Chef Rudi Liebenberg took a huge risk when he introduced a 6 course vegan menu at the Planet Restaurant in one of Cape Town's oldest, grandest luxury hotels, because most South Africans are committed meat eaters. Biltong, a kind of beef jerky, and Boerewors, a coil of spiced fatty sausage are cultural staples (like rice in China and turkey at Thanksgiving) but this meat-mad trend is starting to change at the Mount Nelson Hotel. We recently checked out the 5-star menu ourselves and Liebenberg told us "Our guests are starting to ask for healthier and more sustainable options". So the visionary chef managed to convince his superiors that it was time to make a switch, even though sourcing sustainable vegan food in a country of carnivores is no easy feat.
