Master Chef Finalists Revealed After Intense Mushroom Culinary Duel
Elihav Sasson and Gal Kaspers secured their spots alongside Haim Cohen in the Master Chef grand finale, while Manal Ismail was eliminated in a dramatic semi-final mushroom duel.
They had already competed in the past, failed to win, but were given a second chance to make amends — and this time, they seized it with both hands. As the competition progressed, the culinary standards reached new heights. Following Haim Cohen's secured spot in the grand finale in the previous episode, Sunday's broadcast finally revealed who would join him in the ultimate showdown.
The Mushroom Challenge
Manal, Gal, and Elihav were tasked with cooking a winning recipe using a raw ingredient chosen for them by the judges, which had to be paired with mushrooms. At the end of this round, the second finalist was determined. Subsequently, the remaining two cooks faced off in a tight duel to prepare their absolute best mushroom dish, with a ticket to the season's peak event on the line.
Elihav Sasson was the first to climb to the balcony. Elihav shined with a rich mushroom soup featuring egg yolk pearls and torn pasta sheets.
Chef Avi Biton praised the creation:
"You took a raw ingredient and split it into layers. This is a powerful dish, perhaps one of the most delicious I have ever eaten."
Chef Eyal Shni added:
"It is a journey inside a plate, and it is much more complex because it is a liquid. Simply a dream."
A One-Point Duel
Following a close head-to-head battle decided by a single point, Gal Kaspers completed the final trio. Kaspers tapped into her childhood memories, preparing mushroom and chestnut agnolotti in a creamy mushroom sauce.
"This is a pure time machine, just with more elegance and the knowledge you have accumulated," Shni remarked.
Tears and Triumphs for Manal
Manal Ismail, who finished in fourth place, struggled to hide her disappointment and tears as she was eliminated just before the final. However, the judges offered high praise. Chef Yuval Ben Neria said:
"I will remember your touch. You brought immense pride to Arab cuisine. People will make pilgrimages just to taste your food."
Avi Biton continued:
"The greatest spice in your dishes is your heart and soul. It would be an honor for me to host a joint dinner with you at my restaurant."
Manal emotionally concluded her journey with a promise of future success:
"It was fun, I met amazing people. It was a privilege to cook for you. I am Manal at full strength now. I will open more restaurants and become your competitor. I am proud of what I achieved."
