From Mrs South Africa to Come Dine With Me: Verushka Singh lets her guard down

Verushka Singh, a chemical engineer and climate change consultant, stepped into the spotlight as Mrs South Africa 2026, making history as the first Indian South African woman to hold the title. However, she stepped down to focus on her family, valuing the life she leads away from public appearances and professional responsibilities.

Before joining the show, Singh had already developed a fondness for 'Come Dine With Me', describing it as a comfort show that made her laugh and brought a sense of home when she was away. The experience allowed her to step out of her comfort zone and challenge herself by trying something unfamiliar. As she made her way through the show, Singh discovered the importance of embracing the unexpected and not taking herself too seriously.

The show provided her with an opportunity to loosen her expectations, learn to laugh at herself, and understand that vulnerability comes with allowing people to see sides of herself that she might not ordinarily share. Food plays an important role in 'Come Dine With Me', but for Singh, it is just as much about the company around the table.

She enjoys bold flavours, particularly chilli, and has a soft spot for Thai and other Asian cuisines. Cooking offers Singh an opportunity to slow down and experiment with ingredients, creating something she likes. When it comes to her own favourite dish, she chooses crab curry, not just for its spiciness and hands-on eating experience, but also for the memories and company it creates.

Singh believes hosting an enjoyable dinner party means making guests feel at home and comfortable, allowing them to open up and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. She encourages guests to embrace the occasion rather than judge every detail, recognizing the effort that goes into hosting and giving hostesses some grace. Despite spending time in the public eye, Singh values her privacy and personal space and has learned to be more open to others.

Her experience on the show has helped her appreciate the different personalities of people across South Africa, and she hopes to remind viewers not to take life, or themselves, too seriously.