Karen van der Merwe Eliminated from MasterChef SA After Chicken Feet Challenge

Karen van der Merwe has been eliminated from MasterChef South Africa after a high-pressure chicken challenge that tested both creativity and execution. In the latest episode of MasterChef SA, Karen van der Merwe, a 38-year-old from Alberton, exited the competition following a demanding pressure test centred around a whole chicken.

Chicken challenge leads to elimination

After last week’s team challenge, only the losing Red Team, led by Karen, faced elimination.

Seven contestants entered the round, each cooking to secure their place.

The judges set a complex task. Contestants had to break open a clay pot to reveal a whole chicken, then prepare three refined dishes for each judge. This meant nine plates in total within 75 minutes. One dish had to include gizzards.

Risky ingredient choice proves costly

Karen took a bold approach by using chicken feet in one of her dishes.

The preparation proved time-consuming, especially when removing the skin. She later realised she only had two usable pieces and had to improvise.

Her final dishes included:

• Asian chicken dumpling with broth
• Chicken liver pâté with crackers and sweet onions
• Panko chicken skin “toes” with nam jin sauce

While one judge praised the crispiness of the chicken skin, feedback highlighted inconsistent flavours and textures.

Related articles

• Rejane and Chanelle exit MasterChef South Africa Season 6
• MasterChef South Africa shocker: Ali goes up in flames!
• Suhael Raghunath exits MasterChef South Africa after soufflé setback
• Double elimination shocks MasterChef South Africa burger challenge

Competition twist changes the dynamic

Just before judging, Candice used her Immunity Pin to secure her place in the competition.

This reduced the number of contestants facing elimination and increased pressure on the remaining cooks.

Judges reward creativity but demand consistency

Karen’s use of chicken feet stood out, but the execution did not meet expectations.

Her dishes were described as uneven, with some elements bland and others overly oily or watery.

In contrast, Josh impressed the judges with his own creative approach and delivered the strongest dish of the day.

A memorable journey comes to an end

Karen leaves the competition known for her humour, honesty and personality in the kitchen.

Nicknamed “South Africa’s own Afrikaans Nigella Lawson,” she became a fan favourite for her commentary and memorable moments.

What’s next in the competition

The remaining contestants will face a new challenge next week focused on rice, guided by guest judge Zanele van Zyl.

Karen’s elimination highlights how a single ingredient choice can shape the outcome in high-pressure cooking challenges.

Related articles

• Rejane and Chanelle exit MasterChef South Africa Season 6
• MasterChef South Africa shocker: Ali goes up in flames!
• Suhael Raghunath exits MasterChef South Africa after soufflé setback
• Double elimination shocks MasterChef South Africa burger challenge

Read InBoundSA Online