Culture Craze
Lorna Maseko Takes South African Flavour to Bobby Flay’s Kitchen
South Africa’s very own culinary star, Lorna Maseko, has once again proven that her influence extends far beyond local kitchens. The celebrated chef, television host, and author made her international judging debut this week on the hit Food Network cooking competition Bobby’s Triple Threat.
The Johannesburg-born chef shared her excitement on Instagram, writing: “There’s never a dull moment when you’re in @bobbyflay’s kitchen… Can’t wait for you to see this one!”
The episode, titled Titans vs Martel Stone, aired in the United States on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, marking another major moment in Maseko’s fast-growing global career.
South African Elegance Meets Global Stage
While American audiences tuned in for high-pressure culinary battles, South Africans couldn’t help but notice how stunning Maseko looked while flying the local flag in fashion, too.
She appeared in a striking ensemble by luxury South African brand Maxhosa Africa, blending local artistry with international sophistication. Fans flooded her social media with congratulations and pride, many celebrating how seamlessly she represented both South African food and fashion on one of the world’s biggest culinary platforms.
A Show Where Pressure Meets Precision
For those unfamiliar, Bobby’s Triple Threat is hosted by American celebrity chef Bobby Flay. Each episode pits a talented chef against three “titans” hand-picked by Flay himself. Across three intense rounds, contestants must cook dishes featuring two surprise ingredients while facing off against a different titan each time.
If they win, they walk away with $25 000, roughly R427 000. But beyond the cash prize, the show is about skill, flair, and the kind of creative instincts that chefs like Maseko know all too well.
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From Ballet to the World’s Kitchens
Lorna Maseko’s success feels like a full-circle story. Once a professional ballet dancer, she first discovered her love for food in 2015 when she competed on Celebrity MasterChef South Africa, finishing in the top six.
That experience, she’s said, “ignited my passion for food so much more.” Since then, she has hosted Top Chef South Africa, created and starred in The Hostess with Lorna Maseko on SABC3, published award-winning cookbooks, and even partnered with South African Airways to introduce a local-inspired in-flight menu earlier this year.
Each step in her journey has blended artistry, elegance, and a deep appreciation for South African cuisine, qualities that continue to make her one of the country’s proudest exports.
A Moment of Pride for Mzansi
Maseko’s appearance on Bobby’s Triple Threat is more than just a TV cameo; it’s a moment that cements South Africa’s growing footprint in global food culture. From her Maxhosa look to her confident judging seat beside Bobby Flay, she reminded viewers that South African talent belongs on any stage, anywhere in the world.
As one fan commented on Instagram, “From Soweto to Food Network, what a queen move.”
Also read: How an Asian Makoti’s Zulu Prayer Made South Africa Stop, Laugh, and Listen
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Youth Village
