Celebrity Greek chef Argiro Barbarigou has taken Greek cuisine straight to the heart of the MasterChef UK Finals Week — stepping into a double role as both mentor and judge.
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a huge responsibility,” Argiro shared on Instagram. “As a mentor, I carefully chose the recipes and ingredients to showcase Greece’s hidden culinary treasures and our finest products in the best possible way.”
True to her mission of spreading Greek gastronomy across the world — from ARTE TV to now Britain’s most-watched cooking competition — Argiro became the official ambassador of Greek cuisine on MasterChef UK, a show broadcast annually for more than 20 years in over 200 countries, including Greece.
It was no coincidence when the producers reached out, inviting her not only to represent her country’s food culture but also to join the judging panel for the finals. Once again, Argiro managed to tell the story of Greece through its flavors.
A Greek Feast on British Soil
Breaking away from the classic competition format, Argiro proposed something different: a traditional Greek table laden with dishes from every corner of the country. “Greek cuisine is not a single identity,” she explained. “It’s a mosaic of regional traditions. It’s about sharing, company, family, hospitality, and warmth — all the elements that make it unique in the world.”
The producers embraced the concept, filming outdoors among vineyards, olive groves, and gardens. There, in nature’s embrace, the MasterChef contestants faced the ultimate challenge: to cook with the soul of Greece.
At the heart of the test were staples of the Greek kitchen — wild greens, herbs, seafood, meat, legumes, olive oil, and wine. Each ingredient held symbolism, telling a story of heritage and identity. By the end, contestants weren’t just replicating recipes but crafting their own Greek-inspired menus, showing how Greece’s flavors can spark creativity far beyond its borders.
A Celebration by the Sea
The following day, the four remaining chefs were tasked with preparing a menu degustation inspired by Greek produce and cooking techniques. The grand finale unfolded by the sea, in the company of renowned chefs and food enthusiasts, sealing Finals Week with an unforgettable taste of Greece.
From Epirus to Crete, from Thrace to the Dodecanese, Greece revealed itself not just as a land of flavors, but as a living cultural legacy.
“This is a tremendous spotlight for Greece and its yet-undiscovered culinary wealth, showcased to millions of viewers of the BBC’s top-rated program,” Argiro said.
