Driven by a deep-seated passion for her career, Sumai Mooidheen’s name is synonymous with exquisite food and quality customer service.
As the head chef for Newcastle Club, Sumai’s journey in the hospitality industry began just over 15 years ago. “I initially wanted to become a lawyer and was actually accepted to study at the University of Cape Town.”
But due to financial constraints, Sumai had to give up her dream to pursue a career in the legal world. “I went to Majuba TVET College, which was then known as St Oswald’s Technikon. I decided to take hospitality, which was amusing as I was a real tomboy growing up and never showed any interest in the hospitality industry before.”
Despite never showing any interest in the field before, Sumai proved to have a natural talent around food and a persona that proved to be beneficial around customers.
“One of my lecturers actually pulled me aside one day and told me I must take my studies more seriously, as I was really good at what I was studying,” says Sumai.
At that instant, Sumai began to take her new profession seriously, flourishing in her new environment. Her life changed tremendously when she did her N6 and did an internship at Newcastle Club.
“I was offered a job at Newcastle Club and I took it,” she says.
Since then, Sumai has worked herself up to head chef and customer liaison. Two positions which she takes seriously.
“I enjoy the people and my career challenges me to do better and produce more.”
Her biggest driving forces are her family and customers. “I come from a family of food lovers. If I make something for them to eat and they don’t like it, I will not serve it to my customers.”
Furthermore, she says working at Newcastle Club has put her in an interesting position. “I get to know the members and I have to find new ways to make the food exciting, as everyone has a different pallet and taste buds.”
As a person who thrives under pressure, Sumai says she loves preparing food for functions. As it allows her to embrace her creativity and experiment with food.
Having built a name for herself in Newcastle over the years, Sumai says she would love to go to Abu Dhabi. “I would like to work in Abu Dhabi under a professional chef and learn something completely different.”
Does Sumai regret not pursuing a legal career?
Not at all, she explains, as she has found her true passion in the hospitality industry.
What advice can she give to those who want to pursue a career as a chef in the hospitality industry?
“It is not something where you wake up one day and say, I am going to do this. It must be in your veins and you must have a passion for it. You must be willing to work long hours and sacrifice a lot of your time.”
As she constantly strives for success, Sumai says her husband, two sons and mother are her biggest driving forces. Through their constant support, she is able to embrace the career she loves so much.
We at the Newcastillian love talented people! Thus, we salute you and wish you a massively successful career!
