MasterChef Malta Season 2 starts tonight! Relive the top moments from Season 1, including dramatic challenges and great dishes.
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As Season 2 of MasterChef Malta kicks off tonight, there's no better time to take a trip down memory lane. Season 1 offered highs, lows, and some truly great moments. From amazing dishes to touching wins, it was an emotional journey showing the best Maltese cooking talent.
Here are our top 10 moments from the inaugural season of MasterChef Malta Season 1 that had us glued to our screens—and probably grabbing a snack, too.
1. David's Outstanding Figolla: A Sweet Triumph
David Camilleri Duca's figolla was one of the standout desserts of the season. This traditional Maltese Easter treat is a delicate biscuit filled with marzipan. It has a luxurious twist with melted chocolate and candied orange.
Judge Victor Borg, Executive Chef at Under Grain, described it as "doqna figolla kif ghandha tkun" ("we’ve tasted figolla as it should be"). It was beautiful to look at; the mix of almonds, oranges, and a hint of chilli powder impressed all three MasterChef Malta judges.
This was even more remarkable since David said he had never made figolla. Talk about a sweet surprise!
2. Chef Letizia’s Kusksu Controversy
Chef Letizia Vella (executive chef at The Golden Fork) shook up the competition with her gourmet take on the traditional Maltese dish kusksu. Chef Letizia changed the tradition by adding high-end ingredients like guanciale, brunoise potatoes, and cured egg yolks. This dish impressed some viewers, but many others had mixed feelings about it.
Was it kusksu? Or had it strayed too far from its roots? Whether people loved it or hated it, it got everyone talking. It even inspired contestant Dale to try his "Messi moment" the next week, but it ended badly for him.
3. Dale Lost His Fish: Comedy Gold in the Kitchen
While there were plenty of moments of brilliance, there was no shortage of laughter either—most notably when Dale lost his fish mid-competition.
Picture it: you plan to make a dish, but the star ingredient is nowhere to be found. Disorganised at the start, Dale eventually found his feet (and fish), becoming a stronger contestant as the season progressed.
4. Ivan’s "Prosit" Moment: Irony or Encouragement?
Irony is an art form; no one wielded it better than Chef Victor Borg. Ivan felt this directly when he presented a dish. Chef Borg sarcastically called it a disaster. The judge then mockingly congratulated him.
Later in the series, Ivan was careful about getting Chef Borg’s approval. When someone said "prosit," Ivan responded with a hesitant "vera prosit?" It was a hilarious exchange highlighting how the competition could get into contestants’ heads.
5. Pia’s Tears and Chef Borg’s Tough Love
As the competition wore on, the pressure mounted. Overwhelmed by the intensity, Pia broke down in tears during a particularly challenging round.
Chef Borg, known for his straightforwardness, said something memorable: "Everyone has the right to cry, but we’re not here to cry. We are here to produce." It was a hard moment for Pia. It reminded everyone that in MasterChef Malta, emotions are strong, and so are the standards.
6. Dale’s "Too Hot for Chocolate" Dessert
Who could forget Dale’s decadent dessert, named Celene’s Too Hot for Chocolate? This chocolate mousse with raspberry coulis and almond chocolate soil was technically demanding and beautifully presented.
Dale dedicated the dessert to the most beautiful person in his life—his wife Celene. The dessert's precision and balance of flavours made it one of the season’s most talked-about dishes.
7. Nikki’s Pork Dish: A Semi-Final Game-Changer
Nikki Bezzina’s pork dish wasn’t just a meal but a turning point in the competition. His skill and care in cooking and plating the dish earned him a place in the semi-final. This also established his reputation as one of the top competitors.
This was when Nikki truly began to stand out as a clear favourite for the title.
8. Ray George’s Chocolate Challenge: A Sweet Success
Ray George wowed the judges during the chocolate challenge with his restaurant-quality brownie. It was rich and decadent, done perfectly, and very different from the simpler dishes he had made before.
This challenge saw him leap to the top of the rankings, proving he could take on the best and emerge victorious.
9. David’s Tuna Challenge: Outsmarting Sam
In a clever move, Sam tried to distract David by giving him the least desirable ingredient in the tuna challenge: canned tuna.
However, Sam’s plan backfired spectacularly. David’s dish, made with canned tuna, was one of the best of the day. In contrast, Sam’s attempt at tuna loin was not as good. David’s victory showed how to turn challenges into success.
It proved why he was one of the best in the competition.
10. Nicolas Bezzina Wins: A Historic Victory
The grand finale saw Nicolas Bezzina emerge as Malta’s first-ever MasterChef.
His meticulous attention to detail, creativity, and consistency throughout the competition culminated in a well-deserved win. Nicolas’ last three-course meal was truly amazing. It featured dishes like salmon and prawn mousse ravioli and an orange soufflé.
His journey from the early rounds to the winner’s podium was a testament to his growth and determination.
Bonus Moment: Chef Grigoris Kikis Calms Ivan
In the semi-finals, guest judge Chef Grigoris Kikis brought his skills and a calming presence to the kitchen. Ivan, one of the more anxious contestants, felt steadied by the Greek chef’s calm presence. This was a rare and touching moment in a show known for its intensity.
What Are You Expecting from Season 2?
With Season 1 of MasterChef Malta giving us some of the most memorable moments in Maltese television, Season 2 has a lot to live up to.
Perhaps we’ll see contestants take Maltese cuisine to new heights, or maybe a new aspiring chef will emerge and surprise us all. What do you expect from the new season?
Share your thoughts in the comments—we can’t wait to hear your predictions! We are ready for a new culinary journey!
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