MasterChef Asia is finally here! This competitive cooking show franchise has brought together 15 aspiring home cooks from across Asia. They will be put through their paces in a series of challenges designed to test their palate, food knowledge, passion and culinary skills both inside and outside the kitchen to win the title of the first ever MasterChef Asia. We got a sneak peek and here’s what you can expect.
The contestants representing Singapore – (L-R, Sandrian Tan, Lennard Yang, Woo Wai Leong). Photo © Mandy Ng
Diversity of the Contestants
The contestants come from all walks of life – from scientist to student – who want to make a change and fulfil their ultimate “food” dream. On MasterChef Asia, viewers will get to see their emotions, passion and perseverance, all on a plate. So don’t be surprised if you find yourself crying for them, or getting angry with the judges.
MasterChef Asia’s Judges (L-R_ Susur Lee, Audra Morrice, Bruno Mernard). Photo courtesy of Lifetime Asia
A Stellar Panel of Judges
The contestants will be under the scrutiny of Hong Kong-born culinary genius Susur Lee, 3-Michelin starred chef Bruno Ménard, and Singapore-born and MasterChef Australia finalist, Audra Morrice. All three judges will bring their wealth of experience and help push the contestants beyond their comfort zone, mentoring them on culinary techniques and aesthetics.
The iconic Masterchef’s timer clock. Photo © Mandy Ng
Well-Equipped MasterChef Kitchen
Modelled after MasterChef Australia’s kitchen, the over 600 sqm kitchen has 15 workstations, the infamous timer clock and a well-stocked pantry. Fresh produces are delivered daily. This means the contestants will get to work with the best quality ingredients. Similar to other MasterChef shows, the contestants will don the iconic Masterchef aprons, which have their names and country flags embroidered on.
The infamous Mystery Box. Photo © Mandy Ng
Be Prepared for a Fiery Cooking Show
From the MasterChef Kitchen to off-site and overseas challenges, the contestants will face a different task each week. Look out for the beloved Mystery Box Challenge where the contestants will all be given the same box of ingredients, and create a dish using only those ingredients. And don’t forget the physical and soul-breaking team challenges that will make or break the contestants.
A Show with a Heart
When there is a constant delivery of fresh food, leftovers are expected. The producers behind MasterChef Asia are very conscious about food wastage. If there are leftovers, they will be donated to a volunteer-based, non-profit organisation that provides meals to the under-privileged and needy.
MasterChef Asia premieres on 3 September, Thursdays, at 9pm (SIN/HK) on Lifetime (Starhub TV Ch 514). For more information, visit www.msn.com/masterchefasia.
