At the Institute of Culinary Arts (ICA) we cultivate chefs who breathe inspiration and innovation into the culinary world.
Welcome to The Institute of Culinary Arts (ICA), South Africa’s leading training school for world-class chefs. Based in the famous Stellenbosch winelands, the ICA is internationally acclaimed for producing capable and industry-ready professionals of the highest calibre. Our comprehensive and specialised training is based on classic gastronomic principles, coupled with innovative thinking and creat
20/08/2026
⚜️ ICA × So Natural Collaboration
As part of a recipe development collaboration with So Natural, ICA third-year students created a collection of original recipes showcasing the brand’s range of honeys, nuts, nut butters, dates, oils and beverages.
This Aubergine and walnut pani puri was developed, styled and photographed by Media Communication student Asia Nikiforakis.
📌 Visit www.icachef.co.za for the full recipe
17/08/2026
⚜️ Join us for Open Day on 12 September 2026.
Discover what studying at the Institute of Culinary Arts is all about. Tour our campus, learn more about our professional chef training and specialisations and gain insight into life as an ICA student.
Booking is essential.
Visit our website to secure your spot.
12/08/2026
⚜️ ICA × Curry Wines Collaboration
As part of a recipe development collaboration with Curry Wines, ICA third-year students created a collection of seasonal recipes, each paired with a South African wine.
These Braai-style grilled prawn sosaties with nectarine atchar and charred corn salsa was developed, styled and photographed by Media Communication student Desmaré Brand, with Ataraxia Chardonnay 2023 selected as the wine pairing by Professional Wine Studies student Tori Williams.
📌 Full recipe available via this link: https://www.icachef.co.za/ica-recipes/prawn-sosaties-nectarine-atchar-and-charred-corn-salsa/
❄️ Winter School
"Do I need to be able to cook well before I apply to study at the ICA?"
It's one of the questions we often hear from prospective students - and the answer might surprise you.
During our recent Winter School workshops on campus, high school learners stepped into the world of the ICA and asked the questions that really matter.
Read the full article here: https://www.icachef.co.za/is-a-career-as-a-chef-right-for-you/
07/08/2026
📸 As part of their Media Communication training, our 3rd Year students also work with drinks and beverage styling.
For this practical challenge, students had to create and photograph a fruit-based cocktail, focusing on colour, garnish, glassware, styling and the overall mood of the image.
This exercise helps students understand how small styling decisions can change the way a drink is presented for a campaign, menu or social media post.
Images by 3rd Year Media Communication students Charné Strauss and Asia Nikiforakis.
🐟 Fish fabrication helps students build essential cheffing skills. From handling and portioning to understanding fish anatomy, it forms part of the technical foundation expected of a professional chef.
31/07/2026
🧑🍳 The Chef’s Alphabet
F - Flambé
A cooking technique where alcohol is added to a hot pan and ignited to enhance aroma and flavour while burning off most of the alcohol.
chefsabc
29/07/2026
🧑🍳 Each practical lesson allows our students to combine techniques with creativity, helping them develop a unique food identity of their own.
28/07/2026
🌈 Even an early winter morning can leave a lasting impression here on campus.
🧑🍳 A good meringue starts long before it reaches the oven.
It begins with clean equipment, carefully separated eggs and the gradual addition of sugar while keeping an eye on texture, volume and shine. It is the small details that make all the difference.
| Monday | 09:00 - 16:30 |
| Tuesday | 09:00 - 16:30 |
| Wednesday | 09:00 - 16:30 |
| Thursday | 09:00 - 16:30 |
| Friday | 09:00 - 16:30 |