Battle of the Chefs: Harare

Last updated
Battle of the Chefs: Harare
Genre
Presented by
  • Joseph Bunga (season 1)
  • Zihlo (season 2–)
Judges
  • Stephen Hyde
  • Cherylyn Conlon
  • Innocent Masuku
  • Lincoln Myambo
    (season 1–3)
  • Tafadzwa Anifasi
    (season 3–)
  • Karl Eckard
    (season 1-3)
  • Karen Mutasa
    (season 3–)
  • Rumbie Shoko
    (season 3–)
Country of originZimbabwe
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons3
No. of episodes41
Production
Executive producers
  • Joseph Bunga
  • Veronica Bunga
Running time45 minutes
Production companyArea 46 Productions
Release
Original network Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation
Original releaseAugust 30, 2015 (2015-08-30) 
present

Battle of the Chefs: Harare is a Zimbabwean reality competition television series which premiered on August 30, 2015 on Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation. The show features sixteen contestants competing across five rounds. It is open to both amateur and professional chefs.

Contents

Show format

Basic format

Battle of the Chefs is a cooking show that uses a progressive elimination format. From season 2 onwards, each season starts with sixteen contestants, with one chef eliminated in each episode until four finalists remain to battle for the title of Best Chef in Zimbabwe.

Each episode features three challenges designed to test the chefs' technique, creativity, and knowledge of food and flavour. The expert panel of three judges score the chefs' efforts during the episodes. In the end the chef with the highest score wins either an advantage or a prize; and the chef with the lowest score is stripped of their chef's jacket.

In the Technical Challenge the chefs are asked to produce their take on a basic dish. In the Innovation Challenge, they are given a basket containing three key ingredients they must use to create their most innovative dish. In the Set Recipe Challenge they are given a somewhat complex recipe to follow.

Variant formats

Season 1 of the show had sixteen teams, [1] each consisting of two individuals. [2] In each episode, a team of chefs is required to prepare three dishes: starter, main course and dessert.

In season 2 onwards the Judges Masterclass Round features an Identification Challenge where the chefs are expected to identify a number of mystery ingredients, as well as the Replication Challenge where the chefs must watch one of the judges give a recipe demo and then replicate it. In the Semifinal Round there is a Shopping Challenge, and the Innovation Challenge requires the chefs to produce a creative platter of multiple items. The finale requires the chefs to produce a signature three course menu.

Seasons

SeasonWinner(s)Runner(s)-upFinalistsAir Dates
1Tafadzwa Anifasi

Musodzi Mushonga

Ant Berens

Tony Attwell

N/AAugust 30 - December 6, 2015
2Leandrah MakayaJessica Vakos-EnglandTinotenda Mutamba

Donovan Layton

April 10 - July 3, 2016
3Dylan TaylorCarmen VlahakisCherron Harry

Wilson Jamesom

April 20 - July 13, 2017

Season 1 (2015)

Contestants

Episodes

EpisodeAir Date
130 August 2015
26 September 2015
313 September 2015
420 September 2015
527 September 2015
64 October 2015
711 October 2015
818 October 2015
925 October 2015
101 November 2015
118 November 2015
1215 November 2015
1322 November 2015
1429 November 2015
156 December 2015

Season 2 (2016)

Season 2 was shot in a custom built studio in Borrowdale - Harare.

Naming sponsor - TM Pick n Pay

Contestant Progress

Contestant12345678910111213
Leandrah MakayaSAFESAFESAFESAFEWinner
Jessica Vakos-EnglandSAFESAFESAFESAFERunner-up
Tinotenda MutambaSAFESAFESAFESAFEEliminated
Donovan LaytonSAFESAFESAFESAFEEliminated
Sara ThompsonSAFEELIMWINELIM
David Lupenga*SAFESAFEELIM
Fadzayi MtuwaSAFESAFESAFEELIM
James CharekaSAFESAFESAFEELIM
Dimitri AdamakosSAFESAFEELIM
Zandi MubiSAFESAFEELIM
Charlene ChisvoSAFEELIMOUT
Tongai ZhouSAFEELIM
Tinashe Sean MuroveELIM
Rakesh PokhriyalELIMOUT
Ryan MaidwellELIMOUT
Portia MakwamanziELIM

