# MasterChef Pakistan > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/MasterChef_Pakistan > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/MasterChef_Pakistan.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MasterChef_Pakistan > Source revision: 1356598928 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|Pakistani cooking reality TV show}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}} {{Use Pakistani English|date=November 2022}} {{Infobox television | image = MasterChef Pakistan.png | caption = Series logo and [wordmark](/source/wordmark) | genre = [Reality television](/source/Reality_television) | creator = [Franc Roddam](/source/Franc_Roddam) | based_on = ''[MasterChef](/source/MasterChef)'' | presenter = | judges = {{Plainlist| * [Zakir Qureshi](/source/Zakir_Qureshi) * [Mehboob Khan](/source/Mehboob_Khan_(chef)) * Khurram Awan }} | theme_music_composer = | end_theme = | composer = | country = Pakistan | language = Urdu | num_seasons = 2 | num_episodes = 26 | list_episodes = MasterChef Pakistan (season 1) | location = [Karachi, Sindh](/source/Karachi%2C_Sindh), Pakistan | camera = [Multiple camera setup](/source/Multiple-camera_setup) | company = Paragon Productions | executive_producer = Ahmer Khan | producer = Parisa Siddiqi | runtime = 40–50 minutes | channel = [Urdu1](/source/Urdu1) | first_aired = {{Start date|df=yes|2014|05|3}}{{cite web|title=Lights, Camera, SAUTÉ!|url=http://newsweekpakistan.com/lights-camera-saute/|work=Newsweek Pakistan|date=2 May 2014|publisher=Benazir Shah|access-date=4 May 2014}} | last_aired = present | related = ''[Foodistan](/source/Foodistan)'' }} '''''MasterChef Pakistan''''' ({{langx|ur|{{Nastaliq|استاد خانساماں پاکستان}}}}) is a Pakistani{{cite news|author=Wajahat Khan|title=With Speed and Spice, MasterChef Takes on Pakistan's TV Realm|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/speed-spice-masterchef-takes-pakistans-tv-realm-n106996|access-date=25 May 2014|newspaper=NBC News|date=16 May 2014}} competitive [cooking](/source/cooking_show) [reality television game show](/source/reality_television_show) based on the hit international [format](/source/TV_format) ''[MasterChef](/source/MasterChef)''. It was produced by Paragon Productions, an [in-house](/source/insourcing) [production arm](/source/Production_company) of [Urdu 1](/source/Urdu_1) (the broadcasting channel), under licence from [Shine Group](/source/Shine_Group).{{cite web|title=MasterChef Pakistan: Coming Soon on Urdu 1|url=http://www.brandsynario.com/news/master-chef-pakistan-coming-soon-on-urdu-1|publisher=Sami Iqbal|access-date=14 December 2013}}{{cite web|title=Master Chef Pakistan On Urdu 1 Coming Soon|url=http://www.tv.com.pk/blog/master-chef-pakistan-urdu-1-coming-soon-1048.html|work=tv.com.pk|publisher=Jamal|access-date=17 March 2014}} Restaurateur and Chef Khurram Awan, Chef [Zakir Qureshi](/source/Zakir_Qureshi), and Chef [Mehboob Khan](/source/Mehboob_Khan_(chef)) served as the show's main judges and presenters. The launch event for the series was held at Khursheed Mahal, Avari Towers [Karachi](/source/Karachi) on 7 April 2014. During the event, the curtain was raised and revealed the judges of the first series, Chef and Executive Asst. Manager Khurram Awan of [Movenpick Hotels Karachi](/source/M%C3%B6venpick_Hotels_%26_Resorts), celebrity Chef [Zakir Qureshi](/source/Zakir_Qureshi), and Chef [Mehboob Khan](/source/Mehboob_Khan_(chef)) were revealed to be judging the contestants on a variety of cuisines which will be prepared by them on the show. The event was hosted by food enthusiast Sidra Iqbal. Peter Heyword, the high commissioner of [Australia](/source/MasterChef_Australia), was invited as a guest of honor for the inauguration of the franchise's first series in Pakistan.{{cite news|author=Mahnoor Sherazee|title=MasterChef Pakistan set to sizzle this May|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1098548/masterchef-pakistan-set-to-sizzle-this-may|access-date=8 April 2014|newspaper=DAWN.com|date=8 April 2014}} The first episode of [season one](/source/MasterChef_Pakistan_(season_1)) aired on 3 May 2014, and the series finale was broadcast on 3 August 2014.