Three culinary enthusiasts went head-to-head at the HTA School of Culinary Art in Randburg for the ultimate prize in Rajah’s Clash of the Chicken Curries, hosted by beloved media personality Dineo Langa. Contestants Nivashnee Chetty, Jaclyn Holmes, and Ritshidze Sibadali gave their all, putting their unique spin on South Africa’s favorite chicken curry in hopes of securing the grand prize of R50,000.
The competition marked the finale of a four-month search led by Rajah, South Africa’s leading curry powder brand. Over the months, consumers across the country submitted their cherished chicken curry recipes, along with photos, to compete for not only the cash prize but also luxury Le Creuset cookware and a gas stove. After a meticulous review of hundreds of entries, three finalists faced off before an esteemed panel featuring Unilever Chef Vusi Mtseshane, cookbook author Fatima Saib, and 5FM’s own foodie, Nick Hamman. Ultimately, Ritshidze Sibadali took home the title with her inventive coconut and spice fusion chicken curry.
“I’m so excited! As a food content creator, the first thing I’m going to do is purchase a camera and backdrops to enhance my content,” Ritshidze shared. Reflecting on the competition’s two-hour timeframe, the Johannesburg-based creator added, “I actually finished with 20 minutes to spare but couldn’t wait for the judges to taste my food!”
Rajah Brand Manager Phumzile Nkwakhwa highlighted the goal of the competition, saying, “Chicken curry is a staple in South African homes, and we wanted to see how Rajah’s curry powders inspire creativity in the kitchen.” According to Nkwakhwa, Ritshidze’s dish won over the judges with its layered flavors, coconut richness, and carefully balanced spices, showcasing the taste and aroma that have made Rajah a household name.
Ritshidze credits her winning recipe’s edge to her use of coconut milk, brown sugar, and spices, including her go-to Rajah Medium curry powder—a cherished family tradition passed down from her grandmother.
Fellow competitor Nivashnee Chetty, a homemaker from Durban, revealed that her love for curry began after marriage, leading to her family’s favorite spicy chicken curry. She turns to a mix of Rajah Mild & Spicy, Medium, and Hot curry powders to achieve the perfect flavor. Jaclyn Holmes, a Durban-based marketer, shared that her family-favorite Flavourful and Mild Rajah curry powder adds flavor to many of her dishes, including her butter chicken curry entry, which combines a non-traditional flair with classic taste.
For those looking to refine their curry-making skills, explore a world of chicken curry recipes on What’s for Dinner.
With such passionate contestants, Rajah’s Clash of the Chicken Curries not only celebrated culinary creativity but also brought new inspiration to kitchens across South Africa.