The first episode of the 10th season of MasterChef Greece aired on Sunday, 18 January, on Star Channel Greece, as our very own Philip Vakos, impresses on MasterChef Greece. Philip successfully progressing through the audition stage, receiving an apron and officially securing his place in the competition. He impressed all three judges with a distinctive lamb dish inspired by a fusion of Australian and Greek flavours.
The episode showcased Philip’s down-to-earth, warm and engaging personality, while highlighting his deep passion for food and cooking. He spoke movingly about his grandparents’ journey from Greece to Australia in the 1940s and reflected on the significance of returning to Greece as a third-generation Greek to cook on the show.
Much has changed since Philip’s first appearance on MasterChef Australia Season 2. He later relocated from Tasmania to Melbourne to pursue his culinary ambitions and establish himself in the hospitality industry.
“This is incredibly special — to return to a show after 15 years, to cook and share my culinary journey, in Greece,” Philip said. “After almost 12 years of running our restaurant Bahari in Melbourne, I believe it’s important to challenge yourself and step outside your comfort zone in order to grow.”
The 10th season of MasterChef Greece features not only chefs from Greece, but also chefs of Greek heritage from around the world. Representing Greek Australians, Philip joins contestants who have travelled from Dubai, Egypt, Germany, Switzerland and beyond, all returning to their ancestral homeland to compete in the series.
Although Philip had not planned to return to the MasterChef stage, the opportunity to take part in this milestone season — filmed in Greece — proved too meaningful to decline.
“Sometimes life presents you with an opportunity, and you either say no or take it with both hands,” he said. “I’m incredibly grateful for the love and support of my wife and family, which has made it possible for me to be part of this season and to represent Australian Greeks.”
With a well-established reputation in Australia’s restaurant industry, Philip has co-owned and operated the popular Melbourne restaurant Bahari with his wife and business partner, Heleena, for nearly 12 years. More recently, the couple launched a Mediterranean ready-meals company, Phlavour, further expanding their culinary footprint.
The Season has begun, and airs 5 nights a week in Greece, 21:00 on Channel., ‘Star’
Follow the Journey online,
Youtube, & via Instagram:
@philipvakos
@starchanneltv
@masterchefgr
Philip was a contestant on Season Two, Australian MasterChef, in 2010.
Having grown up in Tasmania, with two Cretan grandmothers, meant he was surrounded by food, Veggie gardens, and often in the kitchen learning avidly.
Philip however, was an accountant by trade. With some cookery studies up his sleeve, & vast experience working in Restaurants & Kitchens growing up ~ food was always his real calling. He moved to Melbourne after the show, to pursue a career in Restaurants & Hospitality.
Philip along with his wife Heleena, have run restaurant, Bahari | The Hellenic Palate, (12 Years), since, October 2013. A popular Greek staple on Swan Street, Richmond, the restaurant is always bustling, showcasing traditional favourites, with Philip’s unique twists always appearing on the specials.
Most recently the duo launched Mediterranean Ready Meals company, ‘Phlavour’.
This new venture has become very popular with busy families, professionals and the elderly community who enjoy wholesome, fresh, familiar meals with no preservatives – food they may not be able to cook for themselves anymore, which is delivered to their doorsteps.
Philip has made many TV appearances since his time on MasterChef Australia, notably ‘SBS Food’, with Adam Liaw, ‘Everyday Gourmet’ , and ‘Farm to Fork’, on Channel 10, amongst others.
Philip is also generous with his time, being part of many Greek community events across Australia, such as the Antipodes Festival in Melbourne, as well as cooking for Greek Schools, and Chef Demonstrations at Farmer’s Markets, and Greek Festivals around Australia.
