Taste Master Professional (2026)

Synopsis

A bold new chapter of the SAFTA award-winning Taste Master has arrived. The Taste Master Professional brings together ten exceptional chefs from across South Africa to compete in the first-ever professional edition of the beloved series. Guided by acclaimed chef Bertus Basson and a panel of renowned guest judges, contestants will face intense culinary challenges as they battle for a prize valued at over R800,000, including a coveted role at the new Taste Master Kitchen and Deli in Paarl. Expect extraordinary talent, bold creativity, and high-stakes competition as South Africa's next culinary star is crowned.

First Air Date: 2026-05-31

Last Air Date: 2026-07-05

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 6

Networks: SABC 2

Top Cast

Bertus Basson as Judge
Leigh-Anne Williams as Host

Seasons

Season 1 (2026)

No overview available for this season.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: The Breakfast Challenge (2026-05-31)

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.
Ep. 2: The Pastry Challenge (2026-06-07)

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.
Ep. 3: The Sandwich Challenge (2026-06-14)

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?
Ep. 4: The South African Flavors Challenge (2026-06-21)

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.
Ep. 5: The Tapas Challenge (2026-06-28)

No overview for this episode.
Ep. 6: The Pizza Challenge (2026-07-05)

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.
Ep. 7: The Taste Temptation Challenge (2026-07-12)

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.