Joy Mavi is the strapping young lad who’s walked away with this year’s coveted Woolworths TASTE Bursary Award. We chatted to the quietly confident chap.

How do you keep yourself out of trouble these days?
I’m currently working under Bertus Basson and Craig Cormac of All Things Culinary as part of my diploma in professional cookery at the College of Cape Town. Right now I’m based in the pastry kitchen, where I make everything from chocolate tortes and mille-feuille to ice creams and sorbets.

Where did your love of cooking start?
In my home economics class at Nompumelelo High School in Queenstown. Our teacher, Mrs Takata, let us cook lots of traditional South African dishes. I simply fell in love.

How did you get to where you are today?
I had a lot of help. After school I moved down to Cape Town to pursue a career in food. Whilst waitering at a party, I met Tony Sylvester, a lecturer at the University of Stellenbosch. I must have made quite an impression, because he went on to organise a scholarship for me in Professional Cookery at the College of Cape Town.

What was your favourite meal growing up?
Authentic African food – pap and wors.

What would you make for that special someone on Valentine's Day ?
It would have to be roast pork with apple sauce, mash and vegetables.