New chef for Yes hub

On September 27, the Big Cook-Off event saw three chefs compete for an opportunity to be Yes hub’s own master chef in Makhulong.

Mishak Masipa of the Mish De Chef Company, Tlou Mojela from Tlou Wellness Food and Nontsikelelo Seleso from Momolemo’s Bakeshop were expected to impress judges with their skills in preparing Kasi dishes.

Masipa won the competition, proving to be a master in Kasi culture when it comes to unique local taste.

The 27-year-old cook said he was well prepared for the competition but he was still nervous when the competition kicked off.

“Despite having been in the cooking business for a number of years, we still believe in the saying that a chef is as good as the next dish he or she is about to prepare.

“During the cooking competition I just had to focus on doing my food preparation correctly and also ensuring I am well within the given time,” said Masipa.

He said he was expecting to win the competition.

Masipa said he still couldn’t believe his achievement when he was named the overall winner of the competition.

Mish De Chef said this means a lot for his cooking career as it will pose many opportunities.

He is now going to run workshops at the hub and share his cooking knowledge with local youth.

Judge Puno Selesho, Yes marketing and communications officer, said the event was definitely a success and she added it was very exciting to see the three chefs cooking.

“The chefs were very focused and one could see they were hungry to win.

“I was lucky to be one of the four judges because I got to taste all the dishes the three chefs prepared.

“They offered lots of flavour and the dishes were unique and very delicious,” said Selesho.

She said requirements made were that they needed to prepare dishes with Kasi flavour and Selesho confirmed all chefs stuck to the given brief and were successful in impressing the judges.

Mish De Chef emerged victoriously and got a R5 000 business boost from Unilever to kick-start his business at the Yes hub.

Selesho said Mish De Chef will officially run Yes hub’s kitchen and also use the space to train young people who are interested in the hospitality industry.

“In line with our slogan of changing one life each year, we managed to do that for Mish De Chef,” said Selesho.