About Caraway International Hospitality Institute
An industry-led culinary school
Caraway International Hospitality Institute is a professional culinary school based at The Breakers Resort in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal. We offer full-time and part-time chef training, combining culinary theory with practical kitchen experience and individual student support.
As an approved centre for Highfield Qualifications, Caraway offers internationally recognised chef qualifications designed to prepare students for professional kitchen careers in South Africa and abroad.
Professional Chef Training Shaped by Industry
Caraway was established to provide practical, career-focused culinary education in a supportive learning environment. Students develop professional cooking skills, kitchen discipline, creativity and confidence through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on training.
Depending on the course selected, training covers professional cookery, patisserie, food safety, kitchen operations, menu planning, cost control and culinary business skills. Selected programmes also include industry placement, giving students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a working kitchen.
Small classes allow our lecturers to work closely with each student, identify areas for development and provide the guidance needed to progress.
A Welcome from Chef Sharon
In this short video, Head Chef Sharon Visagie introduces Caraway, explains our approach to culinary training and shares what students can expect when they join the institute.
Founded on Restaurant Experience
Robert Mitchell, founder of Caraway International Hospitality Institute, brings decades of restaurant and hospitality experience to the school.
Throughout his career, Rob helped establish and operate some of the best-known names on KwaZulu-Natal’s restaurant and entertainment scene, including The Keg, Woodcutters, McGinty’s, Billy the BUMS, Joe Kool’s and Firkin. Several of these brands became highly successful in their time, with some developing into franchise networks across South Africa.
His entrepreneurial experience in restaurant operations, franchising, business development and team management gives Caraway students valuable insight into the commercial side of the culinary industry. Rob encourages aspiring chefs to understand not only how to work in a professional kitchen, but also what it takes to establish and manage a successful hospitality business.
Meet the Caraway Team
Chef Sharon Visage
PRINCIPAL & HEAD CHEF
Chef Sharon Visagie is the Principal and Head Chef at Caraway, leading both the culinary training team and the day-to-day academic direction of the school. Her approach to teaching is practical, hands-on and focused on helping students grow in both skill and confidence.
Sharon combines the essential theory students need with plenty of practical time in the training kitchen, giving them a real understanding of what it takes to work in a professional kitchen. She is passionate about developing chefs who are capable, disciplined and creative, while preparing them for the realities and opportunities of the hospitality industry.
Hadley Matthews
MARKETING & STUDENT SUPPORT
Hadley Matthews is often the first friendly face students and prospective students meet at Caraway. She helps students with everything from course information and campus visits to applications and general support throughout their studies.
Alongside student support, Hadley manages Caraway’s marketing and communications, helping prospective students discover what Caraway has to offer and keeping current students informed along the way. She is passionate about making the process of choosing a career and studying at Caraway feel as straightforward, welcoming and exciting as possible.
Chef Megan Khan
CULINARY TEAM
Chef Megan Khan brings a wealth of food and beverage and hospitality experience to Caraway’s culinary team. Her industry background allows her to give students a real-world perspective on what it takes to work in a professional kitchen and within the wider hospitality industry.
Megan shares practical knowledge about kitchen operations, teamwork, professional standards and the day-to-day realities of hospitality. Together with Chef Sharon, she helps students develop not only their culinary skills, but also the confidence and professionalism they need to take their next step into the industry.
Interested? Contact us today!
Contact us for more information, answers to your questions, a campus tour or help with enrolment, and take the first step towards your culinary career.