The culinary competition is heating up as the revamped reality series MasterChef Asia prepares to make its regional debut this September.
Produced by Warner Bros. Discovery, CreAsia Studio, part of Endemol Shine India, and Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of Banijay Entertainment, the 10-episode series premieres September 22 on HBO Max and TLC, followed by its September 23 debut on Discovery Channel.
Unlike a traditional season, MasterChef Asia brings together former contestants who will once again step into the kitchen, this time competing for the coveted title of MasterChef Asia. Leading the competition are three acclaimed culinary figures: Chef Edward Lee, Chef “Pam” Pichaya S., and Chef Kelvin Cheung, who will judge the contestants as they navigate a demanding series of challenges designed to test their technique, creativity, adaptability, and knowledge of Asian cuisine.
The lineup features an eclectic mix of culinary talents from across the region, including Vietnamese-Australian chef Khanh Ong, restaurant owner Sahadol “Pond” Tantrapim, Malaysian pastry chef Marcus Low, Korean gastronomy specialist Areum Yoon, and Nambie Jessica Marak, known as the “Culinary and Cultural Ambassador of Meghalaya.”
Rounding out the cast are Asian cuisine chefs Audrey Wicksana, Therese Lum, Mime Kataniwa, Ivory Yat, and Macao-based chef Sandy Tang. The competition will also welcome a roster of guest judges, including food personality Mark Wiens, Filipino creator and chef Abi Marquez, Chef Ken Chong, and Chef Julien Tongourian.
Macao Becomes the Competition’s Culinary Playground
Adding an international dimension to the competition, MasterChef Asia was filmed in Macao, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy renowned for its distinctive blend of Chinese and Portuguese culinary influences. Produced in partnership with the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), the series takes contestants beyond the confines of the competition kitchen. Challenges unfold at historic local markets, Michelin-starred restaurants, and an exclusive MasterChef Asia kitchen, giving viewers a taste of Macao’s vibrant food culture alongside the high-pressure competition.
From sourcing ingredients to executing sophisticated dishes, the contestants will be pushed to demonstrate not only culinary skill but also versatility and creativity. Among the ingredients featured in the competition is Australian Wagyu from Darling Downs, adding another premium element to the contestants’ culinary challenges. The MasterChef Asia kitchen is also fully equipped with Miele kitchen appliances, supporting the contestants as they tackle the series’ demanding culinary tasks.
A Global Culinary Franchise
MasterChef Asia joins one of television’s most successful cooking franchises. Represented internationally by Banijay Entertainment, MasterChef is recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s most successful cookery television format. Created by Franc Roddam and first launched in 1990, the franchise has been commissioned across 74 markets, with more than 750 seasons and 16,000 episodes aired worldwide.
The Asian edition is supported by several partners, including SJM Resorts S.A., Cathay Cargo, and Darling Downs. With its combination of returning culinary competitors, acclaimed judges, international guest chefs, and the rich gastronomic backdrop of Macao, MasterChef Asia promises a fresh take on the beloved competition format.
When to Watch
MasterChef Asia premieres September 22 on HBO Max across the region, where available.
In Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, it airs on TLC at 9 p.m. PHT on September 22, while Discovery Channel will premiere the series on September 23 at 7:10 p.m. PHT. The series also premieres on TLC in Taiwan on September 23 at 7 p.m. CST.
For Filipino foodies and MasterChef fans, the new series offers a chance to see some of Asia’s most promising culinary talents battle it out—this time, with the title of MasterChef Asia on the line.
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