Azraa and Waven: What’s next?

Foodies in the Northside had the opportunity to watch local chefs Azraa and Waven Harper compete in the 2022 season of My Kitchen Rules South Africa (MKR) on DStv’s M-Net channel.

Thanks to their delicious meals and warm hospitality, the couple made it to the season finale of the competition which aired on December 11. They sat down with the Northsider to talk about their time on the show and their plans for the future.

“My Kitchen Rules South Africa was a roller coaster of emotions. We went through all the different emotions of being excited, stressed, nervous, and under pressure,” Waven explained as he looked back on their journey.

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“We got some great and positive feedback, but we also got a bit of negative feedback. So we got to see everything the show had to offer. One thing I can say is that going into it as a couple was one of the best experiences of our lives. We matured as a couple.”

Waven went on to say that they became stronger as a couple because of the various tests and stresses they faced.

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“It helped us to understand each other a little better.” In March, the Harpers will mark their 10th wedding anniversary. They were able to learn more about their significant other; for example, Waven discovered Azraa’s mental fortitude.

“She came out of her shell; she used to be an introvert. But she’s just blossomed since this show, and I was like, ‘wow, this is something amazing to witness’.”

Azraa went on to say that while watching the show’s episodes, you might think, “Oh, that’s easy. You know, we can cook and do it. But when you go in and do the challenges and the instant restaurant, it’s much more gruelling and difficult.

“I mean, there are time constraints and various techniques to consider. You question and doubt yourself, as if your dish isn’t good enough. Is it MKR-worthy, you know, like we understand it’s home cooking, and we are home cooks, but there are certain elements where you need to elevate the dish. While cooking, it forces you to step outside of your comfort zone.”

The Northsider asked the Harpers if they had a favourite dish that they had made. “There were three dishes that stood out for me personally. Our instant restaurant’s prawn curry. Our poached peer that won the season’s Anita Berg Wine Challenge. It was an awesome moment to hear such great feedback, coming from people with very mature palates when it comes to wine and food, that was something amazing to hear,” Waven continued.

“Then, in the final hour, we served our dessert, which was the panna cotta, which received rave reviews. They declared that this dish is fit for a pastry chef, a qualified pastry chef, which is something that Azraa one day would love to pursue and study.”

For those who saw Waven cut his finger during the show, it has healed almost completely without any visible evidence that he nearly cut it off. “I’m not sure if you noticed that it’s a little skewed to the side,” Waven explained, holding up the finger in question.

So, what is the next step for the power couple?
Azraa explained, saying, “We’ve always wanted our own little café and cake shop, where it’s literally like a boutique cake shop. And, yes, we intend to pursue that this year. And hopefully get something along those lines up and running. Perhaps a startup with some pop-ups in various malls. And then you just build the brand and eventually open up a permanent spot after you get a feel for different areas and see what the market thinks.”

When asked about life after MKR, whether or not people recognise the couple from the show, and how it has affected their businesses, Waven said that people definitely recognise them when they go to the shop. “So, if we’re at a restaurant, people approach us and ask for photos, while others tell us how much they enjoyed watching us throughout the season. Then there’s Azraa’s baking business. She’s seen an increase in clientele; people order because they recognise her from the show; others order and then realise, oh, she’s from the show, when they collect. And then they want to talk about the show.

“So it’s not your typical delivery and collection now,” Azraa laughed. “We’d like to express our gratitude and appreciation to everyone who has watched, supported, and followed our journey.”

Azraa and Waven’s story is far from over, so stay tuned. There will be more to come.

“As we previously stated, we want to start a bakery as a couple. We’ll also be hosting a few dining experiences,” the couple concluded.