MasterChef was not the sole winner of the award that night, as it was shared with Expresso Culinary Hotline.
The fifth season of MasterChef South Africa, won Best Cooking Show at the South African Restaurant Awards held at the Hotel Sky in Sandton last week.
The season winner, Bridget Mangwandi, proudly accepted the award on behalf of MasterChef SA
“MasterChef South changed our lives. This award is a reflection of everything we poured into the kitchen,” said Mangwandi, accepting the award on behalf of the reality show.
“Thank you to the South Africa Restaurant Awards [SARA] for recognising MasterChef SA with this incredible honour. To every single fan who watched, supported, and voted for us — we see you, and we appreciate you beyond words.”
Held for a second year, the awards celebrate Mzansi’s finest culinary talents, recognising restaurants, bars, and industry professionals who have demonstrated excellence and innovation in South Africa’s vibrant culinary scene.
SARA, owned and produced by the World Restaurant Awards Group, is part of a prestigious global network that includes the British and European Restaurant Awards. Unlike other culinary awards, SARA stands out for being entirely driven by a public vote.
However, MasterChef wasn’t the only winner of the award that night, as it was shared with Expresso Culinary Hotline.
Co-host of the restaurant awards, Nicole Watson, said the tie showed that the awards celebrate some of the finest eateries and the media platforms that continue to inspire and shape food culture.
“Both MasterChef and Expresso Culinary Hotline have made incredible impacts, and we’re thrilled to honour them tonight,” said Watson.
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Youngest MasterChef SA
This year’s MasterChef SA finalists were an all-women trio, marking the youngest finalists in the show’s history. The other contestants were Nabila Shamshum (23) and Chanel Brink (34).
“I had to recognise that throughout the competition that, yes, I am the youngest, but at the end of the day, it is anybody’s game. You can get the prize if you do what you need to do and understand what you need to do,” Mangwandi told The Citizen at the time.
“This award is more than a win for the show – it’s a tribute to the power of food to bring people together and a celebration of local flavour, young talent, and everyone who dreams big in the kitchen,” said Michelle van Schalkwyk from Pick n Pay who are the show’s headline sponsor
NOW READ: ‘Awards are never the goal, but serve as a reminder’ — Chef Moses Moloi on his wins
