Top 5 Private Chef Apps That Are Revolutionising UK Dining

Booking a private chef without the right tools can be as frustrating as assembling furniture without instructions. It takes time, it’s confusing, and often leaves you comparing options with no clear solution. You can spend browsing through websites and social media, juggling prices, and sorting out the logistics, all without being sure you’ll find the right chef. A Private chef app simplifies this entire process, much like an assembly guide and provides a straightforward way to connect with top chefs. As there aren’t many apps available, finding the one that suits your needs best can make a big difference. That’s why we’ve researched and shortlisted the top five options for you, ensuring your next event is stress-free and enjoyable.
27 October 2024 9 min read
Explore best Private chef apps

Top 5 Apps for Private Chef Booking in the UK

For those seeking a unique dining experience at home, private chef booking apps offer access to top-tier culinary talent across the UK. Whether it’s for a special celebration or a casual gathering, these 5 platforms make it easy to find, book, and enjoy meals crafted by professional chefs right in your own space.

1. Yhangry

Yhangry is a private chef app that was founded in 2019 with the intention of making private chef services more accessible and affordable across the UK. The platform bridges the gap between customers with a diverse range of professional chefs in the UK who prepare restaurant-quality meals in the comfort of their chosen venue. 

Yhangry features chefs with Michelin star experience, celebrity chefs and those who have appeared and won shows like MasterChef, catering to all dining preferences and occasions. The private chef booking app offers a straightforward booking process, clear pricing, and user reviews to guide decisions. 

Unique Features

  • Wide Variety of Cuisines: Yhangry offers a range of menus covering everything from casual meals to fine dining experiences. It even accommodates specific needs like halal-certified meals, making it easy for users to pick something that fits their occasion.
  • Customised Menus: If there are dietary restrictions or particular preferences, Yhangry allows users to personalise their menu. Whether someone needs vegan dishes, gluten-free options, or just a specific theme for the evening, there’s plenty of flexibility.
  • Large Network of Chefs: With over 1,000 chefs available across the UK, users can choose from a wide selection of professionals. The platform also makes it easy to filter chefs by location, availability, and cuisine type.
  • Easy-to-Use Booking System: Booking through Yhangry is straightforward. Users can browse profiles, read reviews, and see pricing upfront. It’s a quick and simple process that gets everything in place with just a few clicks.
  • Event Size Flexibility: Whether it’s a dinner for a small group or a bigger celebration, Yhangry has options to suit. The platform connects users with chefs who have experience catering for various event sizes.

Pros

  • Convenience: Simplifies hosting by managing everything from chef selection to menu customization.
  • Quality: Collaborates with vetted, professional chefs, ensuring high-calibre meals.
  • Customer Support: Provides dependable support to help with any issues. 
  • Cancellation Protection: Offers flexible cancellation options and protection.
  • Direct Communication: Allows direct communication with chefs via the app.

Cons

  • Too Many Chef Options:  Sorting through numerous chefs can take time.
  • Notifications: Multiple offers from chefs may feel overwhelming.
  • Price Range Flexibility: While pricing is transparent, the range of options might cause some back-and-forth.
  • Popular Chefs Get Booked Fast: Top chefs may require early booking.
  • Remote Location Service: While chefs service remote locations in the UK, travel expenses have to be covered.

TrustPilot Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. DineIndulge

DineIndulge is a private and personal chef app offering private chef services across the UK and Europe. It caters to a variety of events, from intimate dinners to larger celebrations, with chefs handling everything from food preparation to clean-up. The service includes a chef who will prepare, cook, and serve meals at your home or venue, using your kitchen and equipment.

Unique Features

  • Fixed-Price Menus: DineIndulge offers set-price menus starting from £34.99 per person, catering to various budgets.
  • All-Inclusive Service: The chef takes care of everything, from sourcing ingredients to cleaning up after the meal.
  • International Reach: DineIndulge operates in multiple countries.

Pros

  • Affordable Pricing: Provides set menus at competitive rates, making them accessible for various budgets.
  • Convenience: The chef manages the entire process, including sourcing ingredients, cooking, serving, and cleaning.
  • Wide Coverage: Available in multiple countries, making it a flexible option for events in various locations.

Cons

  • Limited Menu Flexibility: Menus are set and may not allow much room for customisation.
  • Quality Variation: Chef quality may vary depending on the menu and budget chosen.
  • No Chef Selection: Customers do not get to browse through chef options, as the app team assigns a chef based on requirements and availability.

Trustpilot Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

3. La Belle Assiette

La Belle Assiette is an app for personal chef services across the UK. It’s designed for users who want to bring a restaurant-level experience to their homes, whether it’s a casual dinner or a gourmet event. They provide chefs with Michelin-level expertise and take care of everything from ingredient sourcing to clean-up.

Unique Features

  • Michelin-Experienced Chefs: You can book chefs with Michelin-starred backgrounds for a top-tier dining experience.
  • Wide Range of Events: Suitable for everything from intimate dinners to large corporate gatherings.
  • All-Inclusive Service: Chefs handle all aspects of the meal, from cooking to clean-up, making hosting easier.

Pros

  • Top-Tier Chefs: Michelin-experienced chefs bring restaurant-quality meals to your home.
  • Variety of Dining Styles: Options range from casual to fine dining, covering different preferences.
  • No Hassle: The service covers everything, so the host doesn’t need to lift a finger.

