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Plate of Origin
Plate of Origin
Plate of Origin
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Plate of Origin
GenreCooking
Judges
Country of originAustralia
Original languageEnglish
No. of series1
No. of episodes10
Production
Running time90 minutes
Production companySeven Productions
Original release
NetworkSeven Network
Release30 August (2020-08-30) –
22 September 2020 (2020-09-22)

Plate of Origin was an Australian competitive cooking game show that was broadcast on the Seven Network. Celebrity chef Manu Feildel hosted the series alongside former MasterChef Australia judges chef Gary Mehigan and food critic Matt Preston.[1] The series is described as "The World Cup of Cooking" or "Country of Origin on a Plate"', with teams competing by cooking international food cuisines.[2][3]

The series was originally conceived and marketed as a spin-off edition of successful cooking game show My Kitchen Rules but was later developed as a separate program.[4] It was originally scheduled to air following the 2020 Summer Olympics, but was slightly delayed due to the postponement of the Olympic Games because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[5] The pandemic also impacted production, resulting in a lower than expected number of episodes being completed.[6]

The series aired over four weeks, which began on Sunday, 30 August 2020 at 7:00pm.[7] The series finale aired on Tuesday, 22 September 2020.[8] Despite elevated expectations and the high profile of the judges, the series was a ratings disappointment.[9][10][8] Seven did not renew the show for a second series.[11][12]

Teams

[edit]

List of the ten competing teams.[13]

Team Ages Home Relationship Result
Greece Dezi Madafferi & Penny Kerasiotis 42 & 33 Melbourne, Victoria Cousins Winners 22 September (Grand Final)
Vietnam Thanh Truong & Duncan 32 & 29 Melbourne, Victoria Friends Runners-up 22 September (Grand Final)
Cameroon Kelly & Ashley Vola 26 & 28 Melbourne, Victoria Sisters Eliminated 22 September (Semi-final)
Italy Teresa & Michele Minichiello 60 & 35 Sydney, New South Wales Mum & Daughter Eliminated 22 September (Semi-final)
France Austine Dall & Leo Garnier 28 & 32 Sydney, New South Wales Entrepreneurs Eliminated 15 September (QF: Round 2)
China Mandy Chai & Chrys Hong † 28 & 30 Sydney, New South Wales Friends Eliminated 15 September (QF: Round 2)
India Ash & Simran Gulati 41 & 39 Sydney, New South Wales Married Eliminated 14 September (QF: Round 1)
Lebanon Jamal Gerges & Rachida Qutami 48 & 30 Sydney, New South Wales Mum & Daughter Eliminated 14 September (QF: Round 1)
Australia Ethan & Stew Both 28 Sydney, New South Wales Friends Eliminated 8 September (EC: Round 2)
Venezuela Kiki Carrillo & Aly Utrera 37 & 38 Friends Eliminated 8 September (EC: Round 1)

Elimination history

[edit]
Round: Head-to-Head Elimination
Challenge 		Quarter-finals Finals
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 SF GF
Teams: Progress
Greece Dezi & Penny N/A Won
(49) 		N/A Safe N/a Won
(30) 		→ GF
Safe 		Winners
(76)
Vietnam Thanh & Duncan N/A Lose
(42) 		N/A EC
Safe 		Won
(26) 		→ GF
Safe 		Runners-up
(72)
Italy Teresa & Michele N/A Won
(52) 		Safe N/a Won
(26) 		SF
Lose 		Eliminated
(Episode 9)
Cameroon Kelly & Ashley N/A Won
(48) 		N/A Safe N/a Won
(23) 		→ SF
Lose
France Austine & Leo N/A Lose
(40) 		N/A EC
Safe 		N/a Lose
(25) 		Eliminated
(Episode 8)
China Mandy & Chrys Won
(45) 		N/A Safe N/a Lose
(22) 		Eliminated
(Episode 8)
India Ash & Simran N/A Lose
(45) 		N/A EC
Safe 		N/a Lose
(24) 		Eliminated
(Episode 7)
Lebanon Jamal & Rachida N/A Won
(55) 		N/A Safe Lose
(19) 		Eliminated
(Episode 7)
Australia Ethan & Stew Lose
(44) 		N/A EC
Lose 		Eliminated
(Episode 6)
Venezuela Kiki & Aly N/A Lose
(50) 		EC
Lose
Cell Descriptions
Team won the head-to-head and proceeds to the next round
Team lost the head-to-head and proceeds to an elimination challenge
Safe Team was safe from elimination after passing a challenge/round.
EC Team competed in an Elimination Challenge and became safe from elimination.
EC Team was eliminated after losing in an Elimination Challenge.

Competition details

[edit]

Head-to-Head

[edit]

During this round, two teams will compete head-to-head with each team both delivering a two-course dinner for the judges consisting of a main and dessert, they are then scored on both dishes by each three judges with the lower scoring team sent to an elimination challenge.

