Recap | MKR on Channel 7 S15E1 – Meat-gate and bogan-gate fire up MKR’s plate. Best mates Justin and Will set the tone for a spicy season.
Tonight, the season return of MKR delivered a feast of drama with bold flavours and even bolder personalities. Best mates Justin and Will, from NSW, served a heartfelt menu to set a strong culinary tone, scoring a total of 79 out of 110 for their Instant Restaurant: Tropic Like It’s Hot.
At the MKR table were Australia’s most passionate and outspoken home cooks: Victorian Greek mum and daughter, Anne and Maree, Queensland’s opinionated couple, Michael and Rielli and besties, Lol and Lil; Feisty cousins, Mel and Jacinta, from NSW, as well as boss friends from South Australia, Maria and Bailey.
The sport-loving mates from Sutherland Shire showcased family, friendship and culture as they served Ota Ika (Ceviche) with Taro crisps for entrée, Red Duck Curry with Coconut Rice for main, and Cape Malay Koeksister (South African fried doughnut) with spice syrup for dessert. While the food impressed, the dinner table drama stole the spotlight.
Michael, a self-proclaimed meat master, clashed with nutritionist Jacinta over her choice not to eat meat, asking:
“Do you really think it is fair you guys are judging a meat dish with one person instead of two?
Jacinta held firm, baffled why her choice not to eat meat was such a big deal:
“I’ve cooked meat, I’ve eaten meat. I’m just not eating it right now.” Michael wasn’t having it: “You can’t judge by looking at something. Just taste the food.”
Meanwhile, bogan-gate brewed when Michael dubbed Logan-based besties Lol and Lil “The Logan Bogans.” Lol fired back:
“We are definitely not the Logan Bogans. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
Justin and Will’s entrée, a Tongan-style ceviche, was praised for texture but lacked punch. The dish “needed more salt and heat,” earning a score of six from judges Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge.
Their standout main dish, a duck curry, impressed both the judges and fellow teams. Manu raved it was a “wonderful, ballsy curry.” Colin called it “near perfect,” though the undercooked rice let them down.
The traditional South African dessert didn’t reach the nostalgic heights Justin had hoped for from his childhood, as some teams questioned whether it was a competition-worthy dessert.
The judges awarded Justin and Will a total score of 42 out of 60, including a score of nine from both Manu and Colin for their main. The guest teams gave them a score of 37, bringing Justin and Will’s overall total to 79 out of 110.
| Judges’ Scores | Entrée | Main | Dessert | |
| Manu Feildel | 6/10 | 9/10 | 6/10 | 21/30 |
| Colin Fassnidge | 6/10 | 9/10 | 6/10 | 21/30 |
| Total Score | 42/60 | |||
| MKR Team Scores | |
| Michael and Rielli | 7/10 |
| Lol and Lil | 7/10 |
| Maria and Bailey | 7/10 |
| Anne and Maree | 8/10 |
| Mel and Jacinta | 8/10 |
| Total Score | 37/50 |
Tomorrow on MKR: Greek mother and daughter Anne and Maree cook from the heart, but will a chance at triumph turn into a Greek tragedy?
MKR – Continues 7.30pm Tuesday on Seven and 7plus
Media Release – Seven
TV Central Seven content HERE
Recap | MKR on Channel 7 S15E1
About the Show
Get ready, Australia – the table is set, and the heat is back on!
A brand-new season of My Kitchen Rules returns to Seven and 7plus at 7.30pm on Monday, 1 September.
This year, MKR is serving up more than just food. Real kitchens, real stories and unforgettable flavours – MKR celebrates the heart of home cooking.
The competition is fierce, the stakes are high and the pressure is on.
Presiding over the table, culinary icons Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge return as co-hosts and judges, united by friendship and a shared passion for discovering Australia’s top home culinary talent.
Manu said:
“Cooking continues to evolve – in households across Australia and around the world. This year’s MKR contestants bring new recipes, fresh ingredients and innovative tactics and techniques. We’re in for a very interesting season around the dinner table.”
Added Colin:
“There are many different personalities at the table, all firing at 110%. Also upping the ante this year, we have some controversial dishes, one in particular that will divide the table and the nation.”
From cherished family recipes passed down through generations to bold new twists on traditional favourites, this season is a celebration of heritage, heart and homegrown talent.
Expect big personalities, bigger flavours and a whole lot of sugar and spice on the plate and around the table.