{{cite news|author=Mahnoor Sherazee|title=MasterChef Pakistan launched|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1098687/masterchef-pakistan-launched|access-date=9 April 2014|newspaper=DAWN.com|date=9 April 2014}}{{cite news|title=Masterchef Pakistan|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1099602/masterchef-pakistan|access-date=14 April 2014|newspaper=DAWN.com|date=13 April 2014}} The first series was won by [Ammara Noman](/source/Ammara_Noman), a 33-year-old housewife from Karachi. [Knorr](/source/Knorr_(brand)) served as the main sponsor for season one and co-sponsorship rights are owned by [Ariel](/source/Ariel_(detergent)), [Shan](/source/Shan_Food_Industries), and [7 Up](/source/7_Up) which are the main food transitories.{{cite web|title=MasterChef arrives in Pakistan!|url=http://www.brecorder.com/business-a-economy/189/1171317/|work=Business Recorder|access-date=10 April 2014}}{{cite news|title=MasterChef Pakistan going to be screened soon|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/sindh/08-Apr-2014/masterchef-pakistan-going-to-be-screened-soon|access-date=8 April 2014|newspaper=Daily Times|date=8 April 2014}}{{cite web|title=Knorr, Shaan, 7 UP and Ariel to Endorse MasterChef Pakistan|url=http://www.brandsynario.com/news/knorr-shaan-7-up-and-ariel-to-endorse-masterchef-pakistan|work=Brandsynario|access-date=8 April 2014}} == Format == ''MasterChef Pakistan'' features a different format from that of the original British ''MasterChef'' and ''MasterChef Goes Large'' formats. Initial rounds consisted of a large number of hopeful contestants from across Pakistan individually "auditioning" by presenting a food dish before the three judges to gain one of 50 semi-final places. Entrants must be over 18 years old and their main source of income cannot come from preparing and cooking fresh food in a professional environment.{{cite web|title=Master Chef Pakistan (Urdu one) Registration Commences|url=http://www.thesiasat.com/2013/12/20/master-chef-pakistan-urdu-one-registration-commences/|work=TheSiasat.com|access-date=17 March 2014}}{{cite web|title=CEO Urdu 1, talks about MasterChef Pakistan|url=http://aurora.dawn.com/2013/09/20/bringing-a-show-like-masterchef-to-pakistan-requires-a-very-heavy-investment-but-we-felt-that-the-market-is-ripe-for-such-a-show/|access-date=14 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131223031329/http://aurora.dawn.com/2013/09/20/bringing-a-show-like-masterchef-to-pakistan-requires-a-very-heavy-investment-but-we-felt-that-the-market-is-ripe-for-such-a-show/|archive-date=23 December 2013|url-status=dead}} The semi-finalists then competed in several challenges which tested their food knowledge and preparation skills. As of Season 1, the top 50 would compete until 20 would be left, with the final 20 progressing to the main stage of the show. The contestants would then be whittled down through a number of individual and team-based cooking challenges and weekly elimination rounds until a winning MasterChef is crowned. The winner plays for a prize that includes chef training from leading professional chefs, the title of MasterChef, the chance to have their own [recipe book](/source/cookbook) published, and [PKR](/source/Pakistani_rupee) 5,000,000 in cash, while the Runner-up and 2nd Runner up would be awarded Rs. 1 million and 500,000, with a series trophy, respectively. ===Episodes=== ''MasterChef Pakistan'' aired two episodes a week, Saturday and Sunday. Each episode featured a different format, however, some episodes modified the format slightly. The typical episode formats were as follows: '''Saturday''' is the ''Challenge night''. In season 1 it mainly featured theme-based challenges, including a Mystery Box, where each contestant was given the same box of ingredients and were to create a dish using only those ingredients. These dishes are then tasted, and a winner chosen. There can also be Off-Site Challenges and Team Challenges, which often involved cooking for large numbers of people. The top three contestants who made the best dishes are selected by the judges, from which a winner is chosen to compete