About Us

Ché Gourmet began with a jar of kimchi and a fire for discovery.

Hi, I’m Ché — founder of Ché Gourmet, flavour hunter, fermentation nerd, global backpacker, and proud South African foodpreneur. My journey into food didn’t start in a kitchen, but on the road — from the bustling street markets of Vietnam and the hidden eateries of South Korea to the vibrant communities of South America, the USA, and beyond. I’ve lived in Korea, backpacked through Southeast Asia, spent almost a year exploring South America, and even traversed 36 states in an 18-wheeler across the United States.

Everywhere I went, I learned from the people — home cooks, street vendors, grandmothers, and food rebels — who showed me that food is more than nourishment. It’s culture. It’s connection. It’s healing.

Born Abroad. Built in South Africa.

Ché Gourmet was born when I returned home to South Africa with a head full of recipes and a heart set on creating something meaningful. I started with authentic Korean kimchi, handcrafted using techniques I learned while living in Korea. It was bold, unpasteurised, and alive — just like the street food I fell in love with overseas.

That single jar sparked a business that now brings fermented foods, gut-loving goodness, and globally-inspired pantry staples to kitchens across South Africa.

Today, we manufacture a growing range of fermented vegetables, condiments, and gut-healing foods. We also curate the country’s most diverse collection of Asian pantry goods, frozen dumplings, and hard-to-find street food ingredients — helping home cooks and foodies bring bold, nourishing flavour to every plate.

Our Mission: Gut Health. Global Flavour. Local Impact.

At Ché Gourmet, we’re on a mission to bridge cultures through flavour — and heal guts while we’re at it. We believe in the power of real, whole food. In the wisdom of age-old fermentation. In the joy of a perfectly folded dumpling. And in building a business that uplifts others.

That’s why we manufacture locally, support small farms and producers, and invest in education through our cooking classes, workshops, and content. Whether you’re here to heal your gut, explore new cuisines, or just fall back in love with food, you’re in the right place.

Welcome to the Ché Gourmet family.

Where every jar tells a story. Every bite brings you somewhere new. And every product is made with purpose.