JAN X CRYSTAL COURT
A Culinary Collaboration Rooted in Heritage
The Palace of the Lost City proudly partners with Michelin-starred chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen to introduce an exclusive new culinary experience at The Crystal Court - one that puts South Africa’s rich food heritage at the forefront. This collaboration brings to life a menu inspired by traditional ingredients and time-honoured cooking techniques, resulting in a vibrant tribute to the country’s diverse and deeply rooted culinary culture.








THE EXPERIENCE
Step into a reimagined Crystal Court at The Palace of the Lost City - where heritage, flavour, and fine dining converge in breathtaking style. In partnership with Michelin-starred chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, this elevated experience celebrates South Africa’s rich culinary legacy.
The refreshed space blends timeless grandeur with modern elegance, featuring updated interiors, enhanced landscaping, and décor inspired by iconic local ingredients. Guests can enjoy a vibrant buffet at the new circular station or a curated tray menu from the à la carte selection - each dish telling a story of home, heritage, and hearty flavour.
You can look forward to warm hospitality, a beautifully designed space beneath the iconic crystal chandelier, and an immersive culinary journey that honours South Africa’s roots. Expect bold, nostalgic flavours reimagined with elegance, personalised breakfast options, and a setting where every detail - from décor to dish - tells a story worth savouring.
This is more than a meal - it’s a sensory celebration of South African culture, craftsmanship, and culinary artistry.




ABOUT JAN
From the rolling farmlands of South Africa to the glamorous culinary scene of Europe, Michelin-starred chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen has captivated the world with his elegant, evocative take on South African cuisine.
As the visionary behind JAN, the acclaimed restaurant in Nice, France, Jan Hendrik became the first South African chef to earn a Michelin star - an achievement that positioned him as a global ambassador for the flavours and traditions of his homeland. His distinctive approach blends innovation with nostalgia, reimagining local ingredients through refined technique and world-class artistry.
Born and raised on a farm in Mpumalanga, his food philosophy is rooted in heritage, storytelling, and a deep reverence for the land. Today, he brings that philosophy home in an extraordinary collaboration with The Palace of the Lost City.
At The Crystal Court, Jan Hendrik invites guests on a personal journey - from humble beginnings to international acclaim - through a culinary experience that honours South Africa’s rich cultural tapestry and delivers it with signature finesse.















THE MENU
A Refined Celebration of South African Flavour
At the core of this extraordinary collaboration lies a soulful, meticulously curated menu - one that reimagines South African cuisine through the globally renowned lens of Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen. With his signature blend of elegance, innovation, and deep-rooted nostalgia, Jan Hendrik pays homage to the country’s diverse culinary heritage - rich in history, humble ingredients, and bold, unforgettable flavours.
Guests can choose between two elevated breakfast experiences:
The Circular Buffet Station
A striking centrepiece beneath the Palace’s iconic crystal chandelier, this newly introduced buffet wraps around sculptural African elephants - inviting guests to explore a curated selection of seasonal produce, heritage-inspired dishes, and international favourites. Each item is elevated with Jan Hendrik’s hallmark refinement, transforming a traditional buffet into a culinary showcase.
The Curated Tray Menu
For a more personalised experience, guests may opt for a beautifully plated tray menu featuring a selection of à la carte dishes, available at an additional cost. Each plate is a masterclass in presentation, flavour, and storytelling - drawing inspiration from childhood memories, local landscapes, and cherished South African traditions, reimagined for the modern palate.
This is more than a meal - it is an immersive cultural journey. Every bite speaks of place and provenance, of passion and precision, offering international guests a rare opportunity to discover the heart of South Africa through the artistry of its first Michelin-starred chef.
JOIN US AT THE CRYSTAL COURT
Come for the luxury, stay for the story.
OUR CONTACT
014 557 4313 / 4307
lerato.molefe@suninternational.com