Greece and Greek cuisine at the epicenter of MasterChef UK Finals Week
Chef Argiro Barbarigou in a dual role, as a mentor of Greek gastronomy and as a judge.
Greece and Greek cuisine at the center of MasterChef UK Finals Week
Without a doubt, MasterChef is one of the most well-known and popular cooking shows worldwide. For more than 20 years, the show has aired annually in over 200 countries around the globe, including Greece.
The broadcasting rights of MasterChef belong to Shine TV. However, each country ensures, through its own production, that it highlights the gastronomy of its homeland during the episodes of every season.
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An unexpected email from the production of MasterChef UK
That is why my surprise was enormous when, some time ago, I received an email from the UK production of MasterChef. The show’s producers had chosen Greek cuisine and our country for the most demanding challenge of Finals Week.
A few months ago, I had the unique experience of filming MasterChef UK in Athens, where I had the honor of representing Greece and introducing the contestants to traditional recipes from our land.
A television journey that brought to the international stage the authenticity, creativity, and passion hidden behind every Greek dish.
Dual role: Mentor and judge
I responded to their invitation immediately. My joy was immense when they asked me to participate in a dual role: as mentor in one of the challenges, and as judge together with other distinguished colleagues in the final challenge.
My emotion was even greater, knowing that our country and Greek cuisine would travel around the world.
A Greek table full of tradition
In our conversations about the challenges, I initially suggested that instead of the classic format of the competition, we create an authentic Greek table with dishes from every corner of the country.
I emphasized that Greek cuisine is not one and unified, but a mosaic of local cuisines and traditions. It is sharing, companionship, family, hospitality, and warmth – all the qualities that make it so distinctive and unique in the world.
Filming in nature: The setting of Greece
The production embraced the idea, and the filming took place outdoors among vineyards, olive trees, and gardens. There, in the heart of nature, the great Greek table of the UK MasterChef was set, to capture the authentic image of Greece.
At the epicenter: The ingredients of Greek cuisine
At the heart of the challenge were greens, herbs, seafood, meat, legumes, olive oil, and wine – ingredients that form the soul of Greek cuisine. Each ingredient carried its own symbolism on the menu.
Inspiration for the contestants
The most important outcome was that, in the end, the contestants were inspired by Greece and created their own Greek menu, proving that our cuisine can move and inspire chefs in every corner of the world.
The following day of the challenge again highlighted Greek tradition and high-quality ingredients. The four participants were called upon to prepare a dégustation menu and impress with their creations, using Greek ingredients and cooking techniques.
In a special venue by the sea, together with distinguished colleagues and lovers of gastronomy, the Finals Week of MasterChef reached its conclusion.
Finals Week Judges – MasterChef UK
Alexia Lodge, UK Embassy – Tasos Mitselis, FNL Guide
Chefs: Argiro Barbarigou – Nikos Roussos – Panagiotis Giakalis – Alexandros Tsiotinis
Greek cuisine travels the world
This presentation paves the way for Greek cuisine to travel even further, with respect for tradition and inspiration from our roots. After all, Greek recipes are an inexhaustible treasure that could inspire chefs across the globe without end.
An episode full of history, culture, culinary techniques, and ingredients from every region of Greece. From Epirus to Crete and from Thrace to the Dodecanese, Greece proved that its cuisine is not only about taste, but also about cultural heritage.
In short, it was an experience of a lifetime. For me, this honorable invitation was both a great responsibility and deeply moving.
Argiro