Piet Marais

Stir is headed by executive chef Piet Marais who brings an unusual combination of youth and wide experience to the table. He started his career at the age of sixteen with the launch of his own catering company in Stellenbosch. He has travelled and worked extensively in Southeast Asia, mainly the People’s Republic of China and the Kingdom of Thailand, Africa and Scotland.

His experience includes running kitchens on luxury yachts on the coast of Africa and in African Safari Camps, challenging his creative choice of ingredients, to the fine dining restaurants of Europe and lately also in his hometown of Stellenbosch.
As a keen diver, fisherman and sailor, he has a natural personal tendency towards fish and seafood.

Piet graduated from the Institute of Culinary Arts, Stellenbosch, in January 2005 with a Diploma in Culinary Arts, Professional Cooking and Baking, leading to a strong background in all areas of a professional kitchen. He is well experienced in running all business facets with the ability to work under high pressure in a busy environment.

Piet has gravitated to an artistic and health conscious approach to food, always on the lookout for exceptional new experiences for himself and his diners.