Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000

Quarter-Finalist

Fiona Motala

South African born, Indian-rooted, U.S.-seasoned, I bring bold third-culture flavor that fills hearts, bellies, and souls.

Currently 8

in the Quarter-Finals

Vote

You decide who will appear in Taste of Home magazine, and win $25,000!

Voting for Semi-Finalists ends Thursday the 23rd of July at 7PM PDT

Want to learn more about our competition?

Learn More
Connect
What is your signature dish?

Peri Peri Chicken and Rice with corn and Mango Salad

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My culinary inspiration is my mum. Orphaned at 7 in apartheid South Africa, she learned to cook from her mother, who taught her from a wheelchair before passing. Left with 8 siblings to help care for, my mum made koeksisters and sold them door to door in Alexandra township. She taught me that food is love, survival, and service. I cook to honor her strength and aspire to feed and care for children around the world.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, we can expand HFSAA-certified halal meals nationwide. In the U.S., 35% of Muslims live on $30,000 or less, and many food pantries lack halal options. This is bigger than convenience, it’s dignity, access, and nourishment. We want to help pantries stock trusted halal meals so families never have to choose between hunger and faith.

James Beard Foundation

Vote for Fiona Motala to be the next Favorite Chef while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote below, or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting the James Beard Foundation and their mission to lead chefs and the broader culinary industry toward a new standard of excellence.


1 Vote
10 Votes
25 Votes
50 Votes
100 Votes
250 Votes
Other Amount

Enter donation - $1 per vote

Make onions cry

Sharpen your knives and show the world why you’re the Favorite Chef.

Learn More