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Restaurant Klein JAN in Kalahari Desert

Caolan O'Neill Forde, Staff Writer

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1 week ago

Fine dining in the middle of a desert? Absolutely. Welcome to Restaurant Klein JAN, where the vast, untamed beauty of the Kalahari meets world-class cuisine. This isn’t just a restaurant – it’s an adventure, a celebration, and a feast for all the senses. Here is all you need to know about the new Michelin restaurant in the Kalahari Desert.

The Restaurant

Dining at Restaurant Klein JAN provides an experience few can rival. Located in Tswalu, a private wildlife reserve located in the southern Kalahari region of South Africa, Restaurant Klein JAN is a culinary experience that tells the story of South African culture through food. It’s a gourmet meal beneath the endless African sky, in one of South Africa’s leading private game reserves. After all, the goal was to bring Chef Jan Hendrik’s Michelin-star restaurant, JAN, in Nice to home soil. Throw in the distant roar of a lion (a touch of drama), and you have an experience unlike any other.

Michelin Star chef, Chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen (South African native, who grew up in the rural Mpumalanga province), worked closely with Tswalu’s executive chef, Marnus Scholly, for two years. They explored the authentic flavors, heritage foods, and culinary traditions of the Northern Cape. The result? A seasonally evolving, multi-course menu, driven by local provenance and sustainable sourcing, where every bite tells a story.

Then there’s the subterranean root cellar, four meters below the sand, where ingredients are preserved in the coolest way possible. Whether you’re indulging in a multi-course masterpiece or nibbling on perfectly-aged local cheeses, you’re in for something truly special. The cellar is more than just storage, it’s the heart of Klein JAN’s commitment to sustainability and storytelling.

The Menu

The menu at Klein JAN is a celebration of the bold, authentic flavors of Chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen homeland. Every dish pays tribute to the country’s rich culinary heritage, meticulously curated for an unforgettable dining experience. Some standout dishes include:

Springbok Tartare: A delicate starter featuring finely chopped springbok, lightly seasoned, and served with wild herbs foraged from the reserve.
Kalahari Truffle Risotto: This dish showcases the rare Kalahari truffle, known for its intense aroma and unique flavor, paired perfectly with creamy risotto.
Karoo Lamb: A main course that highlights tender lamb sourced from the Karoo region, slow-cooked to perfection and accompanied by a medley of seasonal vegetables.
Baobab Sorbet: A refreshing dessert made from the fruit of the baobab tree, offering a tangy and sweet finish to the meal.

Each dish is not only a feast for the palate but also a sight to behold. The presentation is designed to reflect the natural beauty of the Kalahari, with elements such as edible flowers, indigenous herbs, and vibrant colors.

After your Meal

At Restaurant Klein JAN, food is just the beginning. Before or after your feast, it’s imperative to explore the Tswalu Reserve, home to rare wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Or maybe you’d prefer a starlit dinner under the Milky Way, where your only distractions are the twinkling constellations above. Whether it’s a guided tour of the reserve, a starlit dinner in the desert, or a private culinary demonstration by Chef Jan himself, every moment is designed to enchant and delight.

FAQs

Q: Where is Restaurant Klein JAN located?
A: Restaurant Klein JAN is located right in the heart of South Africa’s Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, an exclusive wilderness sanctuary.

Q: What can I expect on the menu at Restaurant Klein JAN?
A: At Restaurant Klein JAN, you can expect a seasonal tasting menu featuring the finest local ingredients, from succulent meats to foraged greens, all with Chef Jan’s signature flair.

Q: Is the experience Restaurant Klein JAN family-friendly?
A: The refined setting of Restaurant Klein JAN is best suited for adults and children over 12, who appreciate an unforgettable fine-dining experience.

Q: How do I book a table at Restaurant Klein JAN?
A: Reservations are a must at Restaurant Klein JAN. Secure your spot through the restaurant’s website or via Tswalu Kalahari Reserve. Seats fill up fast, so book well in advance.