Australia vs China

[edit]
  • Episode 1
  • Airdate — 30 August
Results
Australia vs China
Team Matt's Scores Manu's Scores Gary's Scores Total
(out of 60) 		Result
Main Dessert Main Dessert Main Dessert
Australia Ethan & Stew 9 6 9 6 8 6 44 Through to elimination challenge
Dishes Main Meat and Three Vegetables
Dessert Vanilla Custard Slice
China Mandy & Chrys 10 5 10 5 10 5 45 Safe
Dishes Main Braised Duck with Biang Biang Noodles
Dessert Black Sesame Mousse with Tofu Ice Cream

Greece vs France

[edit]
  • Episode 2
  • Airdate — 31 August
Results
Greece vs France
Team Matt's Scores Manu's Scores Gary's Scores Total
(out of 60) 		Result
Main Dessert Main Dessert Main Dessert
Greece Dezi & Penny 9 8 8 7 9 8 49 Safe
Dishes Main Octopus with Skordalia and Greek Elixir
Dessert Loukoumades
France Austine & Leo 7 6 8 6 7 6 40 Through to elimination challenge
Dishes Main Magret de Canard aux Mûres (Duck with Blackberry Sauce)
Dessert Framboisier (Raspberry Cake)

Cameroon vs Vietnam

[edit]
  • Episode 3
  • Airdate — 1 September
Results
Cameroon vs Vietnam
Team Matt's Scores Manu's Scores Gary's Scores Total
(out of 60) 		Result
Main Dessert Main Dessert Main Dessert
Cameroon Kelly & Ashley 9 7 10 6 9 7 48 Safe
Dishes Main Chicken with Jollof Rice and Plantain
Dessert Beignet with Burnt White Chocolate Ice Cream
Vietnam Thanh & Duncan 9 5 9 4 9 6 42 Through to elimination challenge
Dishes Main Bún bò Huế (Spicy Beef Noodle Soup)
Dessert Coconut Corn Sago

India vs Lebanon

[edit]
  • Episode 4
  • Airdate — 6 September
Results
India vs Lebanon
Team Matt's Scores Manu's Scores Gary's Scores Total
(out of 60) 		Result
Main Dessert Main Dessert Main Dessert
India Ash & Simran 8 7 8 7 8 7 45 Through to elimination challenge
Dishes Main Murg Makhani (Butter Chicken)
Dessert Halwa with Pistachio Ice Cream
Lebanon Jamal & Rachida 9 9 10 9 9 9 55 Safe
Dishes Main Samke Harra (Barramundi with Tahini Sauce)
Dessert Znood El Sit (Filo Pastry with Lebanese Cream)

Italy vs Venezuela

[edit]
  • Episode 5
  • Airdate — 7 September
Results
Italy vs Venezuela
Team Matt's Scores Manu's Scores Gary's Scores Total
(out of 60) 		Result
Main Dessert Main Dessert Main Dessert
Italy Teresa & Michele 10 8 10 7 10 7 52 Safe
Dishes Main Squid Ink Pasta with Prawns
Dessert Mother of Cannoli
Venezuela Kiki & Aly 9 8 9 8 8 8 50 Through to elimination challenge
Dishes Main Hallaca Con Chicarron (Tamales with Fried Pork)
Dessert Quesillo (Venezuelan Flan)

Elimination Challenge

[edit]

The five losing teams from the head-to-head rounds will face off in the elimination challenge where they will be tasked to create an Australian classic, the Meat pie, using the flavours of their nation. The team with the worst dish is eliminated. Two teams who each had the secondary worst dishes are both sent to a second round where they must each create a tart, the team with the worst dish from this round is also eliminated.

  • Episode 6
  • Airdate — 8 September
Challenge Summary
Team Dish Result
Round 1: Pie
Vietnam Thanh & Duncan Beef Pho Pie Safe
India Ash & Simran Samosa Pie
France Austine & Leo Chicken & Champignon Pie Sent to Round 2
Australia Ethan & Stew Beer & Vegemite Pie
Venezuela Kiki & Aly Chicken Polvorosa Pie Eliminated
Round 2: Tart
France Austine & Leo Lemon Tart Safe
Australia Ethan & Stew Cherry Ripe Tart Eliminated

Quarter-finals

[edit]

Round 1

[edit]
  • Episode 7
  • Airdate — 14 September
  • Description - The first four of eight remaining teams enter the quarter-finals Fast and Furious round. Two teams go head-to-head to cook a chicken dish that celebrates a true taste of their cuisine in just 45 minutes. At the end of each round, two teams will be eliminated and two teams will go to the Semi-finals.
Results
Team Matt's Scores Manu's Scores Gary's Scores Total
(out of 30) 		Result
Dish Dish Dish
Vietnam vs Lebanon
Vietnam Thanh & Duncan 9 8 9 26 Through to Semi-finals
Dish Lemongrass Chicken Wraps
Lebanon Jamal & Rachida 6 7 6 19 Eliminated
Dish Chicken Schwarma
Greece vs India
Greece Dezi & Penny 10 10 10 30 Through to Semi-finals
Dish Chicken Souvlaki
India Ash & Simran 8 8 8 24 Eliminated
Dish Chicken Biryani

