In many episodes of the show around the world, most of the dishes made by the contestants are Western and the airing of "MasterChef Asia" will break the norm by featuring the distinctive Asian cuisine.
"[MasterChef Asia] will be a major step forward for the franchise, as it is a significant departure from the staple of mostly Western foods that are featured in other MasterChef versions around the world," A+E marketing and communications manager Geraldine Kong said in a report by Jakarta Globe.
She also said that "MasterChef" Asia, which will run its first season on Lifetime Channel, will highlight many Asian cuisines in different nations "like never before." People will also reportedly see their foods being the focus on the show.
"The Asian feel of the show is further highlighted by the judges' Asian heritage or ties, so enhancing their sensibilities about the contestants' culinary traditions, regardless of which part of Asia they're from," she further mentioned in the report.
"MasterChef Asia" will have teams coming from China, Malaysia, Indonesia, India and other countries as they cook various dishes and save themselves from elimination.
Similar to other franchises, three judges are on to make that food tasting. The panel of judges will have French Michelin-star chef Bruno Menard, Singaporean MasterChef Australia finalist Audra Morrice and Hong Kong chef Susur Lee.
"I am certain that the show will resonate with Indonesian viewers, as it will feature contestants from Indonesia taking their counterparts from other countries," Kong added.
Other franchises have featured contestants with Asian background. "MasterChef Australia" had an Indonesian contestant Reynold Poernomo who just got eliminated recently.
Also, the Canadian version of "MasterChef" found its first season winner Eric Chong which catapulted him to be the restaurateur he had always dreamt of. A report by Franchise Herald said he opened a modern Chinese bistro called R&D. He admitted he was an underdog in the show but persevered to become the champion.