Episodes

ROUND ONE: GLOBAL CUISINE
Episode #Episode TitleContestantsTechnical ChallengeInnovation ChallengeSet Recipe Challenge
201"Mexican Fiesta"David

James

Tinotenda

Portia

Tortilla Chips

with Salsa & Guacamole

Beef Mince

Corn on the Cob

Tequila

Molé Chicken Enchiladas
202"Indian Adventure"Donovan

Fadzayi

Sara

Ryan

Chilli SauceMutton Chops

Chick Peas

Cream Cheese

Ras Malai
203"Classic French"Jessica

Dimitri

Leandrah

Rakesh

French Trim a Rack of LambRack of Lamb

Camembert Cheese

Sun Jam

Mille-Feuille
204"Greek Games"Charlene

Zandi

Tongai

Tinashe

Pita Bread DoughPita Bread Dough

Sardines

Capers

Baba Ganouch

Skordalia

Tzatziki

ROUND TWO: JUDGE'S MASTERCLASS
Episode #Episode TitleContestantsJudgeTechnical ChallengeReplication Challenge
205"African Fusion Masterclass"David

Leandrah

Fadzayi

Sara

Innocent MasukuDebone Whole RabbitRabbit Roulade

with Peanutbutter Sauce

206"South East Asian Masterclass"Donovan

James

Zandi

Tongai

Cherylyn ConlonKnife SkillsThai Green Prawn Curry
207"Game Masterclass"Jessica

Dimitri

Tinotenda

Charlene

Lincoln MyamboBreakdown Guinea Fowl & Debone ThighsGuinea Fowl Ballantine

with Parsnip-Pea Mash & Tarragon Sauce

ROUND THREE: CLOSE TO HOME
Episode #Episode TitleContestantsTechnical ChallengeInnovation ChallengeSet Recipe Challenge
208"Contemporary ZimbabweanJames

Tinotenda

Jessica

Zandi

Marula Nut & Baobab Powder

Smoothie

Mopani Worms (Madora)

Mango

Rape

Pumpkin Leaf Ravioli
209"Hunter Gatherer"Leandrah

Donovan

Fadzayi

Dimitri

Go Fishing & ForagingWhole Bream

Pecan Nuts

Fresh Herbs

Mini Salted Caramel Pecan Tarts
210"Wildcard Battle"Sara

Ryan

Charlene

Rakesh

MayonnaiseMost Innovative Chicken Main CourseChocolate Soufflé
ROUND FOUR: SEMIFINALS
Episode #Episode TitleContestantsShopping ChallengeTechnical ChallengeInnovation Challenge
211"Contemporary High Tea"Jessica

Leandrah

Fadzayi

James

30 minutes & $100 to shop

for ingredients at TM Pick n Pay

SconesHigh Tea Finger Food Platter
212"Pub Grub"Tinotenda

Donovan

Sara

David

30 minutes & $100 to shop

for ingredients at TM Pick n Pay

SausagesPub Grub Platter
ROUND FIVE: FINAL
Episode #Episode TitleContestantsStarterMainDessert
213"Grand Finale"Leandrah

Jessica

Tinotenda

Donnovan

Stuffed Pumpkin Leaf

Tian of Salmon Tartar

Pan Fried Tilapia with Spatzle

Sundried Tomato Tortelini

Fig & Hazelnut Pork Roulade with Potato Spiral

Poached Bream with Salmon Mousse & Beurre Blanc

Beef Fillet with Cabbage & a Red Wine Sauce

Herb Crusted Beef Fillet with Tangy Mushroom Sauce

Eton Mess

Chocolate Cheesecake Mousse

Vanilla Ravioli with Strawberry Broth

Decadent Choc Brownie

Season 3 (2017)

