Kokkedoor gets a fresh look and seeks contestants

For its milestone 10th season, kykNET’s hit cooking reality show Kokkedoor is shaking things up with a fresh format and two new judges.

Renamed Kokkedoor Son & See, the new season will feature renowned food experts Herman Lensing and Yolani Abrahams as judges. kykNET is currently looking for contestants to join this exciting season, set to air in November and December.

This is the fifth version of the Kokkedoor series, following the original Kokkedoor (launched in 2012), Kokkedoor: Fire & Flame (currently airing), Koekedoor, Kokkedoortjie, and Koekedoortjie.

According to publicist Wilmer Müller, Kokkedoor Son & See introduces some exciting new elements.

Contestants must enter as a team of two family members, with a generation gap of at least 20 years. This could be a grandmother and granddaughter, a mother and son, in-laws, or cousins, as long as there is a family connection.

Only home cooks may enter, as no professional chefs will be allowed.

The focus is on the nostalgic role of cooking in family traditions, celebrating how food connects generations.

Meet the judges

Both new judges are well-established figures in South Africa’s food scene. Herman Lensing is a bestselling cookbook author and celebrated culinary personality, while restaurateur Yolani Abrahams has long dreamed of sharing her love for food through media.

“I’m grabbing this opportunity with both hands and my feet,” says Yolani. “It’s an honour, and I hope to make a success of it while learning a thing or two myself.”

Herman, who has aspired to be a Kokkedoor judge since 2013, calls it a privilege to join the show. “I promise to be honest in my feedback, but I love food so much that no one will ever leave the kitchen feeling less than they are.”

How to enter

• Apply at kyknet.tv or email [email protected].
• Entries close on 30 April 2025.
• The youngest team member must be at least 18 years old, and there must be a 20-year age gap between team members.
• Teams must be family members.
• Auditions will take place in Cape Town from 5 to 9 May 2025.
• Filming will run from 20 June to 3 July 2025 in Struisbaai.