Johannesburg – This week’s episode of The Taste Master Junior saw the top six contestants travel to the coastal town of Stilbaai, where they stepped into Fritz’s bakery for an intensive sourdough masterclass.
After learning the foundations of artisan breadmaking, the young chefs were tasked with baking their own sandwich loaves before filling them with wholesome, lunchbox-worthy creations.
For 16-year-old Matthew Harvey from Steinkopf in the Northern Cape, the challenge brought both creativity and pressure.
Matthew impressed the judges with his flavour-packed Asbrood filled with steak strips, pickled cucumber, and white cheddar cheese, a combination praised for its bold, comforting taste.
However, his loaf was slightly too burnt, ultimately costing him a spot in the competition.
Matthew, who discovered his passion for cooking during lockdown through Fatima Sydow’s YouTube recipes, leaves the competition proud, motivated, and more confident than ever.
As he departs the competition, Matthew reflects on his journey, his elimination, and his favourite moments from his time on The Taste Master Junior.
You’ve made it all the way to the top six. Looking back, what are you most proud of from your journey on the show?
I am most proud of how far I progressed this season, especially because I never imagined I would make it this far.
When I started this journey, I honestly just hoped to learn a few new skills and see how far I could push myself.
Reaching the top six showed me that I’m capable of so much more than I thought, and that my passion can take me places if I’m willing to work for it.
This week’s challenge in Stilbaai was a tough one. How did you feel going into the bread-baking masterclass and then having to create your own wholesome lunchbox loaf?
I felt enthusiastic and prepared for the challenge because it sounded enjoyable, and I had never made bread before.
I was excited to try something completely new, especially in such a beautiful place like Stilbaai.
Even though it was a little intimidating to bake bread from scratch on camera, I went in wanting to learn as much as possible and give it everything I had.
Steak strips, pickled cucumber and white cheddar in an Asbrood; the judges were raving about the flavour combo. Where did that idea come from?
When I heard about the challenge, my thoughts immediately went to home and how people in my town make bread, which inspired my idea.
I wanted to create something that felt authentic to where I come from. Your bread was, unfortunately, a little too burnt for the judges.
When your name was called for elimination, what was going through your mind in that moment?
Although I was eliminated, I felt deep gratitude for how far I had come, everything I had learned, and how God carried me through every challenge.
You joined the competition at just 16, and you’ve come so far. What skills or lessons are you taking with you from this experience?
This competition is teaching me that nothing in life is guaranteed and things are not always what they appear to be.
I’ve learned patience, resilience, and how to handle pressure in a busy kitchen.
What was your favourite moment and dish you created from the season?
My favourite moment in the kitchen was the cake challenge. I made a lemon and pear sponge cake with a Swiss and cream cheese buttercream frosting with Rorisang.
I got some great responses from Fritz and Zola.
What advice would you give to other young cooks watching you and thinking, ‘Maybe I can also do this one day’?
My advice to other young cooks would be to take every opportunity you are given. After all, what do you have to lose?
Believe in your talent, even if you’re still learning.
Everyone starts somewhere.
If you work hard and stay true to your love for cooking, you’ll be surprised by how far you can go.
Matthew leaves the Taste Master Junior kitchen with new skills, unforgettable memories, and a bright culinary future ahead.
Watch new episodes of The Taste Master Junior Season 2, brought to you by Clover, every Tuesday at 7:30 pm on SABC2, with repeats every Wednesday at 1 pm and Sunday at 4 pm.
For more information, visit www.thetastemaster.co.za and make sure you follow The Taste Master SA on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.