Season 3 was shot in a custom built studio in Msasa, Harare

Naming sponsor - TM Pick n Pay

Contestants

Contestant12345678910111213
Dylan TaylorLOWHIGHLOWHIGHWinner
Carmen VlahakisWINLOWWINWINRunner-up
Cherron HarryWINWINWINWIN2nd Runner-up(s)
Wilson JamesonHIGHWINLOWHIGH2nd Runner-up(s)
Ednos TavirimaHIGHLOWHIGHELIM
Chengetai Makawa*WINWINELIM
Tatenda NyamandeWINHIGHHIGHELIM
Kendall de SouzaLOWELIMWINELIM
Tatenda GuduHIGHHIGHELIM
Kundai MuchanyukaHIGHLOWELIM
Sue HodgsonLOWELIMOUT
Nicola 'Cola' KagoroLOWELIMOUT
Pam TaiirodzaELIMOUT
Deevya LethwalaELIM
Caroline RuzarioELIM
Amanda MhundwaELIM

Episodes

ROUND ONE: GLOBAL CUISINE
Episode #Episode TitleContestantsTechnical ChallengeInnovation ChallengeSet Recipe Challenge
301"Americana Extravaganza"Tatenda N

Wilson

Cola

Amanda

Cheeseburger & FriesChicken Wings

Potato Chips

Cola

Mini Apple Pies

with Caramel Butternut Pastry Cream

302"Chinese Festival"Cherron

Kundai

Kendall

Caroline

Vegetable Stir Fry

with Egg Fried Rice

Eggplant

Bamboo Shoots

Green Tea

Pot Sticker Dumplings
303"Italian Escapade"Chengetai

Ednos

Sue

Deevya

Fresh Pasta

with a sauce

Salami

Focaccia

Coffee Grounds

Zabaglione

with Ladyfingers

304"Food on the Flame"Carmen

Tatenda G

Dylan

Pam

Open Fire BreadBraai Pack

Dry Spice Rub

Pineapple

Grilled Orange Cupcakes
ROUND TWO: JUDGE'S MASTERCLASS
Episode #Episode TitleContestantsIdentification ChallengeTechnical ChallengeReplication Challenge
305"Judge Steve's Beef Masterclass"Chengetai

Tatenda N

Kundai

Kendall

Flavoured JelliesPrepare Beef FilletsBeef Tournedo

with Fondant Butternut & Smoked Garlic Mash

306"Judge Taf's Fish Masterclass"Cherron

Tatenda G

Ednos

Cola

Unusual Ingredients by SightScale & Fillet Whole FishKapenta Rubbed Bream Fillet

on Irio & Orange Burnt Butter

307"Judge Steve's Dessert Masterclass"Wilson

Dylan

Carmen

Sue

BlindfoldedPrepare Sugar WorkChocolate Delice

with Honeycomb & Sugar Work

ROUND THREE: CLOSE TO HOME
Episode #Episode TitleContestantsTechnical ChallengeInnovation ChallengeSet Recipe Challenge
308"Zimbabwean Homecoming"Cherron

Tatenda N

Dylan

Kundai

Sadza & RelishKapenta (Fresh & Dried)

Maputi

Sweet Potato

Mopani Worm (Madora) Quiche
309"South African Soiree"Carmen

Ednos

Wilson

Tatenda G

BoereworsRusks

Peach Chutney

Rooibos Tea

Bunny Chow
310"Wildcard Battle"Kendall

Cola

Sue

Pam

PatéTrio of Offal hors d'ourvesHumble Pie
ROUND FOUR: SEMIFINALS
Episode #Episode TitleContestantsShopping ChallengeTechnical ChallengeInnovation Challenge
311"Band of Braaiers"Cherron

Wilson

Tatenda N

Kendall

20 minutes & $75 to shop

for ingredients at TM Pick n Pay

Signature Gourmet Vodka CocktailBraai Platter of at least 6 unique items
312"Fine Dining Collective"Carmen

