Ep 4. In and Out of Africa

In season 1 episode 4 of Around the World in 80 Plates, entitled "In and Out of Africa," the remaining contestants head to Cape Town, South Africa, to compete in their next culinary challenges. The episode begins with contestants split into two teams of three, with each team responsible for preparing a traditional South African dish for a group of locals. The catch? They must gather their ingredients from a local market without any guidance or prior knowledge of the ingredients.

As their first challenge comes to a close, the teams receive their next task, which requires them to prepare a modern twist on an African dish for a panel of esteemed judges. The contestants are given access to a pantry stocked with typical Western ingredients such as butter and cream, but must incorporate traditional African flavors and spices in their dishes.

Once the judges have tasted all of the dishes, they deliberate and announce a winning team, who earns a trip to go cage diving with great white sharks. Meanwhile, the losing team is sent to Robben Island, a significant location in South African history.

The final challenge of the episode takes place at a luxurious vineyard in Stellenbosch, where the contestants must prepare a four-course meal for the vineyard's owners and their guests. The ingredients provided to the contestants are sourced locally, with a focus on traditional South African cuisine.

As the episode comes to a close, one contestant is sent home and the remaining chefs are left to move on to their next culinary adventure. "In and Out of Africa" offers viewers an engaging look at the diverse culinary landscape of South Africa, while also showcasing the creativity and skill of the contestants as they navigate various challenges and obstacles.