Latest news with #TheTasteMasterSA
IOL News
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Kershnie Govender reflects on her journey to the top 3 of Taste Master SA
Kershnie Govender, a self-taught chef and catering business owner, shares her thrilling experience of reaching the top three in the prestigious Taste Master SA competition. Reflecting on her culinary journey, Govender attributes much of her inspiration to her grandmother's nurturing kitchen, where meals were crafted with love and fresh ingredients. With a strong belief in food's power to unite people, she created comforting meals that not only delighted the palate but also fostered a sense of community. 'Making it to the top three has been nothing short of a dream come true. I have always dreamed of opening my own restaurant; this achievement feels like a powerful step forward. It's given me the confidence, exposure, and belief that I have something unique to offer.' Govender shares that the competition intensified during the semi-finals, presenting challenges vastly different from her usual cooking environment. 'Cooking a refined gourmet meal in the comfort of a kitchen is one thing, but doing it in a high-pressure environment over an open flame, under the hot sun, and with strict time limits pushed me out of my comfort zone. It was intense and fast-paced. Normally, if something goes wrong, I can quickly pivot; here it felt like there was no room or time for second-guessing.' She also shared that the high-stakes challenges have not only tested her culinary skills but also taught Govender invaluable lessons about adaptability and resilience. 'This experience taught me a lot about the skill and focus required to deliver quality food in any environment,' she noted. Looking forward, Govender is eager to leverage the skills and confidence gained from The Taste Master SA to expand her catering business further, stating, 'The Taste Master SA has been a life-changing experience for me. The exposure, the skills I've developed, and the confidence I've gained have all ignited a new level of drive in me. Opening my own restaurant is absolutely still on the cards! In fact, this journey has brought that dream even closer.' With her eyes set on the future, Govender also aims to create a unique dining space that not only reflects her heritage but also celebrates the flavours she holds dear. 'I'm more inspired than ever to create a space that honours the flavours I love and brings people together around honest, soulful food. This is just the beginning of a new chapter,' she said. Saturday Star
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'
The Citizen
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Bittersweet farewell for Larcé Raymann from The Taste Master SA cooking competition
Following her exit from The Taste Master SA, Larcé Raymann reflects on the cooking journey that has inspired many plans for her future. Raymann, from Halfway House in Midrand, said her approach to the competition was to keep it simple. 'I know I get flustered under the pressure of the clock. So, I decided to keep it simple.' Read more: Wannabe TV chef takes her cooking skills to another show She said her biggest lesson in the show was to take more risks, and to try out new or different flavour combinations in her cooking. Raymann said, she learnt to trust herself more, and to think outside of the box. 'Now that my Taste Master journey has ended, I have registered for an open day at a culinary school, as I would like to study part-time.' She said she has also identified an apartment to purchase, thinking she'd also like to start her own bed and breakfast business. 'I have also been asked to set a price list for private cheffing. I foresee a lot of involvement in the culinary industry.' She said the lessons she learnt from the guest chefs is nothing short of valuable experience. Raymann added that she will take what she learnt from each chef and infuse it, to refine her culinary skills. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
The South African
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Larcé Raymann bids farewell to The 'Taste Master SA'
This week on The Taste Master SA , South African viewers witnessed the emotional exit of Larcé Raymann. Raymann was one of the season's most creative and composed contestants. During a honey-themed three-course challenge inspired by guest chef Zandi from Hush in My Kitchen , Larcé impressed with her calm confidence. However, she was ultimately eliminated from the competition. The challenge tasked the top five contestants with showcasing honey as the star ingredient. Larcé's menu began with a starter of ricotta, honey-glazed beetroot, prosciutto ham crackling, and rocket. Larcé Raymann's main course featured honey-marinated pork served with mash and honey-glazed carrots, according to thier website. For dessert, she crafted honey and nut puff pastry buns filled with diplomat cream. Despite the delicious dishes, the competition's rising intensity meant Larcé's journey ended this week. Reflecting on her approach, Larcé said, 'I kept it simple. With only two hours and three courses, I didn't want to overcomplicate things. I know how I get flustered under pressure, so simplicity was key.' Larcé Raymann also praised Chef Zandi's masterclass. She highlighted the balance in her vinaigrette and her plating techniques. Larcé Raymann's father deeply influences her culinary style; she describes him as bold and passionate about honey. 'I tried to channel his boldness for this challenge. He simplifies complicated ingredients, a skill I'm eager to develop,' she shared. This personal connection added emotional depth to her dishes. Throughout the competition, Larcé experienced significant growth. She especially enjoyed Chef Zola's bold labneh class and the pasta masterclass. Larcé Raymann also admired Chef Nathan's elevation of simple ingredients, like his pap fondant. 'I learned to trust myself more, think boldly, take risks and try new things,' she reflected. Looking back, Larcé admitted she would have taken more risks in the honey challenge. 'I wanted to make a mousse for my main course and a honey cake for dessert using a siphon gun. Next time, I'll try something new.' Though her time on The Taste Master SA has ended, Larcé's culinary journey is just beginning. She plans to study part-time at a culinary school and has her sights set on launching a bed and breakfast. She has already been approached to offer private chef services and is preparing a price list. Larcé's passion and fearless flavour promise to inspire kitchens across South Africa for years to come. The Taste Master SA airs every Tuesday at 19:30 on SABC 2, with repeats on Wednesdays at 13:00 and Sundays at 16:00. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Lowveld baker takes on The Taste Master SA
Chevonne Fourie, a passionate upcoming baker is competing in the sixth season of The Taste Master SA cooking competition. The show is already airing on SABC 2 and is presented and judged by the renowned chef, Zola Nene. Each episode has a new baking or cooking challenge, which gets judged by a rotating panel. These include Nene's mother, Chef Anwar Abdullatief, as well as Daniel Blignaut, Nathan Clarke, Justin Barker and other guest judges. ALSO READ: Mbombela boy bakes banana bread for trip to the seaside With two challenge wins to her name, Fourie has already proved herself a force to be reckoned with. She won the judges over with a mouth-watering orange and poppy seed cake in the Mother's Day challenge, and followed it up with a winning mushroom fagottini – an Italian-inspired stuffed pasta dish. All her recipes can be found on The Taste Master SA's website for viewers and foodies to try out. Fourie grew up in the Lowveld and began cooking and baking with her grandmother at just five years old in their family-owned hotel, the Böhm Zeederberg Country House in Hazyview. 'I remember preparing snacks for the guests with my grandmother in the kitchen and enjoying the new things I learnt from her,' Fourie shared. She also learnt to cook in her mother's restaurant, the Bohemian Groove Cafe, situated in her hometown, Kaapsehoop. She was a learner of Hoërskool Nelspruit and competed in a few cooking competitions. In Grade 11 she won her first cooking competition, 'Skole Kook' in Mpumalanga with her team in 2017. ALSO READ: No-Bake Macadamia Millionaire bar After finishing school, she was awarded a scholarship at the Capital Hotel School in Pretoria and pursued her dreams of becoming a pastry chef. She has her own patisserie called Botter is Liefde, where she makes custom cakes and pastries. Through The Taste Master SA competition, she hopes to improve her cooking skills and expand her network in the culinary industry. 'Of course winning would be the icing on the cake, but I'm here for the experience,' Fourie admitted. Viewers can watch new episodes every Tuesday at 19:30 on SABC 2. Missed an episode? Catch up on The Taste Master SA's YouTube channel and follow the journey to the next winner. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
