Kershnie brings a modern twist to traditional Indian cuisine on The Taste Master SA
Kershnie Govender, a contestant on The Taste Master SA, shares her journey of blending traditional Indian dishes with modern flavours, aiming to impress the judges and celebrate her heritage.
Kershnie Govender is a contestant on The Taste Master SA on SABC 2
Image: Supplied
Reality cooking competition contestant Kershnie Govender will be taking traditional dishes, especially from her Indian roots, and giving them a fresh, flavorful twist to impress the judges.
Govender, from Port Shepstone on the south coast, is among the 10 contestants on The Taste Master SA on SABC 2.
The Taste Master SA, the cooking competition reality show, returned on Tuesday evening for a sixth season on SABC 2.
Renowned chef and TV personality Zola Nene returns to the judging panel. With her culinary expertise she will mentor the contestants through a series of cooking challenges.
Joining Nene in each episode are a rotating panel of guest judges, including her own mother, Bongekile Nene, chef Anwar Abdullatief, as well as Daniel Blignaut and Nathan Clarke.
Govender, who runs a catering business, said she entered Taste Master SA to challenge herself and grow beyond her comfort zone.
"This is a dream come true. Inspired by my family’s love for food, I wanted to prove that anything is possible when you believe in yourself.
"Cooking has been my lifelong passion, and now I’m thrilled to be representing my roots as I take on an exciting new chapter in a national cooking competition," said Govender.
Having studied marketing at the Durban University of Technology, Govender said her true passion, since childhood, has always been cooking.
"I love experimenting with flavours and giving traditional recipes a modern twist. Turning that passion into a career felt like the natural next step.
"I'm especially drawn to authentic Indian cuisine, rich curries, and flavourful English dishes. That’s where my creativity shines the most," she said.
Having survived the first challenge, inspired by the Mother's Day theme, Govender said it was intense and eye-opening.
"It was a make-or-break moment. Though I was hard on myself, it pushed me to grow and get stronger. The feedback from the judges showed me I have the potential to improve, marking the start of an exciting journey.
"Making it through the first challenge was a mix of pride, fear, and excitement. I had doubts about whether I did enough, but realising I gave it my best was something to celebrate. It showed me I’m capable, and I’m excited to keep growing and learning with each challenge," she said.She said working in front of the camera was intense.
"The cameras, lights, and time pressure tested my focus and multitasking skills. At first, it was overwhelming, but I'm learning to keep pushing even through the chatting during the challenge to stay focused, and deliver my best every time," she said.
Govender would like viewers to see that her style is all about heart, heritage, and creativity.
"I love taking traditional dishes especially from my Indian roots and giving them a fresh, flavourful twist. Whether it’s a slow-cooked curry, homemade bread, or a beautifully baked dessert, I cook with soul and intention.
"I want people to feel the warmth, love, and passion that goes into every dish. Cooking for me isn’t just about food; it’s about storytelling, connection, and creating moments people remember," she said.
Govender's signature dishes are a creamy chicken and prawn pasta, and a moist carrot cake with warm cinnamon and crunchy nuts.
"I’m a big pasta lover, especially saucy dishes. I also love butter chicken with naan—it's one of my all-time favourite Indian meals," she said.
Govender said with her winnings she would like to expand her business, K’s Cuisines, and open her own restaurant.
"This competition has fueled my dream, and I want to use it as a platform to grow and make a lasting impact on my community," she said.
This season will celebrate both cooking and baking and the winner will receive R200 000 from Capitec and more.
Nene said she was excited to be guiding a new generation of culinary talent.
“This season is not just about skills. It’s about storytelling through food. We have incredible contestants, amazing guest judges, and challenges that will truly push creativity to the edge,” said Nene.
Patience Stevens, managing director of Cardova Productions, said:“Every season of The Taste Master SA brings something unique and inspiring to audiences across the country. This new chapter is packed with fresh faces, big flavours and unforgettable moments. We’re thrilled to bring it to life on screen.”
The Taste Master SA airs every Tuesday at 7:30pm on SABC 2, with repeats on Wednesdays at 1pm and Sundays at 4pm.