Munopa for MasterChef 2025 / BBC
Age: 19
Occupation: Gap Year Student
From: Taunton via Harare, Zimbabwe
How would you describe your style of cooking?
“I would describe my style of cooking as classical French and British with international influences. My cooking is inspired by the people I meet and their stories. I make dishes that usually have very few key ingredients or look quite simple but use various techniques and textural elements to make them interesting. I blend the respect for seasonal and British produce that is prevalent in my community here in Taunton but also spices and flavours symbolic of my heritage in Southern Africa.
“I will cook anything from virtually anywhere as I think food is a good vehicle for understanding a person’s history and culture.”
What is your favourite ingredient to cook with and why?
“My favourite ingredient to cook with would probably be any type of seafood or fish. Living in a town with access to some of the best fish in the country by way of local fish markets, I’ve been spoiled for choice. I find my creativity is pushed by finding new ways to enjoy the foods I eat most often. I have dozens of seafood and fish dishes and being able to still come up with new combinations each time shows the versatility. The flavour pairings are dependent on the season, fish can be utilised in so many ways, and I never get tired of cooking and especially eating it.”
Why did you enter MasterChef this year?
“I honestly didn’t want to go on MasterChef. I’ve always been very protective of my recipes and like to cook at a leisurely pace in my kitchen at home. The idea of a fast-paced competition didn’t originally jump out at me but after some consideration and encouragement from my family I decided that there wasn’t a better use of my gap year.
“I’m so glad I went for it. It’s the most recognised amateur cooking competition and I wanted to get out there and do something with my last year of being a teenager. I think it’s important for me to take every opportunity available to me and see where it can take me.”
MasterChef continues weekly on BBC One and iPlayer.
