’ve lined up a beautiful collection of classes to keep your spirits high and your hands busy. No matter how cold it gets out there, The Cookery will be the place to be - glowing, generous, delicious and ready to welcome you in.

Kick off our winter schedule with An Italian Winter Feast [Tuesday 5 May 2026; 17h30 for 18h00; SOLD OUT] - an evening shaped by deep warmth, slow rituals and the generous flavours of Italy. We’ll cook soulful, cold weather favourites like wild mushroom arancini, slow braised beef ragù, handmade pappardelle, ribollita, pumpkin risotto, crispy polenta, winter caprese, chicken cacciatore, biscotti and flourless chocolate almond cake.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with A Table of Love [Sunday 10 May; 9h30 for 10h00; SOLD OUT] - a morning of ease, celebration and the quiet luxury of cooking together, honouring the women who raised and held us. We’ll make bright, indulgent brunch favourites like ricotta hotcakes, soft scrambled eggs, smoked trout rillettes, brioche French toast, lemon‑curd buns, rosemary potato frittata, classic scones and more.

Join us for Aegean Table [Tuesday 12 May; 17h30 for 18h00; R850] an evening shaped by the bright flavours, coastal colours and effortless hospitality of Greece. We’ll cook joyful, unfussy dishes like spanakopita, grilled halloumi with honey, classic dips, lemon‑oregano roast chicken, slow‑braised lamb, crispy lemon potatoes, prawn saganaki, charred aubergine, baklava ci**rs, lemon cake and more.

We’re thrilled to launch Ten Years at our Table [Tuesday 19 May 2026; 17h30 for 18h00; SOLD OUT] - a celebration of a decade of cooking, gathering and growing around our long wooden table. For one night only, we’re bringing back the dishes that shaped us, the recipes that became family favourites and the plates that sparked friendships, romances and kitchen magic. This class is about ritual, community and the joy of feeding and being fed. Come raise a glass, cook the dishes that built a decade, and celebrate the community that made it possible.

Join us for For The Love of Winter [Thursday 21 May 2026; 17h30 for 18h00; R850] - an evening built around the dishes, aromas and quiet luxuries that make winter such a beautiful season to cook in. We’ll lean into slow heat, deep flavour and generous comfort with dishes like slow‑braised beef, pumpkin and sage soup, chicken and leek pie, potato gratin, lamb and lentil curry, risotto, sticky toffee pudding, hot chocolate pots and more.

Join us for Tacos & Tequila: La Cocina de Invierno [Wednesday 27 May 2026; 17h30 for 18h00; SOLD OUT] - an evening of bright flavours, easy laughter and generous plates, perfect for anyone who loves a festive table and a class that feels more like a celebration than hard work. Expect vivid salsas, soft tortillas, juicy fillings and all the bits that invite piling, tasting and going back for seconds - with Margaritas that never seem to empty.

For those who can’t make evening classes, we’re hosting a Saturday repeat of our Greek favourite: Aegean Table REPEAT [Saturday 30 May; 09h30 for 10h00; R850] - a session shaped by the bright flavours, coastal colours and effortless hospitality of Greece. Expect joyful, unfussy cooking with dishes like spanakopita, grilled halloumi with honey, classic dips, lemon‑oregano roast chicken, slow‑braised lamb, crispy lemon potatoes, prawn saganaki, baklava ci**rs, lemon cake and more.

Mamma Mia – Dinner on the Islands [Wednesday 4 June 2026; 17h30 for 18h00; SOLD OUT] - an evening of pure island pleasure, celebrating the brightness, generosity and effortless charm of Greek cooking, carried along by the unmistakable joy of ABBA. Expect vibrant, sun‑soaked flavours as we cook dishes like spanakopita spirals, lemon‑oregano roast chicken, grilled halloumi with honey, tomato fritters, charred prawns, village salad, beef giouvetsi, herbed pilaf and baklava ice cream.

Slip out of winter and into a dream of the A Mediterranean Escape [Wednesday 10 June 2026; 17h30 for 18h00; R850] - an evening shaped by olive groves, sea breezes, long lunches and the easy generosity of coastal cooking. We’ll cook vibrant dishes from Greece, Italy, France and Spain, including lemon chicken, panzanella, gambas al ajillo, focaccia, tomato‑olive tart, halloumi with honey, caponata, patatas bravas and tarte au citron.

