Keynote speaker, culinary storyteller, media host, and wellness-focused food expert
Corporate teams, wellness and lifestyle events, food and hospitality sectors, cultural organisations, women’s leadership forums, and audiences interested in innovation, identity, and storytelling through food.
Kamini Pather is a celebrated South African culinary innovator whose work spans food media, entrepreneurship, wellness, and cultural storytelling. Known internationally for winning MasterChef South Africa Season 2, she has since built a diverse and influential career that reflects her creativity, curiosity, and commitment to elevating food as both an art and a cultural bridge. Her award-winning presence on screen includes hosting the Food Network’s travel series Girl Eat World, which took her to ten global cities and showcased her ability to weave cuisine with culture, human connection, and narrative depth.
Based in Cape Town, Kamini continues to extend her influence across platforms—as a cookbook author, podcaster, food strategist, and sought-after speaker. Her latest cookbook, All Dhal’d Up, highlights her Indian heritage while reimagining traditional flavours through a contemporary, health-forward lens. This cultural grounding informs her keynote topics, which explore future food trends, wellness through food, sustainable eating, authenticity in personal branding, and the power of storytelling in shaping identity and community.
Kamini’s journey is one of reinvention. Before rising to public prominence, she worked as a copywriter and digital content creator, sharpening her storytelling skills and strategic mindset.
Kamini Pather is a name synonymous with innovation, inspiration, and culinary brilliance. As the celebrated winner of MasterChef South Africa Season 2, Kamini has transformed her passion for food into a dynamic career that spans television, authorship, podcasting, and speaking. From hosting the Food Network’s acclaimed travel series Girl Eat World to publishing her latest cookbook All Dhal’d Up, she has captivated audiences with her authentic voice and creative vision.
Based in Cape Town, South Africa, Kamini’s work extends far beyond the kitchen. Her speaking engagements are rich with cultural insight, wellness wisdom, and entrepreneurial grit. Drawing from her Indian heritage and global culinary experiences, she connects powerfully with diverse audiences—whether she’s addressing future food trends, personal branding, wellness through food, or the stories that shape our meals. With every appearance, Kamini leaves audiences inspired, informed, and hungry for more.
Kamini Pather’s story is one of reinvention and resilience. Before stepping into the limelight, she was a copywriter and digital content creator. Her breakthrough came in 2013 when she won MasterChef South Africa, proving her culinary prowess and creative flair under intense pressure. That victory launched her into the public eye and opened doors to global opportunities, from television hosting to international speaking engagements.
One of Kamini’s most prominent roles came with Girl Eat World, a travel and food series that took her to ten cities around the world. Airing on Food Network and other international platforms, the show not only showcased Kamini Pather’s engaging on-screen presence but also emphasized her talent for weaving food with culture and storytelling. Her deep empathy and curiosity made her a natural ambassador for cross-cultural exploration.
In the years that followed, Kamini Pathercontinued to evolve as a thought leader in food media. She launched Eat Glocal, her digital cookbook that celebrates hyperlocal ingredients with a global twist. Her latest cookbook, All Dhal’d Up, is a vibrant celebration of Indian-inspired plant-based dishes—designed for the modern lifestyle. These works are more than recipes; they are manifestos for conscious living and eating.
As a speaker, Kamini is known for her fresh perspectives on entrepreneurship, wellness, identity, and the culinary arts. She is a dynamic storyteller who draws on personal experience, cultural heritage, and industry insights to inspire audiences across industries. Whether addressing business professionals, food entrepreneurs, or university students, Kamini brings an energetic, relatable voice to every stage.
Kamini’s media credentials further solidify her authority in the field. She has contributed to multiple publications, appeared on South Africa’s top lifestyle shows, and collaborated with leading brands such as Woolworths, Samsung, and Food24. Her online presence is equally impactful—she engages thousands across social platforms, using her voice to advocate for sustainability, mindful consumption, and inclusive food narratives.
With her dynamic presence, cultural fluency, and media-savvy approach, Kamini Pather offers immense value to any event. She embodies excellence, expertise, and authenticity—making her a standout choice for planners looking to inspire, educate, and empower their audiences.
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This episode of Insider SA follows chef, author, and TV host Kamini Pather as she explores the relationship between movement, nourishment, and cultural food traditions. She opens with the mantra “she who eats must run,” reflecting her long-standing dual passion for fitness and food. Reintroducing herself in her hometown of Durban, she credits the city’s warm people, warm ocean, and early sunrise for inspiring her active lifestyle. Kamini explains her current training routine—three weekly runs plus two strength sessions—as she prepares for another Cape Town Marathon, which she hopes will soon be recognised as a World Major.
She then reflects on her culinary journey, from winning MasterChef South Africa to producing the SAFTA-winning travel series Girl Eat World, which took her to ten global destinations. During lockdown, she channelled her creative energy into writing and producing her latest e-cookbook focused on South African Indian home cooking.
Kamini visits longtime collaborator and food stylist Candice for a cooking session featuring one of her signature dishes: bacon dhal. Together they walk through the preparation, explaining the ingredients—lentils, garlic, saffron, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and chilli—before adding crispy bacon for depth and richness. Kamini highlights saffron’s value and cultural significance while preparing rustic sourdough croutons to complete the dish.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
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The judges on MasterChef South Africa kept telling Kamini Pather to ‘put yourself on the plate’ and she believes that to her core. Growing up in ’90s South Africa and being almost the only ‘person of colour’ at her school, she has vivid memories of how different the dining room tables between her home and the homes of her friends were.
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