GLAMOUR Exclusive: LUXE Chef of the Year Award Winner, Carla Schulze is just getting started

Named Chef of the Year at the LUXE Restaurant Awards 2026, Carla Schulze is redefining fine dining with precision, creativity, and heart. As Executive Chef of Salon Restaurant, she has not only earned top honours but also guided the restaurant to an elite Three Star rating, cementing her place as one of South Africa’s most exciting culinary voices

In an industry known for its intensity and exacting standards, Carla Schulze is bringing a refreshing blend of discipline, artistry, and empathy to the forefront. Mentored by acclaimed chef Luke Dale-Roberts at the iconic The Test Kitchen, Schulze has honed a style that celebrates both technical excellence and the richness of South Africa’s culinary landscape.

lifestyle

Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre OR Tambo offers a seamless layover, comfort and calm

Now at the helm of Salon Restaurant, her leadership has not only earned industry acclaim but also fostered a kitchen culture rooted in respect, collaboration, and innovation. Following her major win at the LUXE Restaurant Awards 2026, she reflects on her journey, the evolving role of women in professional kitchens, and her vision for the future of food.

LUXE Award Winner Carla Schulze, Chef of the Year, is just getting started

GLAMOUR: Congratulations on being named Chef of the Year… What went through your mind?

Carla: I felt so honoured to be recognised amongst so many talented chefs in South Africa, many of whom I look up to. It was a really special moment to celebrate the amazing journey these past 10 years in the kitchen have been. Most of all, it was a chance to celebrate the amazing team I get to work with every day. Such creative individuals, always innovating, always pushing to be better than the day before. I wouldn’t be able to do any of this without them by my side.

GLAMOUR: Kitchens are intense… how have you navigated the pressures as a woman?

Carla: Male or female, the kitchen is always a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. For me it’s been important to build a kitchen culture that feels happy and supportive, a space where creativity can flow and where everyone can take pride in their work.I lead in a way that feels true to who I am: warm, focused, and very detail-driven.

GLAMOUR: Most defining moment in your journey?

Carla: Being offered a job at The Test Kitchen. I remember the moment exactly, 16th of June 2016, youth day! A moment as a 19 year old I will never forget. It really set the foundation for everything that followed. Being mentored by Chef Luke Dale-Roberts shaped not only my cooking, but how I approach ingredients, creativity, and growth.

GLAMOUR: Is the landscape changing for women in kitchens?

Carla: I definitely believe things are changing. More and more women are stepping into leadership roles and being recognised for their talent, and I hope that soon this just becomes the norm. I think a lot of it comes down to building kitchen cultures where women feel supported, respected, and confident to lead in a way that feels true to them, rather than feeling like they have to adapt to outdated expectations.

GLAMOUR: Advice to young women who dream of becoming chefs?

Carla: If you love it, go for it. You absolutely belong in this industry. It’s not always easy, it takes hard work and resilience, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Stay curious, be open to learning, and don’t be afraid to start small. Passion and consistency really do carry you through.

GLAMOUR: Women who have inspired or supported you?

Carla: I’ve been very lucky to be surrounded by such strong, supportive women both in and outside of the kitchen I could write a full list! But the woman who has inspired me the most is my mum. There is no stronger woman in the world, and without her I wouldn’t be where I am today.

She played a huge role in my career from the very beginning, especially in encouraging me to enrol at the Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine, which is where it all started for me. My mom has been instrumental throughout my journey - she’s the most resilient, hardworking and selfless person I know.

All the awards and accolades have been incredible milestones, but making her proud has always been the biggest win of them all.

Carla Schulze Is Cooking Up a New Era of Fine Dining in Cape Town

GLAMOUR: How do you build a positive kitchen culture?

Carla: For me, it always comes back to people. Your team is everything. A kitchen only works if the team feels valued and supported. I try to create an environment where there’s respect, where people can learn, and where they feel proud to be part of what we’re building. When the team is happy and motivated, it naturally reflects in the food.

GLAMOUR: How does South Africa’s diversity influence your cooking?

Carla: It’s such a big part of what we do. We have access to incredible ingredients and so many different cultural influences, which keeps things exciting and so unique. I’m really inspired by seasonality, there’s something special about working with ingredients at their peak and really letting them shine.

GLAMOUR: How do you hope to use your platform to uplift other women?

Carla: I think it starts with creating opportunities and supporting the people around you. Whether it’s mentoring, encouraging someone, or helping them grow in confidence, those small things really matter. I’d love to be part of a shift where more women feel empowered to step into leadership roles and own their space.

GLAMOUR: What excites you about the future?

Carla: There’s still so much I want to explore creatively. I’m really drawn to a style of cooking that highlights great ingredients and treats them with care and respect, and that’s something I’m eager to keep exploring and developing. I am excited for all the opportunities ahead of me and to keep evolving as a chef.