From cleaner to sushi chef

In the world of culinary arts, success stories often emerge from the most unexpected places. For 18 years, Swakopmund-based chef Simon Amukwata has fought against the odds, turning his humble beginnings into a tale of inspiration.Amukwata&#039;s journey from scrubbing toilets to mastering the art of sushi has captivated the hearts of many. Beginning as a cleaner in a sushi restaurant, his days were spent ensuring that every corner of the establishment was spotless, but little did he know that he was cleaning more than just restrooms – he was cleaning the path to his future.Driven by a deep passion for food and an unyielding determination to rise above his circumstances, Amukwata started to observe the chefs at work during his breaks.According to him, the sounds, aromas and the precision with which the chefs crafted their dishes ignited a spark within him. It was then that he decided to trade his mop for a chef&#039;s knife."I knew that I was talented and destined for great things because I love being creative," the humble Amukwata said in an interview at the Nedbank Food Festival, which took place in Swakopmund last week.Self-taughtWith no culinary education, Amukwata embarked on a relentless journey of self-learning. He devoured every piece of culinary literature he could find, practiced tirelessly in his home kitchen and sought guidance from his colleagues and experienced chefs whenever possible. His dedication and talent did not go unnoticed."I decided to improve myself so I went to South Africa where I got training from a Japanese sushi master," he saidOver the years, Amukwata climbed the culinary ladder, absorbing knowledge and honing his skills with each passing day. The turning point in his career came when he discovered his love for sushi. Intrigued by the delicate artistry, he immersed himself in the world of Japanese culinary traditions. From perfecting the art of rice preparation to mastering the techniques of slicing raw fish, his dedication was unwavering."I decided to take part to part in this year&#039;s Nedbank Food Festival to raise awareness about the sushi made at Yokohama Sushi. Even when you search for the best sushi places in Swakopmund, Yokohama appears top of that list," Amukwata said of the restaurant he owns.nikanor@erongo.com.na

From cleaner to sushi chef

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

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From cleaner to sushi chef

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

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