Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor recently traveled to Australia to serve as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia Season 18. The experience left such a strong mark on him that he now believes the show should have its own university to teach cooking techniques and production standards to the world.
Kapoor, who has been a judge on MasterChef India and hosted the long-running cooking show Khana Khazana for 19 years, was invited to judge the Top 9 contestants alongside the regular judging panel. His episode is scheduled to air on July 5 in Australia and July 6 in India.
During his time on set, Kapoor was impressed by the show’s professionalism and the dedication of the contestants. He shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, where he made a bold statement about the show’s global impact.
Sanjeev Kapoor Suggests a University for MasterChef Australia
Kapoor did not hold back his praise for the show’s production quality and judging panel. He told the judges and producer Marty Benson that the show has reached a level where it could function as an educational institution.
“The judges are experts. I told Marty (Benson, producer) that there should be a university of Masterchef Australia to teach globally.”
The 62-year-old chef believes that no other food competition show in the world matches the standards set by MasterChef Australia. He pointed out that the judging panel, which includes Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, Jean-Christophe Novelli, and Sofia Levin, has figured out the right formula for success.
Kapoor also credited the months of preparation that go into each season. He said the team works with cooking experts and treats the show with the seriousness it deserves. This level of dedication, according to him, is what makes the show stand out from other cooking competitions around the world.
Indian Cooking Shows Could Learn From Australian Counterpart
Kapoor drew a clear comparison between MasterChef Australia and cooking reality shows in India. He expressed that Indian productions often take a more casual approach.
“They work with cooking experts, and speciality shows like these should be treated that way. Whereas in India, we feel that koi bhi show bana liya toh chal jaayega.”
He explained that contestants in India tend to focus heavily on sharing emotional life stories rather than letting their cooking do the talking. Kapoor said he understands why this happens but chooses not to comment directly because he does not want to hurt anyone’s feelings.
This difference in approach highlights why MasterChef Australia has gained such a strong following in India. The show is known for its focus on cooking skills, creativity, and fair judging rather than dramatic storytelling.
Professionalism and Discipline Impressed Kapoor the Most
In a separate interview with NDTV Food, Kapoor shared that the professionalism behind the scenes left a bigger impression on him than the food itself.
“At MasterChef Australia, everyone is very professional in the way they manage everything. They would begin at ‘this time’ and conclude at ‘that time’, which does not happen in our country.”
He noted that the production team stuck to their schedules and managed everything with efficiency. This level of discipline is rare in Indian television production, according to Kapoor.
He also praised the contestants for their complete immersion in the competition. He said they were fully committed to every assignment and showed genuine curiosity about Indian cuisine. The contestants wanted to understand the meaning behind ingredients, methods, and flavor combinations rather than just following instructions.
Indian Cuisine Gains Global Recognition Through the Show
Kapoor’s appearance on MasterChef Australia comes at a time when Indian cuisine is receiving more attention worldwide. Chefs and restaurants in Australia, Europe, and North America are increasingly showcasing regional Indian dishes and indigenous ingredients.
Kapoor has played a major role in this global movement. He has written more than 200 cookbooks, hosts a massive online following of 20 million people, and launched India’s first 24-hour Hindi-language cooking channel, FoodFood. In 2017, he received the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India, for his contributions to the culinary arts.
His appearance on MasterChef Australia also aligns with his business expansion. Kapoor recently launched his Arth range of food products exclusively with Coles supermarket in Australia. He said the guest judge opportunity made perfect sense for creating higher visibility for his brand in the Australian market.
What to Expect From Kapoor’s Guest Judge Episode
Kapoor’s episode will feature him judging the Top 9 contestants alongside the regular judges. The episode airs on July 5 at 7:30 pm on Ten and 10 play in Australia. Indian viewers can watch it on July 6 at 7:30 pm on JioHotstar.
The makers of MasterChef Australia referred to Kapoor as ‘The GOAT’ in their promotional poster. This recognition speaks to his status as one of the most influential chefs in India and a global food icon.
Kapoor described the experience as thrilling and fulfilling. He mentioned that traveling such a long distance for a single episode was a first for him professionally. The opportunity allowed him to see how a new generation of international chefs is embracing Indian cuisine with authenticity and curiosity.
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The Show’s Global Appeal and Indian Fanbase
MasterChef Australia has a massive following in India. Kapoor explained in an interview with WAToday that the show’s focus on cooking skills and fair competition resonates with Indian audiences. Indian viewers appreciate the show’s emphasis on technique, creativity, and respect for food.
The show has been running since 2009 and has built a reputation for combining high culinary standards with teamwork and mentoring. Kapoor believes that MasterChef Australia has cracked the code for keeping a competition show both competitive and likeable.
“In terms of competitive cooking on television, if there is one show that has cracked the code for keeping it competitive yet very likeable and lovable, I think MasterChef Australia tops the chart. I think they lead, and the rest follow.”
This balance is something that Kapoor feels other cooking shows, including those in India, have not yet achieved. His comments have sparked conversations among fans about what makes MasterChef Australia so special and whether other countries can replicate its success.
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