A night made for heat‑seekers Fire & Feast [Wednesday 17 June 2026; 17h30 for 18h00; R850] - an ode to chilli in all its thrilling, unapologetic glory. We’ll cook iconic spicy dishes from around the world, including Doro Wat, Goan prawn curry, Mozambican peri‑peri chicken, Jollof rice, vindaloo, Tom Yum, jerk chicken, Sichuan green beans, salsa roja, spiced chocolate mousse and more

Join us for The Silk & Spice Supper [Thursday 18 June 2026; 17h30 for 18h00; R850] - an evening inspired by the spice‑laden markets and soulful cooking of Lebanon, Egypt and Morocco. We’ll explore vibrant, comforting dishes like fattoush, koshari, chicken tagine, baba ghanoush, falafel, harira, dukkah flatbreads, lamb kofta, carrot‑orange salad and more. Expect roasting, kneading, folding and tasting — techniques that fill the kitchen with warmth and promise

Step into an evening of pure indulgence with The Chocolate Feast [Tuesday 23 June 2026; 17h30 for 18h00; R850] - a celebration of chocolate in all its moods, textures and origins. We’ll whisk, fold, temper and bake our way through decadent favourites like dark chocolate mousse, Torta Caprese, Mexican hot chocolate pots, fondant, cocoa brownies, chiffon, salted chocolate tart, biscotti and warm brioche pudding.

Wander the narrow streets of Asia with Flavours of the East [Wednesday 24 June 2026; 17h30 for 18h00; R850] - an evening of bright herbs, smoky grills, citrus, chilli and the irresistible sweet‑salty‑sour balance that defines the kitchens of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore. We’ll cook vibrant favourites like Thai green curry, Korean fried chicken, Cambodian prawn amok, rice paper rolls, bulgogi, laksa, chilli prawns, rendang and green tea coconut cake.

Settle into a slow winter morning with us for The Ultimate Winter Brunch [Sunday 28 June 2026; 09h30 for 10h00; SOLD OUT] - a cosy, abundant class made for late starts, warm kitchens and the gentle pleasure of cooking at an unhurried pace. We’ll whisk, fold and griddle our way through comforting favourites like pancakes with winter citrus, pumpkin spice muffins, soft scrambled eggs, brioche French toast, rösti, shakshuka, spiced buns, smoked trout kedgeree and more.

To book or find out more details visit our website www.thesecretjozichef.co.za/bookings or pop us an email at [email protected]

When a team walks into The Cookery, something shifts...

Aprons go on. Music kicks in. The room warms.
And suddenly the people who usually talk deadlines and deliverables are laughing over chopping boards, tasting sauces together, and cheering each other on as dishes come to life.

That’s the magic of a team building at The Cookery.

It’s not corporate. It’s not forced.
It’s human.

Cooking together breaks down walls in a way nothing else does:
- Collaboration becomes natural
- Communication becomes playful
- Creativity sparks without effort
- People reconnect as people, not job titles

It’s joyful, a little chaotic, and completely unforgettable — the kind of shared experience that brings a team closer without anyone even trying.

And we’re proud of what this space has become.
The Cookery has been voted Best Social Cooking School in Johannesburg three times and holds a 5‑star rating on Google — a reflection of the heart, hospitality, and pure fun that fill our kitchen every day.

So if your team needs a reset, a spark, or just a night of delicious connection.
Our kitchen is ready to welcome you!

For more information or to book pop us an email at [email protected]

Happy belated New Year from The Cookery! Yes, we know it’s almost the end of February, but this is our first real moment to check in. We hope your 2026 is off to an amazing start and that your January was full of good vibes, laughter, and plenty of tasty meals with your favourite people. Here’s to the months ahead – may they bring you inspiration, joy, and delicious moments.

After a whirlwind start to the year with new classes, team events, birthdays, and parties, we’re finally saying hello to our Cookery family. The kitchen has been buzzing with energy, new recipes, and loads of fun. We’re excited to announce our March and April schedule, packed with classes to get everyone cooking, sharing, and creating new memories.

A quick note before you scroll:
A lot of our classes are already sold out (our supporters have been busy), so if you spot something you love, pop us an email and we’ll add you to the waiting list. And if you never want to miss out again, join our mailing list – it’s the easiest way to get first dibs on new dates, secret brunches, and last minute openings.