in the Immunity Challenge or may be for Advantage. After this the bottom three are revealed, who will face off in an elimination challenge the next night. In the first series, it would always consist of a Theme challenge, then the winner from that would get saved from the face-off (elimination) challenge. '''Sunday''' is the ''Elimination night''. The bottoms from the theme challenge face the elimination challenge, which may include the Mystery Box challenge, Time pressure challenge, or some cooking techniques challenge. First season followed a simple format, meaning one day kitchen challenge, Team Challenge, Offsite challenge, or miscellaneous challenge and the other day they faced the consequences of the previous challenge. == Judges and presenters== The first season of ''MasterChef Pakistan'' was hosted and presented by three professional and internationally-acclaimed Pakistani Chefs,{{cite web|title=Master Chef Pakistan Judges Panel Announced !|url=http://reviewit.pk/master-chef-pakistan-judges-panel-announced/|work=Reviewit.pk|publisher=Rabia Basharat|access-date=14 April 2014}} Chef [Zakir Qureshi](/source/Zakir_Qureshi), Chef [Mehboob Khan](/source/Mehboob_Khan_(chef)), and Chef Khurram Awan. Chef Zakir Qureshi is a well-known Pakistani celebrity chef and cooking expert, he is famously known for his cooking show ''Dawat'' on ''[Masala TV](/source/Masala_TV)''. He started his career in 1980 through [Sheraton Hotel](/source/Sheraton_Hotel) as a chef in [Karachi](/source/Karachi). While Chef Mehboob Khan is a much older and well-known celebrity chef who started his career in the late 90s and gave his first appearance on a cooking show called ''The Cooking King'' and ''Spice of Life'' where he garnered great attention as a cooking expert after commencing shows of Healthy living life. Currently, he is exhibiting a show ''Weekend Masala'' on Masala TV. The third chef is a critic and food expert and off-screen internationally-acclaimed Pakistani Chef Khurrum Awan who served as a GM for a chain of hotels across the world and currently he is a Chief Executive Assistant of the Director of Food & Beverage at Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts in Karachi. == Series synopsis == === Season 1: 2014 === {{Main|MasterChef Pakistan season 1}} The show's first season premiered on 3 May 2014, with the selected 100 contestants from the auditions that occurred in three major cities in Pakistan: [Lahore](/source/Lahore), [Islamabad](/source/Islamabad), and [Karachi](/source/Karachi).{{cite web|title=MasterChef Pakistan Audition took place in LHR, ISB & KHI|url=http://www.brandsynario.com/news/masterchef-auditions-begin-in-lhr-khi-isb|publisher=Brand Synario|work=Sami Iqbal|date=5 April 2014|access-date=29 April 2014}} Auditions started on 13 March and lasted till 24 March. At the auditions people showed extravagant enthusiasm which led to an extension in Lahore for a day; similar to Karachi, auditions were extended for two more days. The first season of ''MasterChef Pakistan'' was won by [Ammara Noman](/source/Ammara_Noman) who defeated Gulnaz and Madiha in the series finale on 27 July 2014.{{cite web|title=First 'Master Chef Pakistan' comes to an end |url=http://www.brecorder.com/arts-a-leisure/50-movies/186096-first-‘master-chef-pakistan’-comes-to-an-end.html|website=Business Recorder|publisher=Asfia Afzal|access-date=29 July 2014}} Ammara received the series title, Rs. 5 million, and a contract for her own recipe book, while Gulnaz stood as a Runner-up and received Rs. 1 million with the series trophy. Madiha came up as 2nd runner-up and received Rs. 5 lakh and the series trophy.{{cite web|title=Ammara crowned first-ever MasterChef Pakistan|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1121963/ammara-crowned-first-ever-masterchef-pakistan|publisher=Dawn News|date=27 July 2014}} === Season 2: 2025 === {{Main|MasterChef Pakistan season 2}} == Revival == In 2025, [Banijay Group](/source/Banijay_Group) announced a partnership based with Pixel Entertainment, a Pakistani production company based in [Karachi](/source/Karachi), regarding the revival of MasterChef under new management and on a different television channel.