Astro's brand new culinary competition reality show "Chef King Fantasia Feast" brings together 12 elite chefs and culinary enthusiasts to compete on the same stage, showcasing their cooking skills and creativity. They aim to overturn the conventional methods of traditional cuisine, reversing established impressions of ingredients, and imagining new dishes, vying for the 'Chef King' title.
"Chef King Fantasia Feast" is hosted by Yin Huifen, with Lin Jianwen as the assistant host. The judging panel includes Taiwan's renowned culinary show host Chen Hong, Michelin-starred chef Tan Zhitin, and five-star hotel executive chef Wu Miaodi. The grand finale will also feature heavyweight guest Xue Jiayan as a judge. The 12 contestants include former actor Zhu Juncheng, former radio DJ Li Lisi, Huang Xueqiang, Huang Peiwen, Lin Lianghan, Li Zhongxing, Ye Senying, Huang Shunli, Liu Zhenye, Lin Tianming, Cai Xiuling, and Zhang Junkai. The contestants expressed that although they are competing on the same show, there is no scheming against each other. Instead, they feel it is a rare opportunity to meet a group of like-minded cooking and culinary enthusiasts, and they have all become friends, often gathering privately.
After many years, taking on the role of a TV show host again, Yin Huifen described her feelings about hosting this show as "sour, sweet, bitter, and spicy." She mentioned that watching contestants get eliminated often brought her to tears; the "sweet" part was unexpectedly having the chance to taste the delicious dishes prepared by the contestants as a host. With 12 contestants, 3 judges, and guests in the show, she felt immense pressure to keep everything in control. "Moreover, I often went off-script during filming, so that 'bitterness' was a life experience for me." She also particularly thanked the production team for providing her with beautiful outfits for each episode, joking that they included fitted, thin, and leg-revealing styles, making her feel quite "spicy"! Lin Jianwen, who plays different assistant roles in each episode, humorously said he felt like the "mascot" of the show, responsible for easing the tense atmosphere.
"Chef King Fantasia Feast" will air from December 8, every Sunday at 8:30 PM on Astro AEC (Channel 306).