# Battle of the Chefs: Harare

Battle of the Chefs: Harare is a Zimbabwean reality competition television series which premiered on August 30, 2015 on Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation. The show features sixteen contestants competing across five rounds. It is open to both amateur and professional chefs.

## Show format
### Basic format

Battle of the Chefs is a cooking show that uses a progressive elimination format. From season 2 onwards, each season starts with sixteen contestants, with one chef eliminated in each episode until four finalists remain to battle for the title of Best Chef in Zimbabwe.
Each episode features three challenges designed to test the chefs' technique, creativity, and knowledge of food and flavour. The expert panel of three judges score the chefs' efforts during the episodes. In the end the chef with the highest score wins either an advantage or a prize; and the chef with the lowest score is stripped of their chef's jacket.
In the Technical Challenge the chefs are asked to produce their take on a basic dish. In the Innovation Challenge, they are given a basket containing three key ingredients they must use to create their most innovative dish. In the Set Recipe Challenge they are given a somewhat complex recipe to follow.

### Variant formats

Season 1 of the show had sixteen teams, each consisting of two individuals. In each episode, a team of chefs is required to prepare three dishes: starter, main course and dessert.
In season 2 onwards the Judges Masterclass Round features an Identification Challenge where the chefs are expected to identify a number of mystery ingredients, as well as the Replication Challenge where the chefs must watch one of the judges give a recipe demo and then replicate it. In the Semifinal Round there is a Shopping Challenge, and the Innovation Challenge requires the chefs to produce a creative platter of multiple items. The finale requires the chefs to produce a signature three course menu.

## Seasons

| Season | Winner(s) | Runner(s)-up | Finalists | Air Dates |
| 1 | Tafadzwa Anifasi Musodzi Mushonga | Ant Berens Tony Attwell | N/A | August 30 - December 6, 2015 |
| 2 | Leandrah Makaya | Jessica Vakos-England | Tinotenda Mutamba Donovan Layton | April 10 - July 3, 2016 |
| 3 | Dylan Taylor | Carmen Vlahakis | Cherron Harry Wilson Jamesom | April 20 - July 13, 2017 |

### Season 1 (2015)
#### Episodes

| Episode | Air Date |
| 1 | 30 August 2015 |
| 2 | 6 September 2015 |
| 3 | 13 September 2015 |
| 4 | 20 September 2015 |
| 5 | 27 September 2015 |
| 6 | 4 October 2015 |
| 7 | 11 October 2015 |
| 8 | 18 October 2015 |
| 9 | 25 October 2015 |
| 10 | 1 November 2015 |
| 11 | 8 November 2015 |
| 12 | 15 November 2015 |
| 13 | 22 November 2015 |
| 14 | 29 November 2015 |
| 15 | 6 December 2015 |

### Season 2 (2016)

Season 2 was shot in a custom built studio in Borrowdale - Harare.
Naming sponsor - TM Pick n Pay

#### Contestant Progress

| Contestant | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| Leandrah Makaya | | | SAFE | | SAFE | | | | SAFE | | SAFE | | Winner |
| Jessica Vakos-England | | | SAFE | | | | SAFE | SAFE | | | SAFE | | Runner-up |
| Tinotenda Mutamba | SAFE | | | | | | SAFE | SAFE | | | | SAFE | Eliminated |
| Donovan Layton | | SAFE | | | | SAFE | | | SAFE | | | SAFE | Eliminated |
| Sara Thompson | | SAFE | | | ELIM | | | | | WIN | | ELIM | |
| David Lupenga* | SAFE | | | | SAFE | | | | | | | ELIM | |
| Fadzayi Mtuwa | | SAFE | | | SAFE | | | | SAFE | | ELIM | | |
| James Chareka | SAFE | | | | | SAFE | | SAFE | | | ELIM | | |
| Dimitri Adamakos | | | SAFE | | | | SAFE | | ELIM | | | | |
| Zandi Mubi | | | | SAFE | | SAFE | | ELIM | | | | | |
| Charlene Chisvo | | | | SAFE | | | ELIM | | | OUT | | | |
| Tongai Zhou | | | | SAFE | | ELIM | | | | | | | |
| Tinashe Sean Murove | | | | ELIM | | | | | | | | | |
| Rakesh Pokhriyal | | | ELIM | | | | | | | OUT | | | |
| Ryan Maidwell | | ELIM | | | | | | | | OUT | | | |
| Portia Makwamanzi | ELIM | | | | | | | | | | | | |

