Nabila is one of the three finalists on Season 5 MasterChef SA, along with Bridget Mangwandi and Chanel Brink.
Nabila Shamsham said when she decided to appear on reality cooking show MasterChef South Africa, her only hope was not to be kicked out.
“I didn’t want to get kicked out,” says Shamsham. The CitizenHe said with a slightly relieved smile.
“Obviously everyone wants to follow through, but I really like being able to make connections, learn more about the industry, definitely hone my skill set, and learn how to present something well.” “I was looking forward to it,” she said.
The 23-year-old is one of three finalists for season five. master chef south africa With Bridget Mangwandi and Chanel Brink.
It's been an intense and fun adventure for the reality show's chefs, but the first episode hit rock bottom when five contestants were unexpectedly sent home before donning their MasterChef aprons.
“It was definitely nerve-wracking. I was expecting at least one or two losses, so I think it was kind of a blow,” Shamsham asserted.
Shamshum, who is well-liked by viewers for his modest and kind demeanor, said that the unexpected amount of cuts in the first episode was a sign that the show had started.
“That's when it started that we were in the finishing phase and people were going to be eliminated.”
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Dealing with MasterChef stress
The judges often called Shamshum's name first during the feedback session, during which the top and bottom dishes were named. Normally, Shamshum would have expected to be told he was going home.
“As for the judges, I didn't really know what they were going to say, what was wrong and what was right. So, to a certain extent, I was able to explain and present my dish and they You're watching as you prepare for it. But there's also the “unknown” aspect. [and] about what the expectations are overall,” she said.
MasterChef SA is judged by celebrity chefs Justin Drake, Zola Nene and Katlego Mlambo.
The chef, who studied graphic design and now works as a secretary and educator at a school in Joburg, said that on her bad days, the other contestants' poor cooking was a relief. .
“It's really awful, but it's the nature of the show, and there have been so many times where I wasn't proud of what I suggested, so I expected to be eliminated, but I don't know if someone had a worse day.” Basically, I was saved because I was spending time.”
The humble cook had a decent showing on the show, winning three individual challenges. Mushroom Challenge, Patisserie Challenge, and Going for Gold Semi-Final Challenge.
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family support
Shamshum grew up in a mixed Afrikaans-Arab family where food played a big role in relationships.
She once said that food was always the trigger for her family to express their gratitude to each other.
Her Afrikaans mother is the biggest influence on her understanding of the culinary arts, and her passion and taste for cooking is influenced by her father's Arabian descent.
The former took her to spice shops, Asian markets, and Middle Eastern stores and taught her how to blend diverse ingredients to create delicious dishes.
“I would like to pay tribute to them [parents] No matter what I'm doing. So it's a real honor for me to be able to represent their culture and background and what they instilled in me,” she said.
Shamshyam has received support from her family throughout her time on the show, with her siblings rooting for her at home as the youngest child.
“It's so fun to have them cheering me on from the sidelines because as the youngest of my siblings, I'm really making my way and they're so proud of me. Making them proud and taking their advice is invaluable.”
Master Chef SA The final will be broadcast on S3 (formerly SABC 3) on Saturday 23 November at 8:30pm.
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