There are dinners you enjoy, and then there are dinners you talk about for years. Le Petit Chef at Hemingways Nairobi is firmly in the second category — and our very own Amy recently got a sneak peek on a familiarization trip that left her absolutely enchanted.
If you’re planning a Kenya safari and want to add a truly unforgettable evening to your itinerary, read on. This is one experience you will not want to miss.
What Is Le Petit Chef?
Le Petit Chef is a one-of-a-kind dining concept that combines world-class cuisine with theatrical 3D table projection mapping. Created by the artists at Skullmapping and first launched in 2015, the experience became an instant sensation — racking up millions of views on social media and earning a reputation as one of the most unique dining experiences on the planet.
The concept is simple and utterly delightful: a tiny animated chef — the world’s smallest, in fact — is projected directly onto your dinner table, cooking up each course right before your eyes. The little chef chops, stirs, sautées, and plates his creations in miniature, and just as he finishes his work, the real dish arrives at your table. The experience is whimsical and fun for guests of all ages, from 1 to 100.
Le Petit Chef Comes to Nairobi
Le Petit Chef has only just began today, March 21st, at Hemingways Nairobi, and it is already causing quite a stir. Amy from the Hills of Africa team was lucky enough to experience it firsthand during her recent visit, and she came back with glowing reviews.
She watched, delighted, as the tiny projected chef appeared on her table and began preparing her burrata salad — carefully assembling every element in miniature detail. From farming on the tablecloth in front of her to carefully placing the salad on her plate. The moment he put the finishing touches on his little masterpiece, the servers arrived with the real dish.
That is the genius of Le Petit Chef. The food is excellent — this is Hemingways, after all — but the experience transforms dinner into something much more. It’s a story. It’s a show. It’s a memory.
About Hemingways Nairobi
For those who haven’t had the pleasure, Hemingways Nairobi is an exclusive boutique hotel set between Nairobi National Park and the foot of the Ngong Hills — a serene, stunning location that feels worlds away from the city, yet is perfectly positioned for both urban exploration and safari departures. The Brasserie at Hemingways is considered a culinary landmark in Nairobi’s food scene, led by a Michelin-starred culinary team producing modern European cuisine with innovative twists.
In short, Hemingways is exactly the kind of property where Le Petit Chef belongs. Exceptional food, impeccable service, and a setting that makes every occasion feel special.
How to Book Le Petit Chef Nairobi
Here’s the thing: word has gotten out. Reservations for Le Petit Chef Nairobi are already sold out for the next month or so, which tells you everything you need to know about how popular this experience has become, and how quickly. The good news is that Le Petit Chef is expected to remain at Hemingways Nairobi for at least the next six months, so there is still plenty of opportunity to experience it for yourself.
Our advice? Don’t wait. If you’re planning a Kenya trip in the coming months, build this into your itinerary now and secure your reservation early.
The Perfect Addition to Your Kenya Safari
One of the things we love most about this experience is how perfectly it fits into a Kenya safari itinerary. Most guests spend their first or last night of a safari in Nairobi before heading out to the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or beyond. Le Petit Chef Nairobi turns what might otherwise be a transitional night into a highlight all its own.
It’s also a wonderful option for families. The playful, visual nature of the experience captures the imagination of children and adults alike — and after days of wildlife wonder on safari, a little theatrical dinner magic feels like a perfectly fitting finale.
Plan Your Kenya Safari with Hills of Africa
At Hills of Africa Travel, we are always on the lookout for the experiences that make a trip truly extraordinary, not just the game drives and the lodges, but the moments that surprise and delight you. Le Petit Chef Nairobi is exactly that kind of experience, and we are so glad Amy got to witness it firsthand.
If you’re dreaming of Kenya: the Maasai Mara, the coast, the wildlife, and now a world-famous tiny chef cooking on your dinner table — we would love to help you plan it. We know these properties personally, we vet every experience we recommend, and we are here to make sure your trip exceeds every expectation.
Ready to add Le Petit Chef Nairobi to your Kenya itinerary? Contact Hills of Africa Travel and let’s start planning.