Get ready for a taste of South Africa’s diverse culinary scene with the first 10 episodes of Come Dine With Me South Africa! This reality show takes us on a journey through Johannesburg, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Cape Town, and Bryanston, introducing us to a colorful cast of characters who compete to be the ultimate dinner party host.
Episode 1: A Johannesburg Feast
We kick things off in Johannesburg South East, where four unique individuals battle it out. Estie Matheus, a body talk practitioner, wows with her chicken korma and sticky toffee pudding, while Dave Lamb entertains with his narration (and, we presume, a delicious meal!). Michelle Jordan keeps things classic with chicken and bacon, and Sakhile Ndaba brings a taste of tradition with tripe and oxtail.
Episode 2: Braai, Venison, and More in Johannesburg North
Johannesburg North heats things up with a bachelor’s take on fine dining (Darren Clark’s beef wellington) and a software director serving up an ostrich steak (Drisha Nair). Robert Eriksen-Miller brings a touch of South Africa with his braai’d venison, while Nomsi Shezi’s lamb knuckle curry and “Nomsi’s mess” dessert promise a taste of home.
Episode 3: Durban Delights
Durban serves up a multicultural feast! Tamara Nicole Dickson showcases South African classics like lamb and mini milk tarts, while Vanessa Knight takes us on a European adventure with fillet steak and malva pudding. Callum Robertson’s slow-braised lamb shank and Clint Singh’s fish breyani add to the variety, making this a truly international episode.
Episode 4: KwaZulu-Natal’s Culinary Gems
KwaZulu-Natal offers a unique blend of flavors. Samantha Bellarum’s chicken and prawn curry with roti recipe is a comforting classic, while Hylton de Chazal’s fillet on nutty rice adds a touch of sophistication. Nikki Drake’s Thai spring rolls and frozen lime zabaglione bring a taste of Southeast Asia, and Danielle Fisher’s Banofee Bambalam combines British and South African influences.
Episode 5: Bryanston Gets Fancy (with a 50s Twist)
Bryanston takes a trip back in time with Taryn Eckstein’s 50s-themed dinner party. Her Moroccan ostrich fillet and layered chocolate mousse are a feast for the eyes and the stomach. Nicholas Hall, Michele Raspel, and Gregg Hammond offer contrasting styles, from Nicholas’ lamb curry to Michele’s classic chicken pie and Gregg’s herb-crusted beef fillet.
Episode 6: Cape Town’s Culinary Coast
Cape Town wraps up the first six episodes with a diverse range of dishes. Roscoe Kleinloog’s adventurous escargot and boerewors cannelloni showcases his creativity, while Aubrey Ngcungama impresses with a classic beef wellington. Viqui Stevenson, the biker chick with a sweet tooth, serves up smoked snoek and a citrus syllabus dessert, and Marlene Weepner brings a touch of comfort with her bobotie and jam rollie pollie.
Episode 7: Cape Town Serves Up More Than Just Stunning Views
Cape Town’s second round of competitors promises a diverse spread. Laura Bosman, a drama teacher, brings a theatrical flair with her creamy zucchini soup and boozy chocolate tart. Sustainable farmer Shaun Cairns showcases fresh, local ingredients with his prawn and papaya salad and homemade coconut ice cream alongside crispy duck. Pamela Daniels, a businesswoman, offers a hearty oxtail dish, while family man Sebastian Janssens provides a touch of elegance with kingklip in a delicate white wine sauce.
Episode 8: Johannesburg’s Culinary Competition Continues
The culinary war heats up in Johannesburg with Eddie Kalili’s decadent chocolate trio tempting taste buds after a Moroccan lamb tagine. Aspasia Karras, a fashion magazine editor with an Instagram, adds a touch of sophistication with deconstructed baklava following her calamari, prawn, and chorizo kebabs. Laura McDermit, the eco-nutritionist, takes a healthy approach with Hungarian stuffed cabbage, while Clara Mdlalose offers comfort food with her creamy chicken pasta.
Episode 9: Randburg’s Mystery Dinners
Randburg throws a curveball with Madhur Bhandari, Bervesh Bhika, Darren-Jay Hart, and Tee van Heerden. One can only imagine the surprises these four have in store for each other!
Episode 10: A Star-Studded Finale
Pictures: BBC Lifestyle Africa
Season 1 ends on a high note with a celebrity special! South African sports presenter Neil Andrews gets things started with a chilled gazpacho. Radio host Samantha Cowen follows with a macadamia pork roast, and the episode concludes with a sweet treat from TV personalities Ashley Hayden and Shashi Naidoo.
This whirlwind tour through South Africa’s culinary scene proves that Come Dine With Me South Africa is more than just a cooking competition. It’s a celebration of culture, personality, and of course, delicious food!
Check out Come Dine with Me South Africa Season 2.
Recipes
Episode 6 Recipes
Boerewors Cannelloni
Episode 6: Roscoe Kleinloog’s Main
- 500g boerewors, removed from the casing
- Tomato Sauce
- 10-12 cannelloni tubes (or lasagna sheets rolled with filling)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic and onion in olive oil.
- Add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, and spices (such as oregano, basil, and chili flakes).
- Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in cream and season to taste.
- Prepare the Cannelloni Tubes: Cook cannelloni tubes according to package instructions.
- Set aside to cool.
- Create the Boerewors Filling: Sauté boerewors until browned and cooked through.
- Drain excess fat.
- Prepare the Butternut Mash Filling: Roast butternut squash until tender.
- Mash the butternut squash, adding butter, milk, and seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Cannelloni: Fill half of the cannelloni tubes with boerewors and the other half with butternut mash.
- Place the filled cannelloni in a baking dish.
- Bake the Cannelloni: Pour the tomato sauce over the cannelloni.
- Top with grated cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and bubbly.