and SABC 3’s MasterChef South Africa is on the list of nominees
Unsurprisingly, the world-class fifth season of MasterChef South Africa received a nomination when the prestigious South African Restaurant Awards (SaraTable) added a television category to extend its celebration of local cuisine. The South African Restaurant Awards forms part of the World Restaurant Awards Group, which also produces the British Restaurant Awards in the UK.
MasterChef South Africa, up for possibly winning Best Cooking Show at SaraTable, moved into its new home on S3 last year when the public broadcaster’s content team, under the leadership of Lala Tuku, revitalised the global cooking show phenomenon for the enjoyment of all South Africans.
The first four seasons of MasterChef South Africa, which paved the way for a plethora of local cooking shows, initially aired on pay television platforms. While esteemed MasterChef South Africa judges Zola Nene and Justine Drake reprised their roles on SABC’s MasterChef South Africa, the award-winning Eldorado Park-born culinary star Chef Katlego Mlambo became the third member of the decision-making trio.
“It was such an honour to be part of this SABC magnificent production,” Chef Katlego said. “Kudos to all the experts working behind the scenes – true masters in their respective fields. I also loved how authentic South African and African food from various cultures featured in the MasterChef kitchen. Dombola ushatini, amasi, umngqusho, skilpadjies, bully beef, pap, and wors transformed into fine dining! But what made this season extra special was the diverse group of highly talented contestants and knowing how exposure on a massive television platform kickstarted their culinary careers.”
Ultimately, 20-year-old student Bridget Mangwandi made global history by becoming the youngest contestant to win MasterChef and the first black woman to clinch the MasterChef South Africa title.
During the delectable course of the fifth season of MasterChef South Africa, some of the country’s finest chefs and restaurateurs also visited the MasterChef kitchen to mentor and critique the contestants. These guest judged included amongst others Empangeni-born Chef Nokx Majozi, now known as “London’s pie queen”, our own “Sotho-Italian” restaurateur Chef Alessandro “Alex” Mosupi Khojane, Mitchell Plain’s bougee brunch master Ebie du Toit, spice king Vusi Ndlovu and culinary entrepreneur Chef Bertus Basson.
Last year’s SaraTable’s Best Chef winner, Moses Moloi, was also a guest judge on MasterChef South Africa, while Chef Wandile Mabaso, who mentored the top three contestants in the finale, is one of this year’s nominees, alongside MasterChef judge Zola Nene.
Zola recently scooped the Culinary Media Personality of the Year title at the renowned Luxe Restaurant Awards.
The winners of the SaraTable awards are determined by public voting on telephonos.com, and voting closes on Monday, 31 March, at midnight. (Register on the website, login and go to the home page where you will find a link to the voting).
The nominees for the South African Restaurant Awards’ new television category are MasterChef South Africa, Ready Steady Cook SA, Nick Hamman – Hammy Eats, Taste Master Junior, Lorna’s Pantry, Sifo, The Cooking Husband and Ultimate Braai Master.