Episode 17

The semi-finals continue, and just six sterling professional chefs remain. They face two extraordinary tests that should take their food to the next level. At the end, one will fall by the wayside, leaving behind their dream of MasterChef glory.

The extraordinary group of remaining contestants deserve an equally extraordinary task, and first up, the judges have invited a true rock star of the culinary world to put them through their paces – John Chantarasak.

John is of British and Thai heritage, and he honed his craft in Bangkok, working under acclaimed chef David Thompson at Nahm – then the number one restaurant in Asia – before returning to the UK, where he opened his own restaurant, AngloThai. A Michelin star followed just three months later. John’s menu celebrates Thai flavours and cooking methods but has British produce at its core.

After a short masterclass for inspiration, the semi-finalists are asked to cook their own Thai-style dish from a larder of ingredients selected by John, including chicken, pork, John Dory, seabass, crab, oysters, barley and spelt. They also have access to a traditional Thai charcoal stove to enhance their creation. The chefs can choose what they cook, but this dish must celebrate the ingredients on offer and illustrate to John and the judges the essence of what makes Thai food sing – a complex balancing of flavours to excite the palate.

Next, the six chefs have one more chance to impress as they are each tasked to create one spectacular dessert that will send Matt, Marcus and Monica to pudding heaven. Their food must reach a level that can match the world’s leading pastry chefs. Intricate technique and stunning flavour pairings will need to be at the forefront if they are to stand any chance of keeping their place in the competition.

At the end, the judges will have the unenviable task of sending one more chef home, leaving just five hopefuls standing. Finals week is within touching distance, but not all of them will make it as the hunt for the MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 champion continues.