Filipina chef Ivory Yat competes in 'MasterChef Asia' comeback

Filipina chef Ivory Yat, a caterer and third-place finisher in the first season of “MasterChef Pinoy Edition,” will try to outcook nine other contestants in the new season of "MasterChef Asia." 

The popular cooking reality show returns after a 10-year hiatus with a 10-episode season premiering September 22.

Yat will compete alongside Khanh Ong, Sahadol “Pond” Tantrapim, Marcus Low, Areum Yoon, Nambie Jessica Marak, Audrey Wicaksana, Therese Lum, Mime Kataniwa, and Sandy Tang.

The show, based on the original British “MasterChef” format, will bring together 10 former contestants from different international editions of “MasterChef”  instead of  introducing a new batch of aspiring cooks.

They will get another chance to prove themselves as they take on a series of high-stakes culinary challenges for the ultimate MasterChef Asia title.

The revival also puts Macao at the center of the competition. The entire season was filmed in and around the city, which is recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. 

Challenges take place in iconic local markets, Michelin-starred restaurants, and an exclusive kitchen, giving contestants a chance to showcase their skills against the backdrop of Macao’s rich food culture.

Leading the judging panel are Chef Edward Kyun Lee, Chef Pichaya “Pam” Soontornyanakij, and Chef Kelvin Cheung. As reported by BusinessToday Malaysia, the show will also feature guest judges Chef Ken Chong, Chef Julien Tongourian, American food vlogger Mark Wiens, and award-winning Filipina food content creator and celebrity chef Abi Marquez, better known as the Philippines’ “Lumpia Queen.”

The "Masterchef" franchise itself has a much longer history. According to Variety, “MasterChef” is recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s most successful cooking TV franchise. Since launching in 1990, the franchise has aired for more than 750 seasons and over 16,000 episodes worldwide.

“MasterChef Asia” premieres on HBO Max and TLC on September 22, followed by the Discovery Channel on September 23.