Karen Dudley (born 5 January 1968)[2] is a South African chef, food writer, and restaurateur.

She is best known for her restaurant, The Kitchen in Woodstock, Cape Town,[3] which was visited by former First Lady Michelle Obama in June 2011.

[8] She has been a guest judge on the reality cooking show My Kitchen Rules South Africa and is often interviewed on national TV.

[17][18] South African food blogger Andy Fenner has described Dudley as "a genius with vegetables and teasing flavour out of simple things".

[19] Yolisa Qunta of Daily Maverick noted that her work is "driven by community" and that the recipes which she shares with the public "emphasise the texture and flavour of fresh produce and finding the perfect condiments and relishes to compliment.