Melbourne chef Philip Vakos is making waves internationally after reaching the top 10 of MasterChef Greece, becoming the first Greek Australian contestant to compete on the popular cooking program.
Vakos, who first appeared on MasterChef Australia in 2010 as Tasmania’s first-ever contestant, has now added another milestone to his career by also becoming the first Australian contestant to compete in MasterChef franchises in two different countries.
The 10th season of MasterChef Greece features chefs not only from Greece, but also contestants of Greek heritage from around the world, including Dubai, Egypt, Germany, Switzerland and Amsterdam, all returning to their ancestral homeland to compete.
Representing the Greek Australian community, Vakos has emerged as one of the season’s most popular contestants, particularly earning praise for his dessert creations, which have impressed judges throughout the competition.
Airing four nights a week on Greek broadcaster STAR Channel, the competition has adopted a team-based format, splitting contestants into Red and Blue brigades. Vakos is part of the Red team, which has now progressed to the crucial stage of the competition known as “The Mother of All Battles,” where the two remaining teams of five will face intense culinary challenges in the lead-up to the grand final.
Despite Greek being his second language, Vakos has impressed audiences with his creativity, culinary versatility and calm approach in the kitchen, while also building a strong rapport with teammates and viewers alike.
“This is really special, to come back on a show after 15 years, to cook, and show my culinary experience, in Greece,” Vakos said.
“After almost 12 years of running our restaurant Bahari in Melbourne, I believe it’s good to challenge yourself, and get out of your comfort zone — in order to grow.”
Vakos said he had not initially planned to return to reality television, but the opportunity to compete in Greece proved too meaningful to refuse.
“Sometimes life throws you an opportunity, and you either say no, or grab it with both hands,” he said.
“I’m really grateful to have firstly, the love and support of my wife, and also family, to be able to partake in this season, and be able to represent Australian Greeks.”
Born and raised in Hobart, Tasmania, Vakos grew up surrounded by food and Greek culture, heavily influenced by his two Cretan grandmothers who introduced him to traditional cooking, vegetable gardening and the importance of hospitality.
Although he originally trained and worked as an accountant, Vakos pursued his passion for food following his appearance on MasterChef Australia, relocating to Melbourne to build a career in hospitality.
Together with his wife Heleena, he has operated the popular Richmond restaurant Bahari | The Hellenic Palate since 2013, earning a loyal following for its modern take on traditional Greek cuisine.
The couple recently expanded into Mediterranean ready-made meals through their company Phlavour, delivering preservative-free meals to families, professionals and elderly Australians.
Beyond the kitchen, Vakos has remained heavily involved in the Greek Australian community, regularly participating in festivals, school events and cooking demonstrations across the country, including Melbourne’s Antipodes Festival.
Fans can follow Vakos’ MasterChef Greece journey through his Instagram and YouTube channels, with the show airing Monday to Thursday in Greece on STAR Channel.
