Taste Master Professional

Season 1

2026 · 13 episodes · 3h 4m in all

Episodes

1. 

   1. The Breakfast Challenge

   31 May 2026 · 46 min

   In the season premiere, our chefs form two teams to tackle the most important meal of the day. Led by one contestant as the head chef, each team prepares a menu of breakfast items to impress the judges and stamp their mark on the competition.

2. 

   2. The Pastry Challenge

   7 Jun 2026 · 46 min

   The competition gets real in the first elimination challenge of the season. Guest judge Zizi Matikitiki joins judge, Bertus Basson at the judging table, bringing specialist expertise in sweet pies and tarts to an already high-stakes challenge. The contestants are tasked to create a single-serving pastry - savory or sweet - entirely from scratch.

3. 

   3. The Sandwich Challenge

   14 Jun 2026 · 46 min

   Nine chefs remain, and this week a deli favorite takes center stage. Contestants are put to the test as they transform artisan loaves into a five-item menu packed with flavor, creativity, technique and teamwork. Who will rise to the occasion?

4. 

   4. The South African Flavors Challenge

   21 Jun 2026 · 46 min

   A celebration of South African flavors. An elimination with everything at stake. The bottom four contestants must prove they can honor the dishes that inspire us while bringing their own creative perspective to the plate. Only three chefs will move one step closer to the title.

5. 

   5. The Tapas Challenge

   28 Jun 2026

6. 

   6. The Pizza Challenge

   5 Jul 2026

   Two pizzas. Four chefs. One last chance. The elimination kitchen returns as four chefs battle to keep their place in the competition, creating two menu-worthy pizzas inspired by Judge Bertus Basson’s own restaurant, Die Kantien. With guest judge Michael Fuller joining the panel, every base, every topping, and every decision counts.

7. 7

   7. The Taste Temptation Challenge

   12 Jul 2026

   A feast for the eyes. A test for the chefs. With seven chefs remaining, visual impact takes centre stage. Guided by guest judge Chef Marthinus Ferreira, they’ll need to master colour, texture, composition and flavour to create dishes no one can resist ordering.

8. 8

   8. Episode 8

   19 Jul 2026

9. 9

   9. Episode 9

   26 Jul 2026

10. 10

    10. Episode 10

    2 Aug 2026

11. 11

    11. Episode 11

    9 Aug 2026

12. 12

    12. Episode 12

    16 Aug 2026

13. 13

    13. Episode 13

    23 Aug 2026