Dylan

Ednos

Chengetai

20 minutes & $75 to shop

for ingredients at TM Pick n Pay

Signature Gourmet Vodka CocktailFine Dining Platter of at least 6 unique items
ROUND FIVE: FINAL
Episode #Episode TitleContestantsStarterMainDessert
313"Grand Finale"Dylan

Carmen

Cherron

Wilson

Bouillabaisse

Duck Salad with Plums

Sweet Potato Maple Bacon Soup

Rosemary Beef Fillet

Beef with Mushrooms & Carrot Butternut Puree

Pasta Verde with Creamy Prawns

Chicken Curry with Banana Raita & Spiced Rice

Grilled Chicken Thighs with Assorted Purees

Beetroot Sorbet

Chocolate Tartlet with Coffee Mousse

Date Pudding

Mess in a Glass

Season 4

The show's fourth season began pre-production in 2018 - with auditions taking place in August. However, following the renewed economic crisis in Zimbabwe, production was put on hold indefinitely.

Judges

Judging is done by consensus among a panel of experts selected from Zimbabwe's hospitality industry, the majority of whom are restaurant owners, consultants, and executive chefs with hospitality background and experience. [3]

JudgeTitleOrganisationAppearances
Stephen HydeExecutive chefEmmanuel'sSeasons 1-3 (26 episodes)
Cherylyn ConlonCooking instructor & restaurant consultantSeasons 1-3 (22 episodes)
Innocent MasukuExecutive chef & restaurant consultantSeasons 1-3 (20 episodes)
Lincoln MyamboConsultant chefSeasons 1-3 (19 episodes)
Tafadzwa AnifasiPrivate chefSeason 3 (7 episodes)
Karl EckardChef & restaurant ownerThe Pariah State GroupSeasons 1-3 (6 episodes)
Karen MutasaChef & restaurant ownerOrganikksSeason 3 (3 episodes)
Carl Joshua Ncube Comedian Cotton Country InnSeason 1 (2 episodes)
Douglas CharekaExecutive chefBronte HotelSeason 1 (2 episodes)
Joseph BungaExecutive ProducerArea 46 ProductionsSeasons 2-3 (2 episodes)
Rumbie ShokoChef & founderZimbo KitchenSeason 3 (2 episodes)
Lesley OrfordChef & restaurant ownerAlo Alo RestaurantSeason 1 (1 episode)
Sebastian BenningRestaurant ownerThe Glass HouseSeason 1 (1 episode)
Tecla MapotaLegal practitionerGwaunza & MapotaSeason 1 (1 episode)
Glenn Stutchbury CEO Cresta Hotel AfricaSeason 1 (1 episode)
Emma HackerFood service representativeSea Pride ZimbabweSeason 1 (1 episode)
Roy LumsdenExecutive development chefMeikles AfricaSeason 1 (1 episode)
Mario Da SilvaFood criticSeason 1 (1 episode)
Tawanda MuchineripiRestaurant ownerBelcantosSeason 1 (1 episode)

Chefs' Competitions (off season/offline)

The inaugural Chefs' Competition in association with Battle of the Chefs was held on 5 August 2017. The following chefs competed:

NameOrganisation
Tinashe SibandaTowers
Lesley ChirembaAlo-Alo
Romeo S MandizhaDelhi Palace
Lyoid KofiBronte
Webster MupingoBronte
Jannet BandaOasis
Jessie ChivhungaCresta Lodge
Portia MurungweniCresta Lodge

A similar event was held featuring journalists in the Media Cook Off on 9 August 2017, hosted by season 3 finalist Cherron Harry.

See also

Iron Chef

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References

  1. "Impressive Battle of the Chefs reality TV cooking contest premieres Sunday on ZTV - Of Zimba". www.ofzimba.co.zw. Archived from the original on 2017-05-20.
  2. "Battle of the Chefs Harare". September 2015.
  3. "Battle Of The Chefs: 16 Teams – 60 Days – 1 Winner". www.battlechefs.co. Archived from the original on 2016-02-01.