Chef of the Year 2025, Johannes Richter of the Living Room, will be teaming up with World Barista Champion, Mikael Jasin, in Durban later this month to present the first ever OMAKAFE experience in South Africa.
Prepare your senses for an unforgettable culinary adventure, as two titans of taste collaborate in a once-in-a-lifetime OMAKASE experience that’s about to make Durban the epicentre of South Africa’s most exclusive dining scene.
This July, World Barista Champion Mikael Jasin joins forces with SA Chef of the Year Johannes Richter, crafting a multi-sensory journey where precision, passion, and pure artistry come together on every plate, and in every cup. Expect coffee like you’ve never imagined, paired with dishes that flirt with perfection and dance on the edge of genius.
This exclusive collaboration is available for one day only through Creative Coffee Events in partnership with FNB, because magic like this doesn’t happen every day. The beauty of this experience lies in its intimacy: only 10 guests will be seated per session, as these incredible professionals serve and guide you through a flavour-filled journey. These pairings will be revealed exclusively at this event, making it a truly one-of-a-kind adventure.
What is OMAKASE?
Omakase is a Japanese phrase that means ‘I’ll leave it up to you.’ In essence, it’s the chef’s choice and you’re in exceptionally capable hands. Mikael and his team from Indonesia have crafted an ‘Omakafé’ variation, a concept they’ve meticulously honed for this special occasion.
Not only will you be tasting Mikael’s creations, he’ll be joining forces with 2025 SA Chef of the Year, Johannes Richter, from The LivingRoom (rated the #1 fine dining experience in KZN by Eat Out). Together, they’ll pair curated coffees with uniquely South African treats, promising an experience that’s both bold and unforgettable.
Meet the team
Mikael is an Indonesian barista and a leading figure in the global speciality coffee scene. He is the 2024 World Barista Champion and a three-time Indonesian Barista Champion. Beyond competing, Jasin co-owns coffee businesses, including So So Good Coffee Company and CATUR Coffee Company, focusing on barista training, coffee consultancy, and unique Indonesian coffee processing. He also founded Omakafé, an omakase-style beverage experience space.
Joining Mikael is his assistant, also travelling from Indonesia, Georgius ‘Odi’ Teja, who has just been crowned the World Coffee in Good Spirits Champion 2025!
Chef Johannes Richter is chef and co-owner of The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate. German-born and Durban-raised, the chef trained at Michelin-star establishments abroad before returning home to open The LivingRoom. His love of local ingredients and strong sustainable ethos see him combine his classic training with both ancient and modern techniques to celebrate KwaZulu-Natal’s culinary diversity with every dish.
His unique approach to cooking, unwavering dedication to sustainability, and relentless pursuit of excellence, rooted in identity, have seen Chef Johannes and The Living Room lauded with a host of accolades. For Chef Johannes, this includes the title of Eat Out Woolworths Chef of the Year 2025 and one knife at the internationally recognised The Best Chef Awards.
The LivingRoom was recognised as the Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant of the Year 2022, and has also been awarded the Eat Out Woolworths Financial Services Sustainability Award 2023 and the Eat Out Woolworths Financial Services Green Star 2025.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: 31 July 2025
Sessions: 10.30am | 12.30pm | 3.00pm
Venue: The Living Room, Summerhill Guest Estate, Durban
Two of the best baristas in the world with the best chef in the country, teaming up to serve you, and only a few others, in an intimate, fully-immersive sensory experience.
Reserve your seat now – your tastebuds will never forgive you if you miss it. Brought to you by The Coffee Magazine and Creative Coffee Events. For queries, contact Mel at mel@magazine.coffee.
Note: There will be a halaal-friendly seating at 10.30am and more can be added if necessary.