Lorna Maseko, one of South Africa’s most celebrated celebrity chefs, has been appointed as the Executive Chef for South African Airways (SAA) for the fiscal year 2025. This exciting collaboration aims to bring proudly South African flavors to the skies, making the airline’s meals a true representation of South African heritage and culture.
A Dream Role for Lorna Maseko
Lorna Maseko’s announcement was met with great excitement. Known for her expertise in both traditional and modern African cuisine, Maseko expressed her pride in partnering with South Africa’s national carrier to create a menu that reflects the country’s rich culinary traditions. Through her partnership with SAA, Maseko will bring innovative flavors and dishes inspired by the diverse cultural palette of South Africa.
On social media, Maseko shared the news of her collaboration with SAA, explaining that she had worked tirelessly to curate a menu that was both authentic and exciting for passengers. “I wanted to create a menu that was proudly South African and grounded in my heritage and culture,” Maseko explained. Her vision was clear: to celebrate the African continent’s diversity and flavor through every dish served on the airline.
The Process Behind the Menu
Creating a menu for an airline is no small task. Maseko and her team, including Chef Mandla, spent two days designing over 30 different dishes for the SAA menu. Each dish underwent multiple rounds of tasting, with the team working together to perfect the intricate flavors and presentation. As Maseko shared in a video on her Instagram, the preparation process was a learning experience for her, deepening her understanding of how food is created and presented in-flight.
“Each dish is obviously quite intricate and detailed,” Maseko noted, highlighting the importance of balancing flavor, presentation, and practicality when designing an airline menu. The goal was to ensure that each dish was a true representation of South African cuisine, all while maintaining the quality and freshness necessary for in-flight dining.
The final menu, designed for business class passengers, will include a range of delicious and culturally rich dishes inspired by the country’s diverse culinary traditions. Whether passengers are flying on domestic or long-haul flights, they can expect an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the flavors of South Africa.
The Impact of the Maseko-Inspired Menu
The collaboration with South African Airways gives Maseko an incredible platform to showcase her love for South African cuisine to a global audience. Airline food often has a reputation for being bland or uninspiring, but Maseko’s menu promises to break these stereotypes. By focusing on local ingredients and flavors, she aims to elevate the experience of dining at 30,000 feet.
Maseko’s appointment as Executive Chef is a testament to her skill and influence in the culinary world. Her work is widely respected, and she continues to gain recognition on both national and international stages. In December 2025, Maseko was also a judge on the popular Food Network show Beat Bobby Flay Holiday Throwdown, further cementing her status as a top culinary talent.
Through her new role with SAA, Maseko is not only influencing the way South African food is perceived globally, but she is also providing a unique opportunity for passengers to experience authentic African cuisine at its finest. For many, this may be the first time they taste traditional South African dishes, making it a memorable part of their travel experience.
Lorna Maseko’s role as Executive Chef for South African Airways marks an exciting chapter for both the airline and the South African culinary scene. By creating a menu that is deeply rooted in South African culture, Maseko is elevating the airline’s in-flight dining experience, offering passengers a taste of the rich, diverse flavors that make South Africa’s cuisine so unique. This partnership promises to bring a new dimension to SAA’s offerings, making every flight not just a journey through the skies, but a culinary adventure.
For more information on Lorna Maseko’s partnership with South African Airways and to experience the menu, keep an eye on her social media pages or book your next flight with SAA!
