A MasterChef Australia insider has shared a little-known secret about how the food is actually judged on the show.
Every week, participants are challenged to prepare dishes for the judges to taste and criticize.
While the participants wait for their plates to reach the judges, the food often arrives in its best condition.
Instead, the judges taste the dishes while the contestants are still in the cooking process.
“It’s actually impossible to try all the food piping hot, so the judges taste each contestant’s food as they cook,” the insider shared. Yahoo.
A MasterChef Australia insider has shared a little-known secret about how the food is actually judged on the show. Pictured, Judge Poh Ling Yeow
While the participants wait for their plates to reach the judges, the food often arrives in its best condition. Instead, the judges taste the dishes while the contestants are still in the cooking process. Pictured, Judge Andy Allen
The judges are specifically told “not to discuss their final thoughts with each other until the contestants are in front of them so that it feels more natural as they share their thoughts on each dish.”
The gilded versions of the dishes are judged much later than expected, often after the food has cooled for filming.
“Each participant is normally given 20 minutes to ensure that all judges have had a chance to express their views… It’s a long process, especially at the beginning where there are more than 20 participants,” she added.
Andy Allen has returned to the Channel Ten cooking show, along with some new faces in a panel shake-up.
Andy Allen has returned to the Channel Ten cooking show, along with some new faces in a panel shake-up. Pictured: Sofia Levin, Jean-Christophe Novelli and Poh Ling Yeow
He is joined by French celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, Melbourne-based food critic Sofia Levin and MasterChef season one runner-up Poh Ling Yeow.
They replace retiring Judge Melissa Leong and Jock Zonfrillo, who tragically died last year.
The new lineup has since received mixed reactions on social media, with many fans taking to X to rate their judging skills.
“It feels strange without Mel and Jock, but I’m looking forward to these new judges,” one person said.
“I really love Poh… she’s my favorite contestant ever on that show,” another added.
Another agreed: ‘Living for Poh’s chaotic energy. So happy to have her back on my screen!’