[imagesource: Instagram / @chef__thinus]

We have another Michelin-star chef to make South Africa proud.

Joining the three others – Showmax star Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen with JAN in France, Jean Delport with Restaurant Interlude in the UK, and Conor Toomey with Condita in Scotland – is Pretoria-born Thinus van der Westhuizen making waves in Abu Dhabi.

Thinus is the head chef of 99 Sushi Bar in the United Arab Emirates capital, which has just become one of the first establishments to be awarded a Michelin star in the Middle Eastern country for the inaugural Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi, notes SAPeople.

The 33-year-old had to jump through massive hurdles to get to where he is today, having overcome a gruelling bout of brain cancer and a move across the world to become a leading sushi chef in his new home:

 

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A post shared by Chef Thinus van der Westhuizen (@chef__thinus)

Amazingly, Thinus managed to set his mind right after the health scare:

…Instead of wallowing in self-pity, Thinus treated the golf-size tumour like something he just needed to get out of his path – and used his positive mind-set to make it through the chemo and radiation by focussing on a fabulous future without cancer.

In an interview with Op en Wakker, he also said he’s incredibly grateful that he was one of the lucky ones whose tumour, on the right side of his brain, was not so difficult to remove.

Creating sushi, which requires an immense amount of respect and discipline, is something that helped Thinus thrive.

 

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A post shared by Chef Thinus van der Westhuizen (@chef__thinus)

Born in Pretoria and surrounded by parents who loved good food, Thinus developed his love for Japanese cuisine and passion for cooking at around 14.

He then received more formal training at the former Fushi restaurant in Plettenberg Bay before spending some time in Mozambique.

Eight years ago, he moved to Abu Dhabi “for the amazing availability of products and servings from all over the world, as well as the high-end experience one can learn, and ability to grow your professional career here”.

He’s been building 99 Sushi Bar Abu Dhabi for the last two years and eight months:

 

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A post shared by Chef Thinus van der Westhuizen (@chef__thinus)

Nicknamed Chef T, he couldn’t believe his luck when he was awarded the coveted restaurant award, especially considering how there was no Michelin Guide in the Middle East this year.

 

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A post shared by Chef Thinus van der Westhuizen (@chef__thinus)

He mentioned he probably blacked out while thanking all the people who have supported him throughout his journey.

At some point in the future, Chef T hopes to open a restaurant in South Africa and is keen to ignite the ever-growing and competitive food scene here.

We will welcome you with a lekker wors roll in hand.

[source:sapeople]