The Taste Master Professionals
A bold new chapter of the SAFTA award-winning Taste Master has arrived. The Taste Master Professional brings together ten exceptional chefs from across South Africa to compete in the first-ever professional edition of the beloved series. Guided by acclaimed chef Bertus Basson and a panel of renowned guest judges, contestants will face intense culinary challenges as they battle for a prize valued at over R800,000, including a coveted role at the new Taste Master Kitchen and Deli in Paarl. Expect extraordinary talent, bold creativity, and high-stakes competition as South Africa's next culinary star is crowned.
The Taste Master Professional
A bold new chapter of the SAFTA award-winning Taste Master has arrived. The Taste Master Professional brings together ten exceptional chefs from across South Africa to compete in the first-ever professional edition of the beloved series. Guided by acclaimed chef Bertus Basson and a panel of renowned guest judges, contestants will face intense culinary challenges as they battle for a prize valued at over R800,000, including a coveted role at the new Taste Master Kitchen and Deli in Paarl. Expect extraordinary talent, bold creativity, and high-stakes competition as South Africa's next culinary star is crowned.

EPISODE 9: Gourmet on the Go - Made with Fire Challenge

This week on The Taste Master Professional:

The flames are calling. 🔥
The remaining six contestants leave The Taste Master Professional kitchen behind for the picturesque Elgin Valley, where open-fire cooking and the region’s iconic apples set the stage for one of the season’s toughest challenges.

Watch it Sunday, 26 July at 7PM on SABC 2. 
Repeat broadcasts air Saturdays at 4:30PM and Sundays at 3:30PM on SABC 2.

We’re thrilled to once again partner with The Taste Master, a show that celebrates imagination, confidence, and the simple joy of food. At Clover, we believe that great meals create connections, and there’s no better way to inspire future chefs than by giving them a platform to shine. Supporting this journey allows us to be part of moments where children discover their creativity, grow their skills, and show that food is about far more than recipes, it’s about passion, family, and fun.”

MEET ALL THE PROFESSIONAL CONTESTANTS

“We’re excited to be part of this season of The Taste Master. At Food Lover’s Market, we want every customer to have a great shopping experience - one that inspires creativity in the kitchen by offering fantastic value, and a wide range of fresh and grocery ingredients. Whether a home cook or a TV contestant, we’re proud that we can offer everything our customers need to make a meal delicious and affordable.”

“It is an incredible honour to be part of a platform that inspires young culinary talent. My focus here is not just to judge the final product, but to instil in these juniors the discipline of quality and the courage to find their unique creative voice. The passion they bring to the kitchen today is the foundation of South Africa’s food culture tomorrow.”

MEET THE JUDGES

BERTUS BASSON

Award-winning chef Bertus Basson has built a celebrated culinary career rooted in traditional South African food culture with a distinctly modern perspective. Since opening his first restaurant as chef and owner in 2007, Bertus has become renowned for creating some of the country’s most acclaimed dining destinations, earning prestigious recognition from both the Eat Out Guide and Rossouw’s Restaurant Guide. What began as a single restaurant has since evolved into a remarkable family of establishments, including Chorus, Eike, Kantien, Spek & Bone, Bloem, Ongetem, Toevlug, and De Vrije Burger.

At the heart of Bertus’ culinary philosophy is a deep belief in authenticity, quality produce, and telling meaningful stories through food. Passionate about using fresh, local ingredients with precision and purpose, he views cooking as more than creating exceptional dishes – it is an opportunity to celebrate South African heritage and honour the people, history, and flavours that shape the country’s rich culinary identity.



23 DECEMBER - DOUBLE EPISODE! THE SEMI-FINALS & GRAND FINALE

THE GRAND FINALE

Don’t miss the grand finale of the Taste Master Junior as the final three young chefs battle it out for the title in an epic festive celebration. Facing their biggest challenge of the competition, they must create the ultimate festive feast to impress the judges, featuring a special musical guest. Who will take home the title of The Taste Master Junior?

Watch The Taste Master Junior grand finale on Tuesday 23 December at 8:30 PM on SABC2 with repeats Wednesdays at 1 PM  and Sundays at 4 PM.

COMPETITIONS

SEE COMPETITION DETAILS OF WEEKLY VIEWER CULINARY CHALLENGE
SEE COMPETITION DETAILS OF WEEKLY CASH GIVEAWAYS

COMPETITIONS

GET ALL THE BEST RECIPES

Maseehah Karodia's Breakfast Shakshuka
FESTIVE ROAST LEG OF LAMB WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES
MASTERCLASS PEANUT BUTTER SWISS MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM
MASTERCLASS BEEF & CHEDDAR SANDWICH
MASTERCLASS HOMEMADE MINCE PIES
MASTERCLASS RAVIOLI WITH ROASTED TOMATO
MASTERCLASS YELLOWTAIL FILLET & PAPILLOTE
MASTERCLASS PEPPER STEAK PIE
MASTERCLASS TRADITIONAL FUDGE
MASTERCLASS BOBOTIE SPICED LAMB CHOPS
MASTERCLASS CARAMEL AND VANILLA TRAY CAKE
MASTERCLASS BOEREWORS WITH YELLOW MAIZE PAP
MASTERCLASS MIXED BERRY COMPOTE

I’m so excited to be guiding a new generation of culinary talent. This season is not just about skills—it’s about storytelling through food. We have incredible contestants, amazing guest judges, and challenges that will truly push creativity to the edge.

For Season 5 I will be looking for contestants to incorporate their personalities into their bakes and showcase their baking skills.

WATCH THE TASTE MASTER SA EPISODES

Missed an episode? Watch Season 1 – 6 on our YouTube Channel!

FRITZ SCHOON

Joining Zola on the judging panel is baker, entrepreneur, and food visionary Fritz Schoon, whose passion for honest, real food has inspired a growing brand of eateries and artisanal products under the name SCHOON.

From his apprenticeship in Knysna to opening his first bakery in Stellenbosch, Fritz has built a reputation for innovation and quality, connecting local artisans and farmers through his vision of sustainable, authentic food experiences. Fritz started Schoon, branched out into multiple stores and sold the business last year. He has since moved to Stilbaai and recently opened Pain Africain, a small Sourdough bakery and Cafe.

WHO WILL BECOME the first Taste Master Professional Winner?

THE SERIES

The Taste Master SA, is Mzansi’s hottest cooking show which sees talented contestants put to the test with a series of challenging tasks  in the hopes of becoming the next culinary sensation.  Click here to watch Season 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 of this award winning show. 

BROADCAST TIMES

Watch The Taster Master Professional every Sunday at 7PM SABC2 with repeats on Saturdays at 4:30PM and Sundays at 3:30PM

Terms & Conditions

To view all the terms and conditions associated with the Taste Master TV show:
Click here for the contestant Ts&Cs