Mangwandi uses his knowledge of biochemistry for product development testing.
For Food Biochemistry Consumer Science graduate and MasterChef South Africa contestant Bridget Mangwandi, it was only natural to put her research to the test while competing on a cooking show.
“The MasterChef kitchen is very different from the varsity kitchen, which we tried to implement a number of times on the show,” Mangwandi said. The Citizen.
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MasterChef SA Biochemistry Students
The University of the Free State graduate is one of three finalists on Season 5 of MasterChef SA, along with Nabila Shamsham and Chanel Brink, with the winner of the season to be announced on Saturday.
“In the show, we tried to make something like bubble-dome glass, but it didn't work. It's just a different situation and a different pressure. You might even get the measurements wrong.”
However, there was a time when Mangwandi's qualities shone through on television. “For example, the food science episode where I did well in that round,” she shared.
Mangwandi said he uses his qualifications to conduct many product development tests. “We basically test these techniques on food. It's not exactly cooking, but we use cooking methods.”
The 20-year-old said she studies a lot to absorb as much as she can to improve her skills.
“When it came to cooking, I wanted to perfect the skills I had learned and reach my full potential when it came to cooking.”
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started from the bottom…
It's like Mangwandi brought in a song by Canadian rapper Drake. started from the bottom to her traveling life Master Chef SA.
In the first Top 15 Challenge, Mangwandi came in last place and viewers were convinced she would be sent home. However, she quickly recovered and finished in the top three at her next challenge.
“When you're in that bottom three, it's not fun at all, you feel really choked. But when you don't hear your name, you're like, 'Okay, great, you can move on.' That's what it feels like.
“In your head, you're literally saying, 'Which mistake is worse?' The raw dough or the shrimp that I overcooked, that's what you're thinking.”
Adrenaline junkies have tenacity. before entering Master Chef SA She tried her luck in other small cooking shows but it didn't work out.
“I thought, 'Okay, it doesn't matter, I'll just give it a try,' so I applied and participated, and I thought, 'Oh, I can actually do this.'”
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youthful masterchef finalist
Not only are this year's finalists all female, but all three chefs are young, with Mangwandi being the youngest at 20 years old.
Shamsham is 23 years old, and Brink is the oldest of the three, 34 years old.
“Throughout the competition, I had to realize that yes, I'm the youngest, but at the end of the day, it's everyone's game. Do what you need to do and understand what you need to do. If you do, you will win the prize,” Mangwandi said.
Not only are the finalists young, but there is also a common thread of ambition between them. Shamsham has a podcast called. View tableBrink has a huge following on her Instagram page, where she shares classic recipes with a uniquely South African twist.
As a teenager, she started her own catering service, Bei.Cuisine.
While in school, Mangwandi created recipes for branding agencies and meal plans for students.
“I think this is motivating for young chefs, especially the youngest type of chefs. I mean, when I was 18 or 16, I had a dream of wanting to do this. [sic] I had a dream that I would appear on a cooking show, although I didn't know where or how,” Mangwandi said.
The aspiring chef said appearing on the show showed other young chefs that they can compete at this level with such ambition.
“It's like motivation that you can do it too. If you decide to focus on something and work hard and don't let anything stop you from dreaming, you can get your foot in the door.” , and from there it's a game that literally anyone can play,'' said the young chef.
Mangwandi's passion for all things food began when she was very young, at the age of seven, driven by a desire to help her mother, who worked multiple jobs.
She then drew inspiration from TV shows, cookbooks, and online platforms.
She was particularly inspired by local chef Siva Montongana's innovative cooking techniques and dedication to her cuisine.
Master Chef SA The final will be broadcast on S3 (formerly SABC 3) on Saturday 23 November at 8:30pm.
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