21 May 2018
Kitchen kings and queens: MKR SA, S1, is now streaming
Winter has arrived like an icy evil queen, sending temperatures plummeting all across the land with a flick of her cold, mean wrist. So there’s an excuse to stay indoors, bingeing on all the entertainment that Showmax has to offer. But what happens when you’re hungry and need to fuel your body? Simple: you check out Season 1 of reality show My Kitchen Rules SA (2017-current). That’s 18 episodes filled with easy-to-follow recipes that got food-savvy judges like singer J’Something and restauranteur David Higgs hungry for more.
Season 2 launches on M-Net on Sunday, 3 June, so now’s the time to catch all the action from Season 1 on Showmax.
Best of all, the contestants are amateur chefs, so you’re in the exact same shoes at home – if the amateur chefs on My Kitchen Rules SA can do it, so can you.
“Simplicity is key,” explains David, who has been cooking for over 20 years. “Keep things simple and cook something that’s close to your heart [for the auditions]. Cook something that has a story.”
J’Something is no slouch either when it comes to slicing and dicing. While he’s best known as the frontman for local band Mi Casa, he’s been cooking up a storm for years, so he’s “been there, done that” when it comes to starting out in the kitchen. And listening to the judges is a must, especially during the auditions for the show. “Stick to the brief and you can’t go wrong,” explains J. “Make a cold dish that will blow us away.”
If you’re feeling a little intimidated by what you when you’re streaming episodes, don’t worry – not everyone has to look like Gordon Ramsay to get the dishes right. “We had contestants fumbling around the kitchen and looking like they were out of their depths, only to serve these huge flavours at crunch time,” says David. And some of those flavours will have you begging for more, like the two judges. “We literally eat entire meals – what you see is exactly what happens during filming,” adds David. “We do some tastings during filming, to give us an idea of where the contestants are going, but we have entire dishes by the end of the episode.”
But why should you be watching reality cooking shows like My Kitchen Rules SA? Besides the fact that competition is always fun and there are unexpected twists and turns around every corner, there’s the not-so-little matter of learning and improving your own kitchen skills. “We’ve seen complete amateurs using skills that belong in professional kitchens,” says David, with J’Something adding that “everyone’s palate is different and combinations that you wouldn’t think would work actually do work.”
The My Kitchen Rules contestants really are amateurs who’ve received no formal training – “It’s all about their passion and love for food,” explains David. “And accidents do happen. There was one where we just heard the call ‘Medic! We’ve got a bleeder!’ – someone had cut themselves with a brand-new razor-sharp knife.” It will also make you feel a little less stupid when something does go wrong in your own kitchen at home, laughs chef David. “We’ve had burnt dishes, dropped dishes… the usual things you’d find in any home kitchen, industrial kitchen, professional kitchen. It’s part of cooking. The only way to learn is to do.”
Don’t worry if you don’t have time to write down all the ingredients and cooking steps – Season 1’s menu can be found here, from savoury-and-sweet high tea to braai pizzas and lamb knuckle stew and everything in-between (there are full ingredient lists and preparation methods are included – and they’re super-easy to follow). And don’t be afraid to experiment – if you’re not a fan of salmon, you can switch it for another fish in the Salmon Herb Garden recipe. Not in the mood for a veggie burger? Throw on a beef patty or chicken breast and continue your shift behind the stove.
“Remember, you’re the chef – enjoy cooking and enjoy eating,” adds David.
Original African stories by local talent
Nilichoma
The Kenyan Showmax Original docuseries features celebs who received an unexpected windfall, and then blew it all. Premiering on 28 May 2024.
Mince Jou Hare S1
Shimmy Isaacs’s laugh-out-loud sitcom about a factory worker who opens a hair salon in her home lands on Showmax on 20 May 2024.
Untying Kantai
Untying Kantai follows King Kantai, a man who has spent 30 years of his life working hard to provide for his family, only to be conned out of his life savings. Now streaming.
Big Girl Small World
Big Girl Small World follows Ciku, a plus-size woman who stumbles through a journey of self-discovery after a humiliating scandal. Stream now, with new episodes every Wednesday.
Empini S1
Empini is a high-stakes, action-packed drama about Ndoni, a deeply troubled private security bodyguard in search of answers. Landing 23 May, with new episodes weekly.
Original Sin: My Son The Killer
Original Sin: My Son The Killer follows the murder of Andrea Venter by Gerhard Jansen van Vuuren, who then went on the run from South Africa to Brazil.
Tracking Thabo Bester
From the makers of Devilsdorp and the director of Convict Conman comes the true-crime documentary South Africa has been waiting for. All the episodes are streaming on Showmax.
The Illuminated
The Showmax Original docuseries The Illuminated explores different religious movements in South Africa. All episodes now streaming.
What will be the cost of vengeance? Empini S1, coming soon
Ultimate Girls Trip SA: What happens in Jamaica?
More Mzansi gold
Eye-opening homegrown documentaries to stream
These unmissable South African shows and movies deliver surprising insights on the country we’re living in today.
Youngins Season 1 episodes 43-45 recap: The finale
Amo confronts her father in prison, a new grooming victim steps forward, and Principal Mthembu faces his accusers. All episodes of Showmax Original Youngins are now ready to binge on Showmax.
Kealeboga Masango on playing Buhle in Showmax Original Youngins
Rising star Kealeboga Masango talks about her breakthrough role as Buhle, the head girl of Olifantsfontein in Youngins. All episodes are streaming on Showmax.
RHODurban S4 reunion part 1 serves shade and spice
Shade and spice was served on part 1 of The Real Housewives of Durban S4 reunion. Part 2 of the reunion lands on Showmax on 22 May 2024.