The Governor’s Curry Room at The Old Government House Hotel has welcomed Japhia Ellaya to the culinary team, as the new Chef in Charge.
Originally from Phoenix in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Japhia is a Culinary Arts graduate from the International Hotel School (HIS), in Durban. Between 2012 and 2013, she attained distinctions for every one of her certificates and was awarded the ‘Christina Martin Most Outstanding Student of the Year’ award at the end of her course.
Japhia completed her practical training at The Oyster Box Hotel, a luxury five star hotel in South Africa, which is also part of the Red Carnation Group. In 2015 she was promoted to Chef De Partie and has been working predominantly in the Pastry kitchen and Indian section, preparing the full range of items for the hotel’s famous Curry Buffet.
Japhia’s talent and passion in the kitchen was spotted by Executive Chef, Kevin Joseph, who has helped to prepare her for her next major career challenge. Japhia has joined the culinary team as the new Chef in Charge of the Indian section, in the Governor’s Curry Room Restaurant.
Of the challenge that awaits her, Japhia says: “Knowing that Chef Kevin has the confidence in me to make a success, makes me very proud. He’s entrusting me to carry on with what he started at The Governor’s Curry Room and giving me the chance to do something really important for my career.”
