It might be written in the stars!
According to astrologists and those who believe the Zodiac determines personality and destiny, our star signs influence our food preferences. In the upcoming episode of MasterChef South Africa Season 5, this popular – yet unproven – wisdom will be put to the taste test.
With full access to the freshly stocked Pick n Pay pantry, the home cooks competing for the title of MasterChef and R1m prize money can whip up anything to their heart’s desire. But it is an elimination episode, and one can’t help but wonder: Will their birth stars, possible ingredient choices, and food creations collide or harmonise with those of the show’s three judges? Whose fate might be written in the stars?
So, which star signs are the judges?
- Justine Drake is Aries, a fire sign. This might be the source of Justine’s self-professed love for spicy food, intense flavours, and bold presentation. Like many Aries, she also likes lean protein. If the contestant wants to impress her this week, they might have to pack a punch!
- Zola Nene’s Zodiac sign is Pisces, a water sign, which means she is drawn to food that evokes a sense of imagination. Those born under Pisces also tend to follow a Mediterranean diet.
- Chef Katlego Mlambo is Cancerian. “It’s a water sign, and I cook to express emotion,” Katlego says. That is why his food preference leans towards “home-cooked meals that give you that hug.”
The contestants’ Zodiac links are as diverse as their personal backgrounds. With a bit of help from AI, here’s what they might bring to the table in this week’s cosmos-themed episode:
- Taurus – Tina
Those born under the sign of Taurus, the earth sign ruled by Venus, are strong-willed, knowing precisely what they like, and they prefer a taste of luxury. There is no doubt that these attributes are synonymous with 41-year-old Capetonian culinary powerhouse and “boa queen” Tina Long, who won the previous challenge and impressed the judges with her perfectly crafted indulgent dishes.
- Gemini – Amo, Naledi
Variety is the spice of life for Geminis. Known for their duality, these creative cooks’ ever-changing moods often reflect the meals they serve. So, expect a taste of everything – texture and taste-wise – from this air sign. Stay-at-home mom Naledi Matshitse from Muldersdrift (43) earned herself a free ticket to the Top 14 with her multifaceted “apple-of-your-eye” dish. Likewise, food is all about experimenting for Jozi’s Amo Maluleka (25). At the start of his culinary journey, Amo experimented with pasta, mild flavours, and fresh ingredients, but as his skills developed, he turned more adventurous, blending styles
- Cancer – Nash, Tebogo, Refe
Tebogo Mabye (29) and Nash Zambila (39), both from Johannesburg, and Refe Dimbaza (31), originally from Thaba ‘Nchu, share a star sign with Chef Katlego. These nurturing Cancerians have expressed enjoyment in dishing up hearty food for their families. One of Nash’s food fortes is creating refined steakhouse meals, which his 8-year-old son devours. Before entering MasterChef South Africa, Tebogo arranged “kitchen takeovers”, where he went to a friend’s kitchen and used whatever was available to conjure up delicious meals. Meanwhile, Refe’s food journey started in her granny’s kitchen and she entered the show to honour her gogo’s legacy.
- Leo – Chanel
Astrologers say fiery Leos love the spotlight with lavish, visually stunning dishes that make a statement. That’s not far-fetched for Chanel Brink (34), who conjures up unique treats and delectable meals for friends, colleagues and her family. Chanel also shares her flair with all things culinary on social media, where this online foodie’s Instagram page, Cookingwithchanel_sa, has over 180,000 followers.
- Virgo – Nabila
If you’re a Virgo, quality, vibrancy, and a keen eye for detail are hugely important, also when making food. 23-year-old Nabila Beulah Shamshum (23) from Johannesburg represents this earth sign on MasterChef South Africa Season 5. Virgos also happen to be wholesome and health-conscious. No wonder Nabila dreams of owning a cosy, unique bistro where she can serve fusion dishes and host art workshops, complete with a weekly rotation of freshly baked goods.
- Libra – Lona, Zak
In food and life, Libra loves harmony. Those born under this earth sign gravitate towards meals that are visually appealing and balanced in flavours. Does this fit the food profiles of the Eastern Cape’s Lona Rode (35) and Durban-born Zak Ebrahim (46)? Lona balances dishes rooted in his Xhosa heritage with gourmet meals weighing in on Italian and Mediterranean flavours. Zak keeps his food tipping scales even with Asian and Mediterranean-inspired fare.
- Scorpio – Bridget, Shreya
Young MasterChef South Africa foodies Bridget Mangwandi (20) from Bloemfontein and Shreya Beekum (23) from Ballito are both Scorpios. The two words summarising this water sign are “intense” and “mysterious”, and they prefer meals that have rich, complex flavours. Bridget and Shreya are passionate about creating a variety of dishes that tantalise the taste buds and stretch the imagination. As we have already seen on the show, the plating will also be a delightful surprise.
- Capricorn – Penny
Members of down-to-earth air sign Capricorn value tradition. They are also hard workers, reliable and practical. Hence, they enjoy using their guests’ favourite recipes and food that will bring back fond memories. MasterChef South Africa‘s oldest contestant, Penny Rider (65) from Houghton, Johannesburg, has perfected the art of cooking over an open fire and has a vast knowledge of recipes from cookbooks around the world.
- Aquarius – Ketsia
Aquarians have a knack for thinking outside the box and love innovative and unique cuisine. Perhaps that is why Ketsia Malela (31) from Kyalami in Johannesburg has built a reputation among friends and family for turning what is usually perceived as American fast food into gourmet meals with a distinctly South African twist.
Find out whether their star signs will help or hinder them when preparing food for the judges this week on MasterChef South Africa Season 5. The show, proudly sponsored by Pick n Pay, premieres on S3 (formerly SABC 3) on Saturdays at 19:30. There is also a convenient rebroadcast on SABC 2 on Saturdays at 18:30 and another one on S3 on Wednesdays at 18:00.