Northern Cape's young chef: Matthew Harvey's journey on The Taste Master Junior

MATTHEW Harvey, a 16-year-old culinary whiz from Steinkopf in the Northern Cape, has left a lasting impression on the judges of The Taste Master Junior. His journey on the show has been nothing short of inspiring, and he shares his thoughts on his experience.

"I am most proud of how far I progressed this season, especially because I never imagined I would make it this far," Matthew says. His passion for cooking was ignited during lockdown, thanks to Fatima Sydow's YouTube recipes.

The young chef's recent challenge in Stilbaai was a thrilling experience. "I felt enthusiastic and prepared for the challenge because it sounded enjoyable and I had never made bread before," he says. Matthew's Asbrood, filled with steak strips, pickled cucumber, and white cheddar cheese, wowed the judges with its bold flavours.

Despite his elimination, Matthew remains grateful. "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," he says.

Matthew's time on the show has taught him valuable lessons. "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," he shares.

Looking back, Matthew's favourite moment was the cake challenge, where he created a lemon and pear sponge cake with a Swiss and cream cheese buttercream frosting.

For aspiring young cooks, Matthew has words of encouragement. "Take every opportunity you are given. 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 7.30pm on SABC2, with repeats every Wednesday at 1pm and Sunday at 4pm.