Aiden Pienaar

Award winning Cookbook Author; Aiden Pienaar

Name And Surname: Aiden Pienaar

Professional Headline: Chef | Award winning Cookbook Author

Primary Industry/Category: Hospitality

Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Biography:

Aiden Pienaar is a South African chef and restaurateur. He is recognized for his global culinary perspective, developed through extensive work in internationally acclaimed kitchens, and his focus on modern fusion cuisine.

Career

Pienaar’s culinary training began under several renowned chefs. His early career included stages working under Luke Dale-Roberts at The Test Kitchen in Cape Town, Scot Kirton at La Colombe, Colin Clague at Jean-Georges’ restaurants in Dubai, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and Margot Janse of the former Le Quartier Français in Franschhoek.

Pienaar’s first venture as owner and chef was Tilting Heads Taco Café and Margarita Bar, located in Port Elizabeth. The restaurant was known for its innovative approach to Mexican cuisine, blending traditional elements with global influences and distinct South African (“Mzansi”) flavours.

As of 5 September 2025 Pienaar holds the position of Head Chef at Second Story, a prominent restaurant located in Sandton, Johannesburg.

Consent for Collaborations: Yes

Aiden Pienaar (@aiden.pienaar) • Instagram photo

211 likes, 20 comments – aiden.pienaar on May 4, 2024: “I’ve always had this desire to share my knowledge about a new way of doing Mexican cuisine. After many years of persistence, hard work, and dedication, my ideas were recognized by the amazing publishers that are Penguin Random House. I was signed by them in February of 2023. 12 (and a bit) months later, Mexico in Mzansi is born and on the shelves of the most prestigious book stores in the country. Mexico in Mzansi pays tribute to some traditional Mexican dishes with a very unusual Mzansi Twist. From Boerie Tacos, Chili con Carne Vetkoek, and the very much loved South African Chakalaka. The book is full of color, flavor, and attitude!😉
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#mexicoinmzansi #mexicanfood #author #cookbook #cookbookauthor #published #penguinrandomhouse ##penguinbooks #penguinrandomhousesa #exclusivebooks”.

Aiden Pienaar is a South African chef, restaurateur, and award-winning cookbook author. He is recognized for his global culinary perspective, developed through extensive work in internationally acclaimed kitchens, and his focus on modern fusion cuisine.

His expertise in this culinary niche led to the publication of his cookbook, Mexico in Mzansi, by Penguin Random House South Africa. The book received critical acclaim, winning the prestigious award for Best Latin American Cookbook Published Outside Latin America at the 30th Gourmand World Cookbook Awards.

Areas of Expertise/Specialization: Menu Development, Concept Design, Restaurant Consulting

Key Achievements & Milestones: Cookbook: Mexico in Mzansi

Education: City and Guilds, Higher Diploma In Food Preparation and Patisserie

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