Filmed in Macao, the reality competition MasterChef Asia will premiere next week. In partnership with the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), the new 10-episode series from Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of Banijay Entertainment, was produced by Warner Bros. Discovery and CreAsia Studio (part of Endemol Shine India). The series will be released across Southeast Asia on TLC and Discovery Channel on September 22 and 23, respectively, and will be available to stream on HBO Max.

Macao’s east-meets-west cultural heritage, vibrant dining scene, and development as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy are featured in the new series of high-stakes culinary challenges that will showcase the destination’s unique charm to audiences in MGTO’s priority international visitor source markets. The series will also premiere on TLC in India and the Middle East on September 22 and 24, respectively, as well as the Discovery Channel in South Korea on September 23.

International culinary talent takes the stage in Macao

Shot against the backdrop of Macao, with culinary challenges unfolding at iconic local markets, Michelin-starred restaurants in luxury integrated resorts, and more, the series brings together ten talented contestants, including a contestant from Macao. The competition follows chefs from different countries and regions, as they put their skills, creativity, and versatility to the test and are judged by renowned Asian culinary talent.

The lineup of judges includes chefs Edward Lee, “Pam” Pichaya S., and Kelvin Cheung. Fans can also look forward to guest judges, such as food content creator Mark Wiens, as well as chefs working in Macao, Ken Chong, and Julien Tongourian.

The list of contestants includes Vietnamese-Australian chef Khanh Ong; restaurant owner Sahadol “Pond” Tantrapim; Malaysian pastry chef Marcus Low; Korean gastronomy specialist Areum Yoon; ‘Culinary and Cultural Ambassador of Meghalaya’ Nambie Jessica Marak; and Asian cuisine chefs Audrey Wicksana, Therese Lum, Mime Kataniwa, Ivory Yat, and Macao’s very own, Sandy Tang.

Paving the way for 10^th anniversary as Creative City of Gastronomy in 2027

Ahead of Macao’s 10^th anniversary as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2027, the popular reality cooking competition filmed in Macao will help set the stage for next year’s celebrations, further showcasing the destination’s distinct gastronomic culture and dynamic development as a world centre of tourism and leisure.

MasterChef is the world’s most successful cookery television format (Guinness World Records). Commissioned across 74 markets, the life-changing show has aired over 750 seasons and more than 16,000 episodes to date. Created by Franc Roddam and first launched in 1990, the super brand is known and enjoyed across the globe.