{{cite web|title=Banijay Rights announces return of Master Chef Pakistan after 11 Year Hiatus|url=https://www.formatbiz.it/dettNews.aspx?id=12883|publisher=FormatBiz|date=1 May 2025}} After filming on a lavish set at Kenneyz Media City in Karachi, the first episode of Masterchef Pakistan Season 2 aired on HUM TV on 31 October 2025, with further episodes following every Friday at 9pm, leading to the exciting finale. The new season is being judged by chefs Saadat Siddiqi, Mahwish Aziz and Asad Monga. ==Accolade== ''MasterChef Pakistan'' became the first ever Pakistani reality show to be nominated for an international accolade. It was nominated as a "Best Adaptation of an Existing Format" in the Program Category section for the [19th Asian Television Awards](/source/Asian_Television_Awards).{{cite web|title=MasterChef Pakistan nominated in Asian Television awards|url=http://dramasreview.com/masterchef-pakistan-nominated-in-asian-television-awards/|work=Areeba Mohsin|publisher=Dramas Reviews|date=11 November 2014|access-date=18 November 2014}}{{cite web|title=First ever reality franchise of Pakistan crosses international success|url=http://pakistan.worldnewsviews.com/2014/11/18/masterchef-pakistan-nominated-in-asian-television-awards/|publisher=Pakistan World News|date=11 November 2014|access-date=18 November 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141119003544/http://pakistan.worldnewsviews.com/2014/11/18/masterchef-pakistan-nominated-in-asian-television-awards/|archive-date=19 November 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=MasterChef Pakistan nominated for Asian Television Awards|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1145514/masterchef-pakistan-nominated-for-asian-television-awards|publisher=Dawn news|date=19 November 2014|access-date=20 November 2014}} Losing against ''[Junior Masterchef Swaad Ke Ustaad](/source/Junior_Masterchef_Swaad_Ke_Ustaad)'' from India, the series was "highly commended" by the jury against other nominees.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}} {| class="wikitable" |- align="center" ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Date of ceremony ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Award ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Category ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Recipient(s) ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Result |- | 11 December 2014 | [Asian Television Awards](/source/Asian_Television_Awards) | Best Adaptation of an Existing Format | Alliance Media FZ-LLC ! Highly Commended[http://ata.onscreenasia.com/ 19th Asian Television Awards – winners announced] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140125235204/http://ata.onscreenasia.com/ |date=25 January 2014 }}, ''Asian Television Awards'', 12 December 2014 |} == References == {{Reflist}} == Further read == * {{cite web|title=7 Reasons You Should Watch MasterChef Pakistan|url=http://www.brandsynario.com/articles/7-reasons-you-should-watch-masterchef-pakistan|work=brandsynario|publisher=Ghazala Sulaiman|access-date=29 May 2014}} * {{cite news|author=Ahmer Naqvi|title=Adding the desi tarka to MasterChef|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1109099/adding-the-desi-tarka-to-masterchef|access-date=29 May 2014|newspaper=DAWN.com}} * {{cite news|title=MasterChef sizzles hot with foody drama|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1110127/masterchef-sizzles-hot-with-foody-drama|access-date=4 June 2014|work=DAWN.com|publisher=Ahmer Naqvi|date=2 June 2014}} == External links == * {{Official website}} * {{IMDb title}} {{MasterChef |state=autocollapse}} {{Urdu 1 Programs |state=autocollapse}} {{Pakistani reality television series |state=autocollapse}} Category:MasterChef Pakistan Category:Urdu 1 original programming Category:Urdu-language television shows --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [MasterChef Pakistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MasterChef_Pakistan) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MasterChef_Pakistan?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.