When you walk into Thai-Licious in Shelly Beach, you’re not just entering a restaurant,  you’re stepping into the heart of a woman whose journey is steeped in resilience, tradition, and love.

Chef Saran Winters didn’t grow up imagining herself on the South Coast of South Africa. She grew up in Thailand, at the side of her grandmother, learning to cook with instinct, heart, and a deep respect for ingredients. These early lessons became more than recipes,  they became a lifeline.

Nearly two decades ago, Saran made the bold decision to leave Thailand behind in search of a better future. Alone and determined, she came to South Africa to support her family, qualifying as a Thai massage therapist. She brought healing with her hands, and quietly, always, a fire in her heart for cooking.

Twelve years ago, she met her husband Brenden, and together they began a new life built on grit and dreams. In 2022, Saran faced one of her toughest battles , a stage 3 cervical cancer diagnosis ,  and met it with the same unwavering strength she’s brought to every chapter of her life, and still, she dreamed of one thing: cooking.

That dream finally took form when a mutual friend offered the chance to open a restaurant. Thai-Licious was born, a soulful kitchen where Saran could pour her history, her culture, and her love into every plate.

She may not have been born on the South Coast, but she embodies its spirit, warm, strong, and grounded in community. We don’t believe “local” is about birthplace, it’s about being here, giving back, adding flavour to the coast,  and Saran has done that in abundance.

From her hands come not just delicious meals, but the kind of story that feeds the soul. Saran Winters is more than a chef. She’s a symbol of what it means to keep showing up, to keep dreaming, and to make magic out of the everyday.