CALVIN Silson’s impressive run on MasterChef South Africa came to an end recently in a high-pressure curry challenge that tested the Top 7 contestants’ ability to create one of South Africa’s most-loved dishes.

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The 30-year-old from uMhlanga found himself in the elimination cook after stumbling during a curry quiz led by guest judge Devi Sankaree Govender. While he answered his first question confidently, he was caught out when asked about the main ingredient in saag curry.

Determined to represent KZN’s rich curry culture, Silson planned a Durban lamb curry and a murgh makhani-inspired cauliflower dish, accompanied by paneer kofta and flatbread. But the cook quickly became challenging as time pressure mounted and key elements of his menu began to fall away.

A crucial setback came when he realised he had forgotten to add corn to his kofta mixture, forcing him to abandon the dish. He substituted it with basmati rice, a decision that failed to impress the judges. His cauliflower component was also left unfinished, leaving gaps in a menu that had started with plenty of promise.

Despite the setbacks, Silson remained upbeat. As he presented his dish, he joked: “This will either get me the keys to Durban or see me banned from King Shaka International Airport.”

The judges praised the tenderness of his lamb but felt the dish lacked the flavour, complexity and balance expected at this stage of the competition. Judge Justine Drake summed up the disappointment, telling him: “You didn’t bring the Calvin game.”

Silson’s elimination marked the end of a memorable journey in which he consistently impressed with his creativity, particularly through his Italian-inspired dishes, as well as his calm demeanour and determination.

While the curry challenge proved to be his undoing, he leaves the competition having earned the respect of both the judges and his fellow contestants.

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