#### Episodes

ROUND ONE: GLOBAL CUISINE :
| Episode # | Episode Title | Contestants | Technical Challenge | Innovation Challenge | Set Recipe Challenge |
| 201 | "Mexican Fiesta" | David James Tinotenda Portia | Tortilla Chips with Salsa & Guacamole | Beef Mince Corn on the Cob Tequila | Molé Chicken Enchiladas |
| 202 | "Indian Adventure" | Donovan Fadzayi Sara Ryan | Chilli Sauce | Mutton Chops Chick Peas Cream Cheese | Ras Malai |
| 203 | "Classic French" | Jessica Dimitri Leandrah Rakesh | French Trim a Rack of Lamb | Rack of Lamb Camembert Cheese Sun Jam | Mille-Feuille |
| 204 | "Greek Games" | Charlene Zandi Tongai Tinashe | Pita Bread Dough | Pita Bread Dough Sardines Capers | Baba Ganouch Skordalia Tzatziki |
| ROUND TWO: JUDGE'S MASTERCLASS ||||||
| Episode # | Episode Title | Contestants | Judge | Technical Challenge | Replication Challenge |
| 205 | "African Fusion Masterclass" | David Leandrah Fadzayi Sara | Innocent Masuku | Debone Whole Rabbit | Rabbit Roulade with Peanutbutter Sauce |
| 206 | "South East Asian Masterclass" | Donovan James Zandi Tongai | Cherylyn Conlon | Knife Skills | Thai Green Prawn Curry |
| 207 | "Game Masterclass" | Jessica Dimitri Tinotenda Charlene | Lincoln Myambo | Breakdown Guinea Fowl & Debone Thighs | Guinea Fowl Ballantine with Parsnip-Pea Mash & Tarragon Sauce |
| ROUND THREE: CLOSE TO HOME ||||||
| Episode # | Episode Title | Contestants | Technical Challenge | Innovation Challenge | Set Recipe Challenge |
| 208 | "Contemporary Zimbabwean | James Tinotenda Jessica Zandi | Marula Nut & Baobab Powder Smoothie | Mopani Worms (Madora) Mango Rape | Pumpkin Leaf Ravioli |
| 209 | "Hunter Gatherer" | Leandrah Donovan Fadzayi Dimitri | Go Fishing & Foraging | Whole Bream Pecan Nuts Fresh Herbs | Mini Salted Caramel Pecan Tarts |
| 210 | "Wildcard Battle" | Sara Ryan Charlene Rakesh | Mayonnaise | Most Innovative Chicken Main Course | Chocolate Soufflé |
| ROUND FOUR: SEMIFINALS ||||||
| Episode # | Episode Title | Contestants | Shopping Challenge | Technical Challenge | Innovation Challenge |
| 211 | "Contemporary High Tea" | Jessica Leandrah Fadzayi James | 30 minutes & $100 to shop for ingredients at TM Pick n Pay | Scones | High Tea Finger Food Platter |
| 212 | "Pub Grub" | Tinotenda Donovan Sara David | 30 minutes & $100 to shop for ingredients at TM Pick n Pay | Sausages | Pub Grub Platter |
| ROUND FIVE: FINAL ||||||
| Episode # | Episode Title | Contestants | Starter | Main | Dessert |
| 213 | "Grand Finale" | Leandrah Jessica Tinotenda Donnovan | Stuffed Pumpkin Leaf Tian of Salmon Tartar Pan Fried Tilapia with Spatzle Sundried Tomato Tortelini | Fig & Hazelnut Pork Roulade with Potato Spiral Poached Bream with Salmon Mousse & Beurre Blanc Beef Fillet with Cabbage & a Red Wine Sauce Herb Crusted Beef Fillet with Tangy Mushroom Sauce | Eton Mess Chocolate Cheesecake Mousse Vanilla Ravioli with Strawberry Broth Decadent Choc Brownie |

### Season 3 (2017)

Season 3 was shot in a custom built studio in Msasa, Harare
Naming sponsor - TM Pick n Pay

