Fish Hoek's Tyler Robinson makes waves in Taste Master Junior competition

Fish Hoek teenager Tyler Robinson, 17, has become one of the standout young cooks on the national television series Taste Master Junior, earning a spot in the Top 5 and capturing the support of his entire community.

Tyler, a Grade 11 learner at Fish Hoek High School, has impressed judges and viewers throughout the competition, winning several challenges - including the most recent two back-to-back - and gaining a reputation for dishes that are “thoughtful, bold, and full of personality”.

But long before national TV, Tyler’s love of cooking began at home.

His father, Jon Robinson, said Tyler showed an interest in the kitchen from a very young age.

“He was always curious about what was happening and loved getting involved, even if it meant chopping vegetables or stirring a pot,” he said.

As Tyler grew older, his father added, “the kitchen quickly became his creative space”.

Mr Robinson, a self-taught chef with more than 25 years in the restaurant industry and a partner at The Lookout Hout Bay, said Tyler spent years watching and learning from him.

“Cooking and baking are passions I’ve carried throughout my life,” he said.

“Tyler absorbed everything around him.”

The pair have continued to bond through food, especially during the competition.

“We’ve spent a lot of time cooking together, practising techniques and experimenting with dishes at home,” Mr Robinson said.

Tyler’s passion also grew at school.

He takes Hospitality Studies at Fish Hoek High School, and his father said his teacher has been “an incredible driving force” - encouraging him, challenging his creativity, and giving him the confidence to enter Taste Master Junior.

Tyler has loved cooking shows for years, and when entries opened, Mr Robinson said his son saw it as the “perfect opportunity to challenge himself”.

The family was fully behind the decision.

“We were incredibly proud that he wanted to take such a big step and put himself out there in front of the whole country,” he said.

The selection process involved video submissions, forms, interviews, and long waits between stages. When Tyler was finally chosen as one of the 12 contestants, his father described the moment as “unforgettable”.

Watching him compete on national television has been both emotional and surreal for the family.

“Seeing your child on national TV, performing under pressure and finding his voice, fills you with pride,” he said.

The family now has a weekly ritual: every Tuesday at 7.30 pm, relatives, neighbours, and friends gather to watch the show together on SABC 2. 

“It has become a weekly celebration for everyone.”

The support from Fish Hoek and beyond has been “overwhelming, ” Mr Robinson said.

From teachers and classmates to neighbours and strangers, messages of encouragement pour in every week.

“We’ve also received incredible support on social media, locally and internationally,” he said.

“We are truly grateful for every message, every vote of confidence, and every person who has taken the time to show Tyler support. It means more to our family than we can express.”

As Taste Master Junior edges closer to the finale, the Fish Hoek community remains firmly behind Tyler -  the local boy whose early curiosity in the kitchen has turned into national recognition.