After weeks of sizzling street food, shishanyama, smokey flavours and high-stakes culinary battles, Nyama Battle on eTV has finally served up its champion.
Gershwin Gordon impressed judges and audiences alike with his creativity, flawless execution, and heartwarming passion, earning him the title of Nyama Battle winner. Gordon is a private chef and caterer from Johannesburg, and walked away with awesome prizes, including his own food truck and Nissan Navara bakkie.
“Winning Nyama Battle is a dream that came true for me. During my first interview, I said I have been praying for a bakkie and a food trailer, so when this opportunity came along, it was a given that I have to enter.
“I just trusted and prayed that I would win it. It changed my life, and enabled me to leave my job so I can focus on this as an extension of my business as a fine dining private chef. I’m a semi-celebrity now, but it’s not about the fame, it’s about the passion and the doors it can open for me. I can’t wait to hit the ground running with my Nyama Battle food truck and bakkie,” Gordon said.
In a surprise twist that delighted fans, runner-up Wayne Riley, whose talent and determination throughout the series were impossible to ignore, also walked away a winner. He received a fully equipped food trailer to add to his existing culinary venture, The Green Room in Kommetjie.
Roelf Pienaar, managing director of Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, said from the very first episode, the contestants reminded them why South Africa’s food culture is something to celebrate.
“Their inventive use of apples in the final episode was a standout moment — and we are so grateful to both finalists and all twelve contestants for showing South Africans just how delicious and diverse cooking with apples can be.”
Apple showdown
In a thrilling finale that brought the heat to the kitchen and the sweetness to the plate, the two final contestants had to prepare a Tru-Cape apple dessert.
Gordon created an unforgettable drunken apple crumble mille-feuille that had the judges singing their praises. From crisp pastry layers to delicately spiced Tru-Cape apple crumble, finished with a toffee drizzle and served with custard and crème fraîche, the dish was a true testament to the versatility and joy of cooking with apples.
“Using Tru-Cape products on the show was amazing. The quality and crunchiness of the apple made it the star in my final dessert. Apples are so diverse – I made a compote and crunchy fresh strips, which gave me two different aspects and textures of the apple.
“It was a winner for me, and everybody loved and complimented the dish. Whenever you need to use in fruit in the kitchen, I guarantee you, Tru-Cape is the brand to go for – it will elevate any dish,” Gordon said.
Meanwhile, Riley’s talent was showcased when he made a Tru-Cape apple fritter with rum syrup and apple puree during the final dessert challenge.
The competition began with a national search for chefs, cooks, and foodies, narrowing down to twelve exceptional talents and, ultimately, to these two incredible finalists.
“At Tru-Cape, we’re honoured to be part of a production that not only delivered world-class entertainment but also aligned with our core values of passion, quality, and uplifting local talent,” said Pienaar.
‘We’re just getting started’
Conrad Fick, marketing director at Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, said it was an inspiring journey to be part of Nyama Battle.
“To witness the rise of what may well be South Africa’s next big culinary name and to know that we played a small part in it is both humbling and exhilarating. The spirit, resilience, and raw talent shown in this series are exactly what our brand stands for.”
Even though the series has come to an end, Tru-Cape said they are committed to celebrating local talent and food culture continues.
“We look forward to supporting more platforms, people, and projects that make South African apples and pears shine,” Pienaar said.
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