The stage is set for the culinary reality show Big Chef on Joy Prime scheduled to begin on Sunday, January 19.

The children's cooking competition made for participant between the ages of 11 and 14 is geared towards encouraging the youth to develop a passion for cooking while encouraging parents to inculcate the habit of good nutrition into their wards.

It also aims to, among other things, entertain viewers and teach interesting recipes while fueling the drive to take up cooking as a profession.

Sixty contestants, earlier selected from over 200 entries, were taken through an oral audition and trimmed down to 30 for the next stage.

Following a practical audition where the children displayed their culinary prowess, 12 of them will make the cut for the live shows.

The 13-week reality show will see the young cooks put their best foot forward with the hope of securing the top spot.

The winners get free educational packages and cash prizes.

Big Chef airs on Sundays at 3:30 pm on Joy Prime and channel 281 on DStv.