Tributes are pouring in following the death over the weekend of celebrated chef and author Cass Abrahams at the age of 83.

Abrahams was internationally recognised for championing Cape Malay cuisine and culture and helped to take local dishes to audiences around the world.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis expressed the City’s condolences, describing Abrahams as a “beloved cultural elder” who gave generations of Capetonians a deeper appreciation of our heritage and the stories behind our food.

“Her legacy will live on in the kitchens, recipes and traditions of this city, and in everyone she inspired.”

The City extended its condolences to Abrahams’ family, friends, colleagues and the many people whose lives she touched.

Abrahams promoted dishes such as bobotie, bredies, and denningvleis to audiences far beyond Cape Town.

She became renowned internationally for her knowledge of Cape Malay cooking and culture.

Abrahams taught cooking, catered, consulted to restaurants, appeared on television, published several books and was a lifelong member of the Chefs Association of South Africa.