[Lifetime] MasterChef Asia Highlights + Meet-and-Greet Session

The greatest cooking show is finally here in Asia! Lifetime brings together 15 aspiring home cooks from across Asia in the very first season of this pan-regional, English version of MasterChef Asia. The esteemed judging panel includes Hong Kong-born culinary genius, Susur Lee; 3-Michelin Starred chef Bruno Ménard and the only lady judge, Singapore-born Audra Morrice who is a MasterChef Australia finalist.

Lifeitme MasterChef Asia Contestants.
Image credit to Lifetime Asia

Some highlights of the show

There would be a total of 15 episodes in MasterChef Asia. From the MasterChef kitchen to off-site and overseas challenges, only one participant will ultimately win the title of the first ever MasterChef Asia.

MasterChef Asia S1: Episode 1
Sep 3, Thursday 9pm (SIN/HK) on Lifetime (StarHub TV Channel 514)

The premiere of MasterChef Asia will begins with the arrival of 15 of the best home cooks in the region who will begin a 15-week journey full of drama and excitement under the guidance of the three judges. Their first challenge? To cook a dish that tells the judges who they are.

MasterChef Asia S1: Episode 2
Sep 10, Thursday 9pm (SIN/HK) on Lifetime (StarHub TV Channel 514)

In MasterChef Asia's first offsite challenge, the remaining 14 contestants are divided into two teams to serve five different types of canapés to 80 VIP guests on Asia's largest observation platform - the Singapore Flyer. Catch the roller coaster of emotions as the contestants aim to impress the guests and the judges in this dramatic and gripping challenge. Each contestant is pushed to the limit. Some cry, some laugh, some get angry, most make great food but one goes home.

MasterChef Asia S1: Episode 3
Sep 17, Thursday 9pm (SIN/HK) on Lifetime (StarHub TV Channel 514)

In Episode 3 of MasterChef Asia, the remaining 13 contestants are tasked with two challenges. First is the famous Mystery Box Challenge. Nine ingredients are given and the contestants must make a sweet or savoury dish from at least one of them. The winner of this challenge has the advantage of selecting one of three ingredients that is usually featured in Asian soups. It's an important decision that determines the key ingredient in their next challenge - the Invention Test. What are the Mystery Box dishes and who makes the most flavourful soup in the Invention Test?

MasterChef Asia S1: Episode 4
Sep 24, Thursday 9pm (SIN/HK) on Lifetime (StarHub TV Channel 514)

In Episode 4 of MasterChef Asia, the remaining 12 contestants are welcomed by the judges again at Singapore's most famous hawker centre, Lau Pa Sat. Three teams of four have to man their own stall and prepare one of the three main ethnic cuisines of Singapore - Malay, Indian and Chinese. Can the cooks capture the flavours of the cuisines and can they swing the public vote in their favour? Watch to find out who captures the hearts of the public and who doesn't.

A MasterChef Asia Meet-and-Greet Session was held on 29 August 2015 at Nex level one atrium and I attended this special event with my friends.

MasterChef Asia's Iconic MasterChef Kitchen Workbench. Photo Credit to Lifetime Asia

I was impressed by the setting of the mock-up iconic MasterChef Asia kitchen even though it's on a smaller scale basis.

Some interesting facts about the MasterChef Asia Kitchen

#1. The MasterChef Asia set has many similarities to the Australia set. There is a style guide for some things such as the workstation, the clock and the pantry. Unlike the Australia set, they do not have a restaurant and MasterClass area. The floor paneling and materials are also adapted locally.

#2. The set is over 600sqm. That's about the size of six five-room HDB flats in Singapore.

#3. There are 15 workstations, three per row and contestants are stationed randomly in each episode.

#4. All contestants are required to wear chef shoes in the MasterChef Asia kitchen to keep them safe in the kitchen. These shoes have stainless steel tips and are slip-resistant. They are also required to wear the iconic MasterChef aprons, which have their names and country flags embroidered on.

#5. Food is delivered daily and vegetables as frequently as possible to ensure they are fresh and of the best quality. They use the best quality ingredients on the show and strive to provide only the best.

#6. They have been very conscious about food wastage and so were the contestants. The leftovers will be donated to a volunteer based, non-profit organisation that provides meals to the under privileged and needy.

Some of the sauces, fruits and vegetables that were on display there.

Love this photo of me and the mystery box. Wanna see what's inside? 

We also watched a live cook-off battle by the three local contestants (from left to right: Leong, Sandrian and Lennard). They were given 30 minutes to prepare a dish from the Mystery Box Challenge. It's like mini competition and Sandrain won it.

The dishes they've prepared within 30 minutes.

Thank you for the special arrangement for this awesome group photo with the panel judges.
Photo Credit: Jessie

Photo Credit: Jessie

Do catch the inaugural Asian Edition of MasterChef - MasterChef Asia premiering on Lifetime on the 3rd September 2015 on StarHub TV Channel 514 at 9pm.

For more information, please visit the official website at msn.com/masterchefasia.