#### Contestants

| Contestant | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| Dylan Taylor | | | | LOW | | | HIGH | LOW | | | | HIGH | Winner |
| Carmen Vlahakis | | | | WIN | | | LOW | | WIN | | | WIN | Runner-up |
| Cherron Harry | | WIN | | | | WIN | | WIN | | | WIN | | 2nd Runner-up(s) |
| Wilson Jameson | HIGH | | | | | | WIN | | LOW | | HIGH | | 2nd Runner-up(s) |
| Ednos Tavirima | | | HIGH | | | LOW | | | HIGH | | | ELIM | |
| Chengetai Makawa* | | | WIN | | WIN | | | | | | | ELIM | |
| Tatenda Nyamande | WIN | | | | HIGH | | | HIGH | | | ELIM | | |
| Kendall de Souza | | LOW | | | ELIM | | | | | WIN | ELIM | | |
| Tatenda Gudu | | | | HIGH | | HIGH | | | ELIM | | | | |
| Kundai Muchanyuka | | HIGH | | | LOW | | | ELIM | | | | | |
| Sue Hodgson | | | LOW | | | | ELIM | | | OUT | | | |
| Nicola 'Cola' Kagoro | LOW | | | | | ELIM | | | | OUT | | | |
| Pam Taiirodza | | | | ELIM | | | | | | OUT | | | |
| Deevya Lethwala | | | ELIM | | | | | | | | | | |
| Caroline Ruzario | | ELIM | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Amanda Mhundwa | ELIM | | | | | | | | | | | | |

#### Episodes

ROUND ONE: GLOBAL CUISINE :
| Episode # | Episode Title | Contestants | Technical Challenge | Innovation Challenge | Set Recipe Challenge |
| 301 | "Americana Extravaganza" | Tatenda N Wilson Cola Amanda | Cheeseburger & Fries | Chicken Wings Potato Chips Cola | Mini Apple Pies with Caramel Butternut Pastry Cream |
| 302 | "Chinese Festival" | Cherron Kundai Kendall Caroline | Vegetable Stir Fry with Egg Fried Rice | Eggplant Bamboo Shoots Green Tea | Pot Sticker Dumplings |
| 303 | "Italian Escapade" | Chengetai Ednos Sue Deevya | Fresh Pasta with a sauce | Salami Focaccia Coffee Grounds | Zabaglione with Ladyfingers |
| 304 | "Food on the Flame" | Carmen Tatenda G Dylan Pam | Open Fire Bread | Braai Pack Dry Spice Rub Pineapple | Grilled Orange Cupcakes |
| ROUND TWO: JUDGE'S MASTERCLASS ||||||
| Episode # | Episode Title | Contestants | Identification Challenge | Technical Challenge | Replication Challenge |
| 305 | "Judge Steve's Beef Masterclass" | Chengetai Tatenda N Kundai Kendall | Flavoured Jellies | Prepare Beef Fillets | Beef Tournedo with Fondant Butternut & Smoked Garlic Mash |
| 306 | "Judge Taf's Fish Masterclass" | Cherron Tatenda G Ednos Cola | Unusual Ingredients by Sight | Scale & Fillet Whole Fish | Kapenta Rubbed Bream Fillet on Irio & Orange Burnt Butter |
| 307 | "Judge Steve's Dessert Masterclass" | Wilson Dylan Carmen Sue | Blindfolded | Prepare Sugar Work | Chocolate Delice with Honeycomb & Sugar Work |
| ROUND THREE: CLOSE TO HOME ||||||
| Episode # | Episode Title | Contestants | Technical Challenge | Innovation Challenge | Set Recipe Challenge |
| 308 | "Zimbabwean Homecoming" | Cherron Tatenda N Dylan Kundai | Sadza & Relish | Kapenta (Fresh & Dried) Maputi Sweet Potato | Mopani Worm (Madora) Quiche |
| 309 | "South African Soiree" | Carmen Ednos Wilson Tatenda G | Boerewors | Rusks Peach Chutney Rooibos Tea | Bunny Chow |
| 310 | "Wildcard Battle" | Kendall Cola Sue Pam | Paté | Trio of Offal hors d'ourves | Humble Pie |
| ROUND FOUR: SEMIFINALS ||||||
| Episode # | Episode Title | Contestants | Shopping Challenge | Technical Challenge | Innovation Challenge |
| 311 | "Band of Braaiers" | Cherron Wilson Tatenda N Kendall | 20 minutes & $75 to shop for ingredients at TM Pick n Pay | Signature Gourmet Vodka Cocktail | Braai Platter of at least 6 unique items |
| 312 | "Fine Dining Collective" | Carmen Dylan Ednos Chengetai | 20 minutes & $75 to shop for ingredients at TM Pick n Pay | Signature Gourmet Vodka Cocktail | Fine Dining Platter of at least 6 unique items |
| ROUND FIVE: FINAL ||||||
| Episode # | Episode Title | Contestants | Starter | Main | Dessert |
| 313 | "Grand Finale" | Dylan Carmen Cherron Wilson | Bouillabaisse Duck Salad with Plums Sweet Potato Maple Bacon Soup Rosemary Beef Fillet | Beef with Mushrooms & Carrot Butternut Puree Pasta Verde with Creamy Prawns Chicken Curry with Banana Raita & Spiced Rice Grilled Chicken Thighs with Assorted Purees | Beetroot Sorbet Chocolate Tartlet with Coffee Mousse Date Pudding Mess in a Glass |

