Entries for The Taste Master SA Professionals Season 1 officially closed at midnight on 6 April, marking the final opportunity for trained chefs across South Africa to enter the next phase of the SAFTA award-winning culinary competition.

The popular series, set to return on SABC2, has shifted its focus exclusively to professionals working in the food industry, raising the stakes for contestants and aligning the competition more closely with industry standards.

At the heart of this season is a significant career opportunity based in Paarl, where the eventual winner will be placed in a working culinary role rather than simply walking away with a title.

Unlike previous seasons, the prize extends well beyond national exposure. The winner will secure a position as an assistant chef at a newly established Taste Master Kitchen in the Paarl vineyards, positioning them within one of the Western Cape’s most prominent food and wine regions.

In addition to the job placement, the winner will receive accommodation in Paarl for 12 months, valued at R200 000.

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Producers describe the competition as a platform for culinary professionals to showcase not only their technical ability, but also their creativity as reflecting the evolving demands of modern gastronomy.

The 10-episode weekly reality series is provisionally scheduled to air on SABC2 between May and July 2026, where viewers will follow contestants competing for the title of Taste Master Professional and the opportunity to build a career in Paarl’s culinary landscape.