Remember? The moment we fell in love with the contestants for the first time
An unusual compliment from Eyal Shani, surprising family connections, and auditions that became legendary: as the contestants of "MasterChef: Dream Team" shine on screen, we look back at their very first steps in the kitchen—sometimes dating back 14 years.
Today they are the stars of "MasterChef: Dream Team," but their journey in the culinary world began long before their current success. As we revisit their first auditions (new episodes air Sundays on Keshet 12), we see the raw talent that continues to captivate the judges.
Jackie Azulay (Season 3)
With her authenticity, Jacqueline (as she was known then) captured the judges' hearts immediately. She prepared Moroccan fish in tomato and pepper sauce, a dish from her childhood. "I come from a family of 14 siblings, I am the second. Because I was responsible for everything when they were born, I prayed it would stop," she shared. The judges fell in love with her hands, and the rest is history.
Gal Kaspers (Season 8)
Gal arrived from her Pilates studio, accompanied by family, including her uncle Avi Levy, the winner of Season 2. Her dish of head meat with chickpeas on noodles earned high praise. After her uncle's victory, we are eager to see if she follows in his footsteps.
Eden Harel (VIP Season)
Already a known TV presenter, Eden revealed a new side of herself during the season. She shared how motherhood reconnected her with cooking. In the upcoming episodes, we'll see if she still has that spark.
Eliav Sasson (Season 2)
The wedding dress designer arrived at 28 with a hunger for success. His fish patties in dough with a sophisticated twist won over the judges before they even took a bite. It was clear he was destined for greatness.
Manal Ismail (Season 9)
The judges were deeply moved by Manal's story of overcoming cancer. Her sea bream in kiwi and asparagus cream sparked debate but ultimately secured her a spot in the next stage.
Tair Mordoch (Season 9)
Returning after eight years abroad, Tair served a Kinneret tart inspired by her father. The dish was so impressive it earned her a golden apron and a direct ticket to the team.
Nissim Zalait (Season 11)
Few contestants hear Eyal Shani call their dish the best sweet-and-sour creation he has ever eaten. Nissim earned this with his pumpkin kubbeh soup and Gideon pita.
Aviva Pivko (Season 1)
Aviva started on a high note by telling Eyal Shani she loves him because he «makes love to the food.» Her spaetzle with cream and mushroom sauce left the judges enthusiastic.
Chaim Cohen (Season 9)
Chaim proved his name carries culinary weight. His pumpkin ravioli in sage butter sauce earned him a spot in the next round.
Costa Osadchy (Season 8)
Costa's audition was rocky; his eggs Benedict in a plastic bag divided the judges. However, Michal Ansky trusted her intuition and gave him a golden apron—a bet that paid off.
Bar Levi (Season 11)
Bar shared how he began cooking as a youth while his mother battled cancer. His French-style chicken on sweet potato cream charmed the judges.
Danit Sofer (Season 11)
Danit touched the judges with her story of childhood loneliness. Her beef patty and vegetable stew, covered in crispy pita dough, earned her a well-deserved advancement.