### Season 4

The show's fourth season began pre-production in 2018 - with auditions taking place in August. However, following the renewed economic crisis in Zimbabwe, production was put on hold indefinitely.

## Judges

Judging is done by consensus among a panel of experts selected from Zimbabwe's hospitality industry, the majority of whom are restaurant owners, consultants, and executive chefs with hospitality background and experience.
| Judge | Title | Organisation | Appearances |
| Stephen Hyde | Executive chef | Emmanuel's | Seasons 1-3 (26 episodes) |
| Cherylyn Conlon | Cooking instructor & restaurant consultant | | Seasons 1-3 (22 episodes) |
| Innocent Masuku | Executive chef & restaurant consultant | | Seasons 1-3 (20 episodes) |
| Lincoln Myambo | Consultant chef | | Seasons 1-3 (19 episodes) |
| Tafadzwa Anifasi | Private chef | | Season 3 (7 episodes) |
| Karl Eckard | Chef & restaurant owner | The Pariah State Group | Seasons 1-3 (6 episodes) |
| Karen Mutasa | Chef & restaurant owner | Organikks | Season 3 (3 episodes) |
| Carl Joshua Ncube | Comedian | Cotton Country Inn | Season 1 (2 episodes) |
| Douglas Chareka | Executive chef | Bronte Hotel | Season 1 (2 episodes) |
| Joseph Bunga | Executive Producer | Area 46 Productions | Seasons 2-3 (2 episodes) |
| Rumbie Shoko | Chef & founder | Zimbo Kitchen | Season 3 (2 episodes) |
| Lesley Orford | Chef & restaurant owner | Alo Alo Restaurant | Season 1 (1 episode) |
| Sebastian Benning | Restaurant owner | The Glass House | Season 1 (1 episode) |
| Tecla Mapota | Legal practitioner | Gwaunza & Mapota | Season 1 (1 episode) |
| Glenn Stutchbury | CEO | Cresta Hotel Africa | Season 1 (1 episode) |
| Emma Hacker | Food service representative | Sea Pride Zimbabwe | Season 1 (1 episode) |
| Roy Lumsden | Executive development chef | Meikles Africa | Season 1 (1 episode) |
| Mario Da Silva | Food critic | | Season 1 (1 episode) |
| Tawanda Muchineripi | Restaurant owner | Belcantos | Season 1 (1 episode) |

## Chefs' Competitions (off season/offline)

The inaugural Chefs' Competition in association with Battle of the Chefs was held on 5 August 2017. The following chefs competed:
| Name | Organisation |
| Tinashe Sibanda | Towers |
| Lesley Chiremba | Alo-Alo |
| Romeo S Mandizha | Delhi Palace |
| Lyoid Kofi | Bronte |
| Webster Mupingo | Bronte |
| Jannet Banda | Oasis |
| Jessie Chivhunga | Cresta Lodge |
| Portia Murungweni | Cresta Lodge |
A similar event was held featuring journalists in the Media Cook Off on 9 August 2017, hosted by season 3 finalist Cherron Harry.