MasterChef SA viewers were completely unprepared for the shocking double exit that unfolded in the latest episode.
Season 5 Masterchef South Africa There were surprises galore, with inventive, Mzansi-inspired challenges that pushed the boundaries of home cooks' creativity.
Celebrity guest chefs also turned up the heat in the kitchen and added some unexpected twists to the competition.
The rollercoaster ride has continued with unexpected results, with shows at the top one week sinking to the bottom the next and struggling shows making spectacular comebacks, but the latest episode revealed a shocking double elimination that viewers probably couldn't have seen coming.
Two fan favorites leave the kitchen
First, Durban athlete Shreya Beekum shocked everyone by announcing her decision to withdraw from the sport for personal reasons.
Shreya, who is known for speaking openly about her struggles with ADHD and anxiety, said the emotional news from her family, combined with her own mental health struggles, led her to choose self-care over continuing to compete.
Despite her good and bad times, Shreya was a fan favourite and her quirky charm will be missed.
The shock didn't end there, as Refe Zambira's dream of becoming the next MasterChef came to a devastating end when her innovative fusion dish failed to impress the judges.
Despite her enthusiasm, the pasta was undercooked and her fate was sealed.
Reffet had been on a roll in recent competitions, garnering praise for her creative dishes, so her loss left both the judges and her fellow contestants in disbelief.
Guest judges add glamour to the show
When visionary restaurateur Alex Mospi Kojane walked into his restaurant, home cooks were astounded. MasterChef This week's guest judge is Kitchen.
But his presence only increased the pressure, especially for Lorna and Naledi.
Alex's Bryanston eatery, Gemelli, is one of Naledi's favourite places and the thought of cooking for her culinary idol made her emotional.
Rona, on the other hand, felt that now might not be the best time to choose pasta.
This week's challenge? A hearty, comforting meal that uses ingredients from your pantry and fuses the rich culinary traditions of Italy and South Africa. The twist? If you choose pasta, it has to be made from scratch.
Disappointing pasta dish ruins Reff's MasterChef dreams
Filled with excitement in the kitchen this week, Reffet aimed to recreate the essence of her grandmother's favourite Saturday meal: pap, worth and sue.
But when Reffet showed off her pappardelle and meatballs in a tomato-based sauce, bone marrow, bell peppers, basil oil and roasted garlic in the tasting room, she knew she'd nailed it. She was proud of how well it all came together.
Unfortunately, the judges didn't share her enthusiasm: Zola praised the sauce and the texture of the meatballs, which subtly reminded her of the taste of Boerewors, but criticized the pasta for being too thick and undercooked, and Justine, a fan of pappardelle, was disappointed that it ruined Reffé's dish.
Leffe tied with Nash and Chanel for the bottom three spots, with Chanel's ricotta ravioli missing the mark in fusing Italian and South African influences, and Nash's sweet potato excellent, but his oxtail was undercooked and underseasoned.
Reffet's departure sends shockwaves through MasterChef SA
The referee's decision to send the referee home meant that Masterchef South Africa Her colleagues were astounded. In his farewell speech, Justin praised Refe for keeping her cool throughout the assignment, even noting that she had been singing at her workstation.
“The kitchen is your natural habitat, but today was not your day. That pasta was not up to par,” Justin said.
Even before this big moment, Reffet was a strong contender, having won the Fridge Leftovers competition with his creative bull beef recipe and secured a top three spot in the Cabbage competition with his dumplings.
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*MasterChef South Africa airs on Saturday at 20:30 on S3 (formerly SABC 3) due to sports coverage, and is repeated on Sunday at 18:30 on SABC 2. S3 viewers can also tune in on Wednesdays at 18:00. Episodes are available to watch on the SABC streaming app.
