Siphokazi (Sipho) Mdlankomo, 39, who lives and works as a domestic worker in Newlands, is one of the final six contestants on M-Net's MasterChef SA.
Two weeks ago she won dish of the week with her Mauritian-inspired chicken biryani.
Why Newlands?
I live in a cottage attached to the house of my employer, Liz Andreasan. I've been here for eight years. I don't have to get up early in the morning to get to work and it's safe and secure. Plus I don't have to pay rent.
I like living in Newlands - it's close to all amenities. If I could live anywhere in Cape Town I'd choose Camps Bay.
A lot of people now want to talk to me [in Cavendish Square], from 10-year-olds to 60-year-olds, and it's amazing. But honestly, I don't feel like a celebrity, I'm just an ordinary person.
Food
My mama and grandmama taught me the basics of cooking from an early age. My son, Buchule, is 19 and also likes to cook.
Liz Andreasen taught me a lot about cooking. We decide what to cook every day.
My favourite home-cooked meal is a simple pot-roast chicken and roast potatoes with veggies and homemade gravy. On a Sunday I normally cook a lamb roast with veggies and a salad for the family.
I don't go out much, but when I do it would be to A Tavola in Claremont for classic Italian food. My favourite dish is handmade gnocchi with browned sage butter and parmesan cheese.
I definitely have a sweet tooth and my sweet treat is a double chocolate espresso cupcake.
Unwind
I like to go shopping on my day off. At weekends I have a lie-in, then take a walk to Cavendish Square and do some bits and bobs. Or I'll watch a movie or visit a friend. When I want to chill out I'll go to the green belt in front of the house. Once in a while I visit Kirstenbosch. I don't go to coffee shops much but sometimes I go to Melissa's, which is close by. My favourite corner cafe is the BP garage that has a mini Pick n Pay and is a two-minute walk from the house.