Known as The Spice Queen, Chef Cass Abrahams brought the vibrant flavours of Cape Malay cuisine to life. Cape Town has lost one of the well-known names behind the Cape Malay cooking following the death of celebrated chef and author Cass Abrahams at the age of 83. Known as The Spice Queen, Abrahams was a specialist in Cape Malay cuisine and culture, with a personality as vibrant as the spices she worked with. For decades, she promoted Cape cuisine and became internationally known for her knowledge of Cape Malay cooking and heritage. Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis paid tribute following her death, saying the City has loved a "beloved cultural elder".