MasterChef auditions feature standout culinary performances

During the MasterChef auditions, several candidates impressed the judging panel of Stjepan Vukadin, Marijo Mihelj, and Goran Kočiš with dishes rooted in personal and family traditions.

Dejan Jaklenec from Samobor received unanimous support for his ‘Crispy Geniuses’, a breaded brain dish inspired by his grandmother’s recipes. The judges praised the technical execution, describing it as creamy and soft. Robert Hajduk, a poultry farmer, also secured three ‘yes’ votes by preparing a chicken steak using a cold pan technique to monitor the cooking process. The judges noted the complexity of achieving such perfect thermal processing on a simple ingredient.

Matija Vidaković from Valpovo also participated, presenting zander that he had caught himself, highlighting his connection to the river and fishing.