CAPE TOWN – Grade 9 learner Tyler Robinson is making waves in the culinary world after earning his spot in the top five at this year’s Taste Master Junior competition, following in the footsteps of his restaurateur father.
The young up and coming chef discovered his passion for cooking at a very young age, watching his father, Jon, preparing food in the kitchen and experimenting with flavours and techniques.
The Taste Master Junior competition feature’s the nation’s greatest aspiring chefs and airs on SABC2 every Tuesday at 19:30, with weekly updates on the young contestants’ progress. Episodes are uploaded to YouTube the following Monday.
Robinson also attends Fish Hoek High School.
Family and food
His biggest influence comes from his father, who owns The Lookout restaurant in Hout Bay and has over 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry. The family kitchen has become their special bonding space where Robinson and his father can experiment with recipes.
“I discovered my love of cooking when I was very young and I always loved being in the kitchen watching food being prepared. My dad has been a huge inspiration and mentor. Having his experience, guidance, and passion for food to learn from has made a big difference in my journey,” Tyler explained.
One of his first dishes he completed successfully was a pasta dish.
School support
At Fish Hoek High School, Tyler takes hospitality studies under the guidance of Rolanda Alexander, who has been instrumental in his development as a young chef.
“Mrs Alexander has been an amazing driving force, always encouraging me and pushing me to explore new techniques and flavours,” he said.
For his practical exam, Tyler baked a decadent cake for a Great Gatsby-inspired high tea where parents judged the students’ creations.
Competition experience
Being part of Taste Master Junior has been an incredible learning experience for the young chef, who started taking cooking seriously around age 10 or 11.
“The most rewarding part has been learning from amazing chefs in the master classes and seeing my skills grow so quickly,” Robinson shared. “The most challenging part is definitely the pressure – cooking against the clock and thinking creatively on the spot pushes you to your limits.”
Balancing act
Robinson says balancing his schoolwork with his culinary passion can be challenging, but he uses cooking as a way to unwind after long school days.
“It can be challenging at times, but I’ve learned to manage my schoolwork first and then spend my free time experimenting in the kitchen. Cooking actually helps me unwind after a long school day,” he said.
His family serves as honest taste testers, particularly enjoying his baked desserts.
Community recognition
He says his teachers and classmates have been incredibly supportive throughout his journey, with many following his progress on the show.
“My parents have been with me every step of the way. My dad, especially, has been a huge inspiration and mentor. Having his experience, guidance, and passion for food to learn from has made a big difference in my journey, and it’s been a wonderful way for us to connect as father and son,” he said.
ALSO READ: Cape Town teen makes top 12 in SABC2’s Taste Master Junior.