Cons

  • High Cost: Booking Michelin-trained chefs can be expensive.
  • Limited Choice of Chefs: You don’t get to choose a specific chef; the platform assigns one based on availability.
  • Booking Challenges: High-demand chefs may not always be available, especially during peak times.

Trustpilot Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

4. Take a Chef

Take a Chef is an international platform connecting clients with private chefs for a personalised in-home dining experience. Offering services in over 100 countries, it offers a diverse culinary journey tailored to individual preferences.

Unique Features

  • Global Reach: With operations spanning continents, clients can book private chefs in numerous locations worldwide.
  • Personalised Menu Proposals: Chefs provide customised menus based on client preferences, ensuring a tailored dining experience.
  • Direct Chef Interaction: Clients can communicate directly with chefs to refine menu details and specific requirements.

Pros

  • Diverse Culinary Options: Access to a wide array of cuisines and culinary styles from around the world.
  • User-Friendly Booking: An intuitive platform that simplifies the process of finding and booking a private chef.
  • Transparent Reviews: Features a review system that allows clients to assess chef profiles and past client feedback.

Cons

  • Limited Browsing: Browsing options are not streamlined.
  • Pricing Variability: Costs can fluctuate based on the chef’s experience and the event’s specifics, leading to possible budget uncertainties.
  • Limited Oversight: As an intermediary platform, direct oversight of chef performance may be limited.

Trustpilot Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

5. Eden Private Staff 

Eden Private Staff is a platform that specialises in providing high-quality domestic and household staff, including private chefs. The agency focuses on matching clients with chefs tailored to their specific needs, whether for daily family meals or high-profile events. Their private chef service is designed to cater to busy households and high-net-worth individuals, offering chefs with a range of expertise from Michelin-level dining to everyday meal preparation.

Unique Features

  • Bespoke Chefs: Offers a wide range of chefs, from Michelin-trained professionals to family cooks, tailored to client preferences and needs.
  • Flexible Services: Chefs can work on a live-in, live-out, or temporary basis, providing versatility depending on client requirements.
  • Personalised Menu Planning: Chefs cater to specific dietary needs and preferences, including vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and halal options.

Pros

  • Tailored Chef Selection: Clients receive personalised matches based on their household needs and preferences.
  • High-Calibre Chefs: Access to chefs with extensive training, including those with Michelin-star experience.
  • Comprehensive Service: Chefs manage menu planning, food shopping, meal preparation, and even special events.

Cons

  • High Cost: Salaries for private chefs can range per year, which may be a significant investment.
  • Longer Placement Process: The recruitment process may take time to ensure the right match, potentially delaying hires.
  • Limited Flexibility for One-Off Events: Primarily focused on long-term placements, making it less ideal for single-event needs like hen parties or birthdays.

Trustpilot Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Key Considerations When Choosing a Private Chef App

  1. Chef Profiles: Look for private chef apps that provide detailed information about each chef. It helps if you can read reviews from previous clients and get an idea of the chef’s specialities before you book.
  2. Menu Options: If you’re looking for flexibility with your menu, check whether the app allows customisation. Some apps are better suited for tailoring dishes to your preferences, while others stick to set menus.
  3. Booking Availability: It’s worth checking how far in advance you need to book, especially if you’re planning something last-minute. Some chefs get booked up quickly, so an app with better availability can be useful.
  4. Upfront Pricing: Ensure the private or personal chef app provides clear pricing from the start. It’s important to know if there are extra fees for things like travel or ingredients so you’re not caught off guard.
  5. Easy Communication: A good app should make it simple to communicate with the chef. Whether you need to make changes or have questions, it’s a good sign if the app has a straightforward way to reach out.

Navigating the Options: The Best App for Private Chef

When choosing a private chef app, it’s important to consider your specific needs. Each platform we’ve looked at offers something unique, but they also come with their own set of challenges. DineIndulge, for instance, offers affordable menus, but you don’t get to choose your chef. La Belle Assiette brings Michelin-quality chefs but can be expensive. Take a Chef offers a global reach, but the browsing and booking process can be less straightforward. Eden Private Staff focuses on long-term placements, which isn’t ideal for one-off events like hen parties or birthdays.

If you’re looking for a private chef booking app that strikes the right balance, offers flexibility, top-tier chefs, and transparent pricing—yhangry stands out. 

Yhangry allows you to choose from a wide variety of private chefs, customise your menu, and even cater to different budget levels, making it a versatile option for any event. The platform combines the best features of all the top apps to deliver exceptional service. 

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What’s more? With excellent customer support and cancellation protection, yhangry brings something extra to the table.

In the end, the right app depends on what’s most important to you, but if you want a seamless, stress-free experience, yhangry is a strong contender to consider.

FAQs

The cost of a private chef in the UK varies based on the type of event and the number of guests. For small gatherings or casual events, it can start from £30-£70 per person. For more elaborate dining experiences or fine dining menus, the price can go up to £120 per person. These rates typically cover everything from menu planning to clean-up.

A personal chef typically prepares meals ahead of time and delivers them regularly, focusing on meal planning for several days or weeks. They often work with multiple clients. In contrast, a private chef works exclusively for a single client or household, crafting personalised meals and catering to specific events or occasions and one-off events.

Private chefs typically work by designing customised menus based on a client’s preferences, dietary needs, and event requirements. Private chefs may be hired for one-off events or work full-time for households. You can hire private chefs from platforms like yhangry that offer a wide range of options for various occasions.