• Superbly Supper (Wed 4 March, 17:30 for 18:00, SOLD OUT) – A celebration of family, friends, and the mighty supper table. Think Roasted Beetroot Salad, Mini No Bake Berry Cheesecakes, and more.
• Saffron, Sunshine & España (Thurs 5 March, 17:30 for 18:00, SOLD OUT) – Bold Spanish flavours, colourful shared plates, and plenty of room for conversation.
• From Athens to the Islands (Tues 10 & Wed 11 March, 17:30 for 18:00, SOLD OUT) – A journey through Greek cooking with sun kissed flavours and abundant plates.
• The Cantina Kitchen (Wed 18 March, 17:30 for 18:00, SOLD OUT) – Heat, colour, and the joyful spirit of Mexican cooking.
• Jewel of India (Tues 24 March, 17:30 for 18:00, SOLD OUT) – Spice, fragrance, and the comfort of contemporary Indian home cooking.
• Tacos & Tequila: La Cocina Loca (Wed 25 March, 17:30 for 18:00, SOLD OUT) – Bottomless margaritas and a relaxed, party night vibe.
• Secret Sunday Brunch: The Sunshine Kitchen (Sun 29 March, 09:30 for 10:00, SOLD OUT) – Slow mornings, beautiful brunch plates, and endless Pierre Jourdan Brut.
• My Italian Autumn Table (Tues 14 & Thurs 16 April, 17:30 for 18:00, SOLD OUT) – Hearty Italian dishes to welcome the season’s shift.
• The 4/20 Munchies Table (Mon 20 April, 17:30 for 18:00, Private Event, Over 23s Only, R800) – Nostalgic, crave worthy comfort food, munchies and fun.
• Bangkok to Bali (Wed 22 April, 17:30 for 18:00, SOLD OUT) – Fresh, fiery flavours from Southeast Asia.
• The North African Vegetarian Feast (Thurs 23 April, 17:30 for 18:00, R800) – Rich, satisfying vegetarian dishes from North Africa and the Middle East.
• Secret Sunday Brunch: It’s Almost Winter (Sun 26 April, 09:30 for 10:00, R850) – A cosy, autumn farewell brunch.
• Coconut, Lime & Good Times (Wed 29 April, 17:30 for 18:00, R800) – Bright, spicy flavours from Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Tacos & Tequila: Fake Friday Edition (Thurs 30 April, 17:30 for 18:00, R850) – Kick off the long weekend with flavour packed tacos and endless margaritas.

A toast to our partners Haute Cabrière – every public class listed includes Haute Cabrière Tranquille to keep your evening bright and bubbly, with a little touch of Franschhoek magic.

Ready to cook, taste, and have a blast? Check our calendar and book your spot. And if your favourite class is already full, email us and hop onto the waiting list – or join our mailing list so you never miss a seat again. Tag a friend, share the story, and let’s make 2026 a year of delicious memories. Contact us [email protected] or visit www.thesecretjozichef.co.za/bookings

We’re thrilled to announce that The Cookery has been named Best of Joburg Best Social Cooking School for the third year in a row! 2025 has been a whirlwind of flavor, fire, and fierce connection - and this award is a delicious reminder of what we’ve built together.

To our staff: You are the soul of this space. Your creativity, care, and culinary wizardry turn every class into a ritual of joy. Thank you for showing up with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of heat.

To our clients: You bring the spark. Whether you came to celebrate, collaborate, or simply stir things up - thank you for trusting us with your stories and your appetite for meaning.

To our partners: A special toast to Haute Cabrière and KitchenAid Africa, whose presence elevates every experience we create. From the clink of a perfectly chilled glass to the hum of precision tools in motion, your contributions infuse our events with elegance, excellence, and a touch of magic. Thank you for being part of our table for so many years.

While our year-end calendar is fully booked (thank you!), we’re already cooking up something powerful for 2026…

Our New Years Kickstart events are now open for bookings.
It’s more than a class - it’s a team ignition.
A sensory strategy session.
A delicious way to align, inspire, and start the year with purpose.

New public classes for January/February will be launching early December!

Email us at [email protected] to reserve your spot or if you have any questions.

Here’s to ritual, reinvention, and recipes that bring us back to ourselves.
— The Cookery Team

Happy Halloween from The Cookery!

May your day be filled with treats, a touch of mischief, and plenty of flavour.

Cooking, laughter, and a little magic in the making. Nights at The Cookery are always about more than just food, they’re about connection, creativity, and unforgettable memories around the table.

Laughter, learning, and a whole lot of flavour, that’s what our kitchen is all about. At The Cookery, every class is more than just cooking, it’s about connection, creativity, and celebrating the joy of food together.

From pouring a glass to plating your dish, every step is a chance to make memories worth savouring.

From prep to plating, we rely on the right tools to keep our kitchen running effortlessly.
That’s why we’re proud to have KitchenAid by our side, their appliances bring precision, power, and style to every class, so you can focus on flavour, fun, and creating memories around the table.

At The Cookery, it’s never just a recipe - it’s a rhythm.

We chop, stir, sip, and share. We learn by doing, laugh while trying, and celebrate the magic of making something from scratch, together.

Because cooking isn’t just a skill - it’s a vibe.