Dishes created by the hit TV series’ finalists are served at MasterChef’s new Friday feast…

When MasterChef, The TV Experience restaurant opened in Dubai we were, admittedly, a little confused with the concept. Do we need to compete to eat? Or is it a normal sit-down restaurant?

In a nutshell, the MasterChef’s menu comprises winning dishes from chefs across all of the cult culinary series’ around the world, so a brunch of winning dishes should prove a hit, right? 

We arrived to a buzzing atmosphere and an industrial-chic vibe that’s on trend in Dubai right now, with contrasting wood, brick and metals and the sort of casual close seating where you’ll likely strike up a conversation – and make friends with – your neighbours.

We like the table-service brunch concept, which includes unlimited sharing starters, a choice of main and some surprise desserts, all served to your table by friendly staff.

The starters are made up of five plates including fried prawn bhaajis and avo (a winning dish by Jane Devonshire, MasterChef UK champion 2016), lemongrass and ginger meatball skewers (from Ping Coombes, MasterChef UK champion 2014) and pulled beef chilaquiles (from Elena Duggan, MasterChef Australia champion 2016). It was an unusual mix of dishes, but the winning plate for us was MasterChef US champion 2016 Shaun O’Neale’s baked brie, a dreamy, creamy spectacle with bourbon pecan and maple drizzle, served with crunchy mini-toast and cranberries.

Meanwhile, our favourite mains were the fried chicken eggs Benedict (another win from Jane Devonshire), an oddly satisfying combination of delicious fried buttermilk chicken drizzled in hollandaise, and topped with tomato and coriander.

We also loved the mighty and meaty burger – created by the in-house MasterChef, the TV Experience Dubai team, with chef’s special BBQ, wasabi and sriracha mayonnaise all combining to pack a powerful punch.

By the time desserts came, we only had enough room for a spoonful of each, and while they were all delicious, the key lime pie from MasterChef UK champ Shelina Permalloo was our favourite. 

It’s an interesting concept with a handful of well executed dishes, and ultimately great fun for fans of the show.

Showtime! Brunch, MasterChef, The TV Experience, Millennium Place Hotel, Dubai Marina, Dhs299 with soft drinks, Dhs429 with house drinks, Dhs489 with sparkling. Tel: (04) 3462636. masterchefdxb.com

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Images: Provided