Tsogo Sun KZN won the 'best main dish' award and placed third overall in the 2018 Distell Inter Hotel Challenge held at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town on 4 August, 2018.

Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani’s chef Bevashan Naidoo claimed the prize for best main dish prepared and clinched third spot overall in the competition’s Chef of the Year category.

Naidoo, of Queensburgh, Durban, who began his career in the hospitality industry four years ago working as a trainee, triumphed over 30 participants from hotels across the country.

The Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani’s team comprising of Naidoo, commis chef, Sphephelo Mtshali, and sommelier Rimika Maharaj scooped third place for their teamwork, co-ordination and innovation.

The 2018 Distell Inter Hotel Challenge is aimed at encouraging development in the hospitality industry that will give a much-needed boost to young talent.

The competition creates a platform for up--coming professionals the hospitality industry to showcase their abilities as well as provides mentoring and training opportunities for promising young talents.

The Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel prides itself on offering exceptional food and wine pairing experiences in its restaurants while maintaining and enhancing its offering to the public.