Latest news with #Masinya
The Citizen
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘I am a Kasi boy who was once homeless' says The Taste Master SA winner Chef Lucky Masinya
Masinya excelled with dishes that not only combined modern rustic charm with fine-dining finesse, but also were visually stunning and flavour-rich. Chef Lucky Masinya was crowned the winner of The Taste Master SA's sixth season, beating nine other contestants to the title. 'I am a Kasi boy who was once homeless and also once lived in a care home, and now I have won a national competition that I believe will change my life forever,' said Masinya. As a youngster, Masinya lived under a bridge on Joe Slovo Drive in downtown Johannesburg. ALSO READ: 'It was an awesome moment': Tshegofatso Mabasa's mother on being included in the Pirates doccie The Taste Master SA The Taste Master SA, which aired on SABC 2, featured 10 contestants, all of whom faced a diverse set of culinary and baking challenges – both sweet and savoury – under the guidance of lead judge Zola Nene and a raft of rotating guest judges. 'The moment my name was announced as the winner was totally surreal. My heart dropped and then started beating really fast. My right leg was shaking! I have been reliving the moment ever since – it's one of those moments that I'll forever cherish and hold close,' he says. Over the 11 weeks that the competition ran, participants faced weekly themed tasks designed to push their culinary storytelling, technique and presentation to the edge. Masinya excelled with dishes that not only combined modern rustic charm with fine-dining finesse, but also were visually stunning and flavour-rich. ALSO READ: Recipe of the day: Baked fish with mushroom caponata Food must feel like a hug Masinya's story of being homeless to becoming a champion chef is the kind of stuff you watch in movies. After leaving school, he received a scholarship that enabled him to complete a diploma in patisserie almost 10 years ago. Soon after that, Masinya got the opportunity to work in London alongside the best at the Ritz, Le Manoir Aux Quat'Saisons and Pretty Sweet, where he met celebrities such as Drake and Rihanna. Now he's passing on his knowledge to future chefs at Capsicum Culinary Studio. 'I loved my time on the show – it's not all the glitz and glam that everybody sees on television but it did stretch my creativity. What also inspired me were my colleagues, my students and my friends who have always believed in me. 'Every dish that I made on the show reminded me of my family and of home. Food, for me, must feel like a hug. 'Going to restaurants is amazing but there is no food that tastes better than food that is cooked at home. So I made a creamy chicken pasta, roasted lamb and stuffed chicken and, on the sweet side, macarons, tiramisu and churros with caramel ganache.' NOW READ: Natasha Thahane: 'God has been healing me through my characters'
IOL News
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Lucky Mashudu Masinya's journey from Joe Slovo Drive to culinary champion
In an inspiring twist of fate, Lucky Mashudu Masinya, once sleeping under a bridge on Joe Slovo Drive in bustling downtown Johannesburg, has been crowned the 2025 Taste Master South Africa champion on SABC2. In an inspiring twist of fate, Lucky Mashudu Masinya, once sleeping under a bridge on Joe Slovo Drive in bustling downtown Johannesburg, has been crowned the 2025 Taste Master South Africa champion on SABC2. Lucky Mashudu Masinya has marked a momentous milestone is his culinary journey after emerging victorious as the 2025 champion of Taste Master South Africa. From sleeping under a bridge on Joe Slovo Drive in downtown Johannesburg and begging for food to currently being employed as a patisserie lecturer at the Rosebank campus of Capsicum Culinary Studio, Mashinya's journey to success is a testament to the power of perseverance. Reflecting on his incredible journey, Masinya shared, 'I am a Kasi boy who was once homeless and also once lived in a care home. Now, I have won a national competition that I believe will change my life forever. It is never too late to start over. If I can do it, anyone can do it. Never give up - you never know who is watching. ' Taste Master SA, now in its sixth season, showcased the talents of ten contestants over the span of 11 weeks, presenting numerous culinary and baking challenges, both sweet and savoury. Under the meticulous gaze of head judge Zola Nene and various guest judges, Masinya consistently stood out, skilfully blending rustic comforts with fine-dining touches. His culinary creations were not only visually stunning but also rich in flavour, expressing the very essence of his unique life experiences. The emotional high of the competition peaked when Masinya was announced as the winner, resulting in a cash prize of R200 000 from Capitec Bank. 'The moment my name was announced as the winner was totally surreal. My heart dropped and then started beating really fast. My right leg was shaking!' he remarked, recalling the joy of his triumph. 'I have been reliving the moment ever since, it's one of those moments that I'll forever cherish and hold close.' During his competition journey, Masinya found inspiration not only from the challenges but also from the unwavering support of colleagues, students, and friends. 'Every dish that I made on the show reminded me of my family and of home. Food, for me, must feel like a hug,' he commented. Dishes such as creamy chicken pasta, roasted lamb, and indulgent desserts like macarons, tiramisu, and churros with caramel ganache allowed him to translate his memories into intricate culinary experiences. After completing school, Masinya's dream of pursuing a career in patisserie blossomed with a scholarship, enabling him to gain valuable skills and experience. Nearly a decade ago, he revealed that he participated in a remarkable work experience program in London, where he trained alongside culinary icons at The Ritz and Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, meeting renowned celebrities. Masinya's aspirations extend beyond his current success; he says he dreams of opening a dessert bar in Johannesburg, taking inspiration from the acclaimed pastry chef Janice Wong's innovative 2am: dessert bar in Singapore. 'South Africa is big on food, but we are not big when it comes to pastry, chocolates, and desserts. So I'm busy steering the life of Lucky in that direction,' he elaborated. Renee Hill, Managing Director of Capsicum, echoed her pride in Masinya's achievements, stating, 'Lucky's culinary style reflects a sophisticated synthesis of artistry and precision. As a patisserie lecturer, he brings profound knowledge of technical pastry techniques while infusing each creation with rustic warmth and aesthetic flair. He is a real asset to our teaching staff and a wonderful inspiration to our students.' Saturday Star
