One&Only Cape Town introduces new Nobu Head Chef Prajal Rana

Highly skilled, Japanese-trained and one that is no stranger to the Nobu brand, Chef Prajal Rana has been appointed as the new Head Chef of Nobu, at One&Only Cape Town. Having been involved in Nobu’s kitchens for almost a decade, Chef Prajal prides himself on his expert culinary style, a true reflection of the creative craft and precise skill of a Nobu master. He is well-versed in the brand’s standard of excellent quality and cradles a passion for guest experience, something that he looks to impart to his team.

Prajal has been a part of the Kerzner family for many years, having joined Atlantis, The Palm in 2009 at the start of his culinary journey  with Nobu. He then actively sharpened his skills with a four-year stint as Head Chef at One&Only Le Saint Géran’s pan-Asian restaurant Tapasake, and now finds himself on African shores to lead One&Only Cape Town’s Nobu team. Chef’s preferred style of cooking is, of course, Japanese cuisine but he credits other Asian countries and their rich cultures such as Taiwan and Singapore, for playing a role in his culinary journey over the years. He draws his inspiration from the environment around him; from the vegetation through to the people. Sourcing high-quality ingredients through local suppliers is only the beginning with Chef Prajal actively working to ensure that the high standard that one can expect of Nobu integrate smoothly with the local markets and winemakers. “It is important to work with the local community,” he says. “Here in South Africa, there is an abundance of fresh vegetables and native fish that we can incorporate into the menu. It is a great opportunity to be creative with local products that support regional suppliers.”

Chef Prajal is passionate about people - whether that is building relationships with local suppliers, developing his culinary team, or engaging with guests. Open communication and teamwork are vital tools for him, to ensure that the entire team at Nobu works cohesively together to create ever-lasting memories and unforgettable dining experiences that guests will remember for a lifetime. 

He particularly looks forward to growing the team, to continuing to incorporate and collaborate with South African chefs, both in and out of the Nobu kitchen. With options available such as Omakase Menus (meaning ‘Chef’s choice’ in Japanese and resembling a tasting-style menu) or the à la carte menu, which includes the restaurant’s world-class selection of sushi, hot and cold dishes prepared using only the freshest produce, Nobu at One&Only Cape Town has no shortage of creative and curated dishes, designed to impress guests, and will leave them wanting more.

For more information, or for reservations, please visit oneandonlyresorts.com/cape-town or call +27 21 431 5888

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