Rojak, masala chai and kuih koleh. If these unusual ice cream flavours tickle your taste buds, just think what else contestants from MasterChef Singapore Season Four could whip up.
You’ll have to see for yourself on Aug 9 when the new season returns with a suspenseful approach that will have viewers on the edge of their sofas as the judges and their teams face off in heated battles.
The show dials up the competition and drama with 18 home cooks divided into three teams of six, each led by a MasterChef Singapore judge: Audra Morrice, Bjorn Shen or Damian D’Silva.
Weekly curveballs
Season Four is poised to shake things up beyond an enticing feast of local dishes reimagined by aspiring home cooks.
The teams compete in weekly curveballs using homegrown ingredients, so talent alone won’t get them to the final; ingenuity and tenacity will.
The judges say that the three-team format actually makes the contestants more competitive so viewers are in for a good show. “This year, everybody was there to win,” says Morrice. “But they were also very supportive of each other.”
D’Silva says it was a more fulfilling season. ‘What’s wonderful about Season Four is because [it’s] after the pandemic, everybody could come together. They spent a lot of time together as a unit, rather than each going separately into his or her own space. What it creates is camaraderie,” he says.
The 18 hopefuls, short-listed after a nationwide search, are aged between 18 and 53 and include a shipbroker, an engineer, and a legal trainee. After intense auditions, they also competed for 12 coveted MasterChef aprons that unlock entry to the show’s kitchen.
Gripping duels
Contestants bring their unique stories to the table, adding depth and flavour to their creations. From team face-offs to joint battles with other teams, they will clash and unite throughout the season. The judges also participate in friendly competitions while leading their teams to victory.
As well as special international guests and culinary giants, viewers can expect gripping duels that test culinary prowess, teamwork, leadership and friendship. Ultimately, a new MasterChef will emerge, claiming not only the title but a $10,000 cash prize, internship opportunities, staycations, homewares, and appliances as well.
Never-before-tasted ice cream flavours
Ahead of the actual competition, the contestants and their teammates created nine ice cream flavours using local ingredients: Bandung with Attap Chee, Rojak, Nasi Lemak under Team Bjorn; Salted Durian Pengat, Masala Chai with Candied Ginger and Cashew and Hawthorne Sorbet with Attap Chee under Team Audra; Kuih Koleh, Lemongrass, Blue Ginger and Kaffir Lime, and Taro Cheese and Gem Biscuits under Team Damian.
In addition to interactive polls on Mediacorp’s Instagram page and street interviews, fans tasted and voted for their favourite flavours during a special preview session.
The winners – Taro Cheese and Gem Biscuits; Bandung, Attap Chee and Kaffir Lime Leaves; and Salted Durian Pengat – will be available for free during the Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp National Day Concert on Aug 5 (Saturday, 7.30pm to 9.00pm) at The Meadow, the Gardens’ largest event venue.
| What are the judges’ favourite ice cream flavours? “I like Masala Chai. Because I love spices and it works really well with the cream element.” “I’m a huge huge durian fan, so… Unfair lah. If you put any ice cream with durian, that’s for me.” “My favourite is Nasi Lemak. It was the most balanced and the most interesting.” |
Channel 5, mewatch, and Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube channel will broadcast the two-part premiere on August 9 from 8.30pm to 9pm, and 9.30pm to 10pm. Subsequent episodes will air every Sunday at 9.30pm from Aug 13. For more information, visit mediacorp.sg/MasterChefSG.
Additional text by Nida Seah.
