Titans of Taste: An Exclusive OMAKASE Culinary Experience Unites Coffee and Cuisine

Prepare your senses for an unforgettable culinary adventure as two titans of taste collaborate in a once-in-a-lifetime OMAKASE culinary experience. Later this month, on July 31st, World Barista Champion, Mikael Jasin, joins forces with SA Chef of the Year, Johannes Richter, to craft a multi-sensory journey.

In fact, this is an event 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.

Creative Coffee Events, in partnership with FNB, presents this exclusive collaboration for one day only.

What is an OMAKASE Experience?

The term Omakase is a Japanese phrase that translates to, ‘I’ll leave it up to you’. Essentially, it means you are placing your trust in the chef’s choice and their very capable hands.

For this unique occasion, Mikael and his team from Indonesia have crafted their ‘Omakafe’ variation on the traditional OMAKASE culinary experience—a concept they have worked hard to perfect. Consequently, the chefs will only share these specific pairings at this event, making this a truly unique adventure for all who attend.

A World-Class Food and Coffee Pairing

Not only will you be tasting creations by Mikael, but he is also teaming up with 2025 SA Chef of the Year Johannes Richter from The Living Room (rated the #1 fine dining experience in KZN by Eat Out) to pair the coffees with uniquely South African treats.

To illustrate the calibre of this event, Mikael’s assistant, Georgius ‘Odi’ Teja, who is also travelling from Indonesia, just won the title of World Coffee in Good Spirits Champion 2025!

This means two of the world’s best baristas are teaming up with the country’s top chef to serve you in an intimate, fully immersive sensory experience at The Living Room.

An Intimate OMAKASE Experience

The true beauty of this experience lies in its intimacy. With only 10 people seated per session, the intimate setting guarantees you a personal and immersive flavour journey.

These incredible professionals will serve you directly, explaining the nuances of each pairing. Given these points, it presents an opportunity to interact with culinary masters in a way that’s rarely possible.

The Maestros Behind this Culinary Adventure

Mikael Jasin 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 several coffee businesses, including So So Good Coffee Company and CATUR Coffee Company, focusing on barista training, coffee consultancy, and unique Indonesian coffee processing.

Chef Johannes Richter is the chef and co-owner of The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate. The German-born and Durban-raised chef trained at Michelin-star establishments abroad before returning home.

His love for local ingredients and a strong sustainable ethos sees him combine his classic training with both ancient and modern techniques, celebrating KwaZulu-Natal’s culinary diversity with every dish. Unsurprisingly, his dedication has earned him the title of Eat Out Woolworths Chef of the Year 2025, among many other accolades for himself and The Living Room.

Reserve Your Seat Now

With the event now just two weeks away, seats are extremely limited and will sell out fast. The Coffee Magazine and Creative Coffee Events bring you this unmissable event. Your taste buds will never forgive you if you miss it.

Date: 31st July 2025

Sessions: 10:30 am | 12:30 pm | 3:00 pm

Location: The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate, KZN

Please note that the organisers are offering a Halaal-friendly seating area at 10:30 am and can add more if necessary.

For any queries, contact Mel at mel@magazine.coffee.