CAPE TOWN-A learner from Generation Schools Imhoff near Kommetjie has secured his place in the top 10 of SABC2’s Taste Master Junior series, representing the next generation of South African culinary talent.
Kodi Bertish is currently competing in the cooking competition, which airs every Tuesday at 19:30, with 10 weeks of challenges remaining in the series.
The young chef’s journey to television began with a casual discovery on social media, he recalls.
“I saw the competition on Instagram and decided to take a chance and enter. Honestly, I didn’t think I would get in,” Bertish explains.
Before entering the competition, Bertish had limited cooking experience but enjoyed baking with his grandmother. His culinary skills started attracting classmates as his passion blossomed. “My friends always say I bring nice lunches to school — like dumplings, for example,” Bertish notes. “I didn’t really cook that much, but I did enjoy baking cakes and cupcakes with my granny. I also liked experimenting with fun snacks, like chocolate-covered almonds.”
The application process required contestants to submit a video and written description of their cooking experience. After learning he had been selected, Bertish and his mother began intensive preparation.
“When I found out that I had made it into the competition, my mom and I started practising different recipes together,” he says.
The show’s format includes both individual and team challenges, with contestants receiving advance notice of requirements.
“During the contest, we were told what we had to cook the day before each round. There were both individual and team challenges, which made it really exciting,” Bertish explains.
His favourite challenge has been bread making, which is one of his greatest skills. “My favourite challenge was making bread. I’ve always enjoyed baking bread, even before the competition,” he tells People’s Post.
The competition also features educational components. “The two judges are amazing chefs, and I learned a lot from the masterclasses they presented,” Bertish added.
Taste Master Junior airs on SABC2 every Tuesday at 19:30, with weekly updates on the young contestants’ progress. Episodes are uploaded to YouTube the following Monday.
