Three cook their way to the top at Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off coastal round

A preliminary round of the Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off took place at the coast on 6 July at Dunes Mall in Walvis Bay, featuring about 25 competitors demonstrating their kapana cooking skills.

Judges evaluated contestants on cleanliness, time management and presentation. After a competitive first round, 10 participants advanced to the main round, where the top three cooks were selected to compete in the finals. The finals are scheduled to be held in August at the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair.

Laura Egumbo, Rhoda Baseko and Veueza Kasemba emerged as the top three cooks, impressing judges with their delicious and well-presented dishes. The trio qualified to take part in the final of the popular competition, where the grand prize winner will walk away with a fully-kitted mobile kitchen worth N$130 000.

Exciting challenge

Egumbo expressed her joy at making it into the finals, saying: "I feel happy. I get my skills from my business, as I do the same business. Besides my business, I have gained skills from the Nedbank competition, as I have been participating for six years, including this year."

Egumbo is optimistic about the finals.

"This year I will make it. The food trailer is coming to the coast," she vowed.

The next Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off challenge will take place in Windhoek on 19 and 20 July, where professional chefs will compete on the first day, followed by the normal preliminary round on the second day.

Entries into the Windhoek preliminary round are now open and interested cooks should visit nedbank.com.na to download the entry form.