Our Journey in Flavour
At The Melting Pot, food isn’t just a meal - it’s an adventure. Founded by Chef John van Zyl, our culinary journey began as a tiny 12-seater pop-up in the city centre, grew into a restaurant above the Gin Bar on Wale Street, and later evolved into a relaxed country experience on Oak Valley Estate.
Today, we bring vibrant, bold flavours to Cape Town from our stall at the Time Out Market in V&A Waterfront. Our menu is inspired by the stories and tastes uncovered on our travels, celebrating flavour, freshness, and culinary creativity.
This dedication has earned us a star at the Eat Out Awards in both 2022 and 2023. Beyond the stall, we craft unforgettable experiences - from private cheffing and chef’s table dinners to event catering. We also share our expertise with restaurateurs and culinary entrepreneurs, helping turn culinary visions into reality.
Meet the Chef
Chef John van Zyl doesn’t just cook — he curates experiences through flavour. Trained at Stellenbosch’s prestigious Institute of Culinary Arts, John’s journey into the culinary world was defined by curiosity, discipline, and a deep love for global cuisine.
He cut his teeth working alongside Chef Liam Tomlin at Chefs Warehouse, becoming the first chef in South Africa to join the team. Over six years, John played a key role in opening Chefs Warehouse Bree Street and Thali as head chef, mastering menu creation, kitchen craft, and the art of delivering unforgettable dishes.
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In 2019, John’s travels and passion for bold, street-inspired flavours culminated in the founding of The Melting Pot. Today, every dish tells a story, bringing global influences to Cape Town with creativity, heart, and a whole lot of flavour.
