Greek-Australian chef Philip Vakos has secured a place in the final five contestants of the 10th season of MasterChef Greece, becoming the first Greek-Australian to compete on the popular cooking competition.
Vakos, who first appeared on MasterChef Australia in 2010 as Tasmania’s first contestant on the program, is also the first Australian contestant to compete in MasterChef franchises in two different countries.
The Melbourne-based chef has emerged as one of the season’s standout contestants, earning praise from judges for his dessert creations and culinary creativity throughout the competition.
This year’s MasterChef Greece features chefs from Greece and members of the Greek diaspora from around the world, including contestants from Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.
Speaking about the experience, Vakos said returning to a MasterChef kitchen after 15 years had been a unique opportunity.
“This is really special, to come back on a show after 15 years, to cook and show my culinary experience in Greece,” he said.
“After almost 12 years of running our restaurant Bahari in Melbourne, I believe it’s good to challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone in order to grow.”
Vakos said he had not planned to return to reality television but felt the opportunity to compete in Greece and represent the Greek-Australian community was too significant to decline.
“Sometimes life throws you an opportunity, and you either say no, or grab it with both hands,” he said. “I’m really grateful to have the love and support of my wife and family and be able to represent Australian Greeks.”
The season is currently airing four nights a week on Greece’s Star Channel, with Vakos now among the five remaining contestants competing for the title.