Entrepreneur | Culinary Consultant & Storyteller | Author | Award-Winner
When Caz Gundu moved from Zimbabwe to the UK at the age of nine, she brought with her a deep love for food that would soon blossom into an exciting culinary adventure. Growing up in the coastal town of Bournemouth, she was introduced to the joys of cooking at a young age, often helping her parents prepare dinner. By the age of ten, Caz was already a budding chef in the making. At 14, a serendipitous entry into a cooking competition changed everything. Despite being a last-minute replacement, Caz wowed the judges, winning several rounds and finishing a close second in the finals. This competition opened her eyes to the art of food presentation and the use of ingredients like wine and cream, far from the norm in her Zimbabwean household. Dinner time was never the same again.
Fast forward to 2014, Caz launched "Cooking With Caz" on Snapchat, initially as a hobby while searching for the perfect graduate job. Inspired by her university days and the need for an outlet during post-graduation uncertainty, Caz turned her love for cooking into a social media sensation.
Despite landing a job as an Analyst in the energy and utilities sector, she managed to grow her culinary brand alongside her professional career.
Caz’s cooking style marries traditional Zimbabwean recipes with modern twists, drawing inspiration from her childhood and the diverse culinary influences she encountered in the UK.
"Cooking With Caz" has evolved into a chic Southern African foodie brand, showcasing her creative recipes through unique dining experiences, bespoke catering services, and her debut book, "Zimbabwean Food Reimagined."
Cooking With Caz has expanded beyond social media. Caz now offers catering services, street food, and hosts her flagship summer event, the Boozy African Brunch, which has sold out in London and Birmingham. She has spoken at Africa Food Week London, raising awareness about the evolving Zimbabwean food scene, and even filmed her own cooking show.
Through her work, Caz aims to revolutionize Zimbabwean cuisine, experimenting with traditional recipes and creating new ones. But at the heart of it all, Caz just loves to cook and share her passion for food with others. Join her on this delicious journey as she puts Zimbabwean food on the global culinary map, one reimagined recipe at a time.
Caz Gundu is not just an entrepreneur; she's a culinary storyteller, blending her rich heritage with innovative twists to create unforgettable dining experiences.
Social Media Handles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cookingwithcaz/