It’s no secret that MasterChef fans have been having more and more gripes with the show over the years – from judges not tasting all the dishes, to hygiene concerns, “missing” contestants, and supposed “favouritism” from the judges. However, the longest standing issue has been the plea to reintroduce the “blind tasting” format from years past.
“All should be blind taste test though tbh,” one fan wrote online.
“If the judges don’t know who cooked the dish,” one fan theorised. “The favouritism accusations disappear.”
“Love love love blind tastings,” another commented online. “Remember when that used to be a thing!!! Gosh I miss those days.”
Luckily for fans, on Wednesday night, the format made it’s glorious return, and as a result, fans are calling it the “best episode” of the season so far.
During the immunity pin challenge, contestants Vinnie, Casper, Jack, and Hannah were tasked with cooking a “classic French dish” under the watchful eye of guest judge and MasterChef Australia alumni Justine Schofield, while judges Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin, and Jean-Christophe Novelli sat in another room waiting to “taste the dishes blind.”
Given only 75 minutes to pull off the task, the cooks made some insane moves, but ultimately Vinnie’s pâté en croûte left Jean-Christophe “flabbergasted”, and he earned his immunity pin.
“Best episode in a long time!!” one fan wrote online in response to the episode. “Loved the blind tasting! A real challenge given, testing their abilities, and the fact that Vinnie learned layering and crust work for a previous challenge, oh, I was literally cheering out loud!!
So it seems the challenge was proof that listening to fans truly does pay off!
Former MasterChef stars weigh in on blind tasting
Speaking to WHO, two former MasterChef contestants, who competed in blind tasting challenges in past seasons, shared their thoughts about the pros and cons of the format.
Simon Toohey – from seasons 11 and 12 – and Stephanie Joy de Sousa – from seasons 11 and 17 – said that blind tasting is such a “wonderful” format for fans on the show, but warned that there are also inherent risks.
“I think the blind taste test is a great way for contestants to move away from the safe food they cook and test something new without feeling like they have to cook their specialty,” Steph told us.
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That was certainly true on Wednesday night after Vinnie’s incredible feat, reminding viewers why MasterChef has earned its place as one of reality TVs most beloved series.
“Blind judging, if anything, will create a wonderful change to the judging table,” Simon told WHO. “Who doesn’t love a blind tasting session? Everything goes out the window, and all they have is what’s in front of them.
“Even if the contestants make a mistake, it tests their ability to fix it and still put up a plate. Love it. It also brings the eating with your eyes first. Placing a dish they have never seen before in front of the judge adds another wow factor, which elevates the experience even more.”
There’s “always a risk” with the blind tastings, says MasterChef star
Steph agreed with Simon on the way it pushes contestants out of their comfort zone.
“For example, if you are known for cooking a particular food that is part of your culture, it can feel difficult from personal experience to cook something different without feeling like you should stay in your lane,” Steph told WHO. “Blind taste tests let you break free a little.”
However, with any challenge, there’s always a “risk”, and for Simon, the blind tasting exposed some of his weaknesses on the show.
“I suck at plating,” Simon joked to WHO. “Still do. So it never helped when it came to first impressions. So I had to rely on flavour. And trying to make it looks good for someone who sucks at it. Can only make it worse!”
Success or not, the challenge is proof that some of the traditional formats of MasterChef that fans know and love are the perfect twist, especially on a week like Nostalgia Week.
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