Haim Cohen Secures First Spot in Master Chef Finale with Perfect Score Dessert
Chef Israel Aharoni returned to the Master Chef kitchen for a dramatic Chinese-themed semifinal. Haim Cohen dominated the challenges, earning a perfect score on his dessert to secure his place in the grand finale.
Renowned chef Israel Aharoni made a special return to the Master Chef kitchen for the high-stakes semifinal. The contestants faced a rigorous three-course challenge dedicated entirely to Chinese cuisine, which ultimately determined the first finalist of the season.
The culinary hopefuls were tasked with creating three distinct dishes: an appetizer inspired by the classic egg roll, a main course reimagining sweet and sour chicken, and a dessert paying homage to fried bananas. Following a dramatic showcase, Haim Cohen emerged victorious with the highest score of the night.
A Masterclass in Innovation
For his appetizer, Cohen prepared an innovative egg roll wrapped in nori seaweed, which left the judges spellbound.
"The brain cannot process what this is, it completely blurs the lines. This is out-of-the-box thinking at the highest possible level," the judges remarked, awarding the dish 39 points.
His main course featured veal sweetbreads with pineapple in a sweet and sour sauce. The judges praised his technical execution of the sweetbreads, granting him 36 points.
However, it was the dessert that stole the show. Cohen served a tabun-roasted pineapple in miso caramel accompanied by crispy sage, earning a perfect score of 40 points.
"This is a brilliant dish, the most delicious thing we have eaten today. The addition of sage is an absolute stroke of genius," the judges raved.
Redemption Five Years in the Making
For Cohen, reaching the finale is a deeply personal milestone and a redemption story.
"I stood in this exact position five years ago, but instead of making it to the finals, I was sent home. I promised myself I would do everything to be the best," Cohen said. "I worked incredibly hard, through early morning baking, failed experiments, and intense kitchen internships. This is the result, and I could not be happier. It is validation that I am on the right path."