Round 2

[edit]
  • Episode 8
  • Airdate — 15 September
  • Description - The remaining four of eight teams enter the quarter-finals Fast and Furious round. Two teams go head-to-head to cook a beef dish that celebrates a true taste of their cuisine in just 45 minutes. At the end of each round, two teams will be eliminated and two teams will go to the Grand Final
Results
Team Matt's Scores Manu's Scores Gary's Scores Total
(out of 30) 		Result
Dish Dish Dish
Cameroon vs China
Cameroon Kelly & Ashley 7 8 8 23 Through to Semi-finals
Dish Soya Beef with Plantain
China Mandy & Chrys 8 7 7 22 Eliminated
Dish BBQ Beef Chuan Chuan
Italy vs France
Italy Teresa & Michelle 9 8 9 26 Through to Semi-finals
Dish Bistecca with Roast Potatoes
France Austine & Leo 8 9 8 25 Eliminated
Dish Steak Tartare

Finals

[edit]

Semi-finals

[edit]
  • Episode 9
  • Airdate — 22 September
  • Description - The four remaining teams face off in the semi-final over two rounds. The first round all teams will be tasked to create an classic dish using the flavours of their nation. The team with the best dish will be fast tracked to the Grand Final while the team with the worst dish is eliminated. In the second round, the remaining two teams must each create a dessert, the team with the best dish will go through to the Grand Final also the team with the worst dish is eliminated.
Challenge Summary
Team Dish Result
Round 1: Classic Dish
Vietnam Thanh & Duncan Combination Broken Rice Through to Grand Final
Greece Dezi & Penny Yemista (Stuffed Vegetables) Sent to Round 2
Italy Teresa & Michele Pappardelle with Lamb Shank Ragu
Cameroon Kelly & Ashley Ndole with Goat and Prawn (Cameroonian Stew) Eliminated
Round 2: Dessert
Greece Dezi & Penny Ekmek (Shredded Filo with Custard Cream) Through to Grand Final
Italy Teresa & Michele Tiramisu Eliminated

Grand Final

[edit]
  • Episode 10
  • Airdate — 22 September
  • Description - After two teams are eliminated in the semi-final, the succeeding two teams must cook an epic three courses – entrée, main and dessert – each to be judged and scored with the highest scoring team crowned the Plate of Origin champions and receive $100,000.
Results
Grand Final
Team Matt's Scores Manu's Scores Gary's Scores Total
(out of 90) 		Result
Entrée Main Dessert Entrée Main Dessert Entrée Main Dessert
Greece Dezi & Penny 10 8 8 9 8 8 9 8 8 76 Winners
Dishes
Entrée BBQ Prawns with Yiayia's Pita Bread
Main Lamb with Lemon Potatoes and Greek Salad
Dessert Galaktoboureko with Mastic Ice Cream
Vietnam Thanh & Duncan 8 10 6 8 10 6 8 10 6 72 Runners-up
Dishes
Entrée Morton Bay Bug Rice Paper Rolls
Main Pork Belly with Bitter Melon
Dessert Vietnamese Coffee Tart

Ratings

[edit]
No. Title Air date Timeslot Overnight ratings Consolidated ratings Total
viewers 		Ref(s)
Viewers Rank Viewers Rank
1 Head-to-Head:
Australia vs China 		30 August 2020 Sunday 7:00pm 667,000 7 29,000 8 696,000 [14][15]
2 Head-to-Head:
Greece vs France 		31 August 2020 Monday 7:30pm 510,000 17 33,000 15 543,000 [16][17]
3 Head-to-Head:
Vietnam vs Cameroon 		1 September 2020 Tuesday 7:30pm 419,000 18 27,000 18 446,000 [18][19]
4 Head-to-Head:
India vs Lebanon 		6 September 2020 Sunday 7:00pm 459,000 9 40,000 9 499,000 [20][21]
5 Head-to-Head:
Italy vs Venezuela 		7 September 2020 Monday 7:30pm 393,000 19 51,000 19 444,000 [22][23]
6 Elimination Challenge 8 September 2020 Tuesday 7:30pm 382,000 17 45,000 17 427,000 [24][25]
7 Quarter-finals: Round 1 14 September 2020 Monday 7:30pm 342,000 N/a 41,000 20 383,000 [26][27]
8 Quarter-finals: Round 2 15 September 2020 Tuesday 7:30pm 410,000 16 31,000 16 441,000 [28][29]
9
10 		Semi-final
Grand Final 		22 September 2020 Tuesday 7:30pm
Tuesday 9:00pm 		349,000
335,000		 16
19		 47,000
41,000		 17
18		 396,000
376,000 		[30][31]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Plate of Origin

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Plate of Origin is an Australian cooking competition series that premiered on the Seven Network on 30 August 2020, featuring ten teams of home cooks representing various national cuisines competing head-to-head to determine the world's superior food culture. The show was hosted by celebrity chef , with judging duties handled by former panelists and . The format of Plate of Origin centered on elimination-style challenges where teams drew inspiration from their heritage, preparing dishes that showcased authentic flavors from countries including , , , and , with the ultimate prize of $100,000 awarded to the winning duo. In the on 22 2020, cousins Dezi Madafferi and Penny Kerasiotis from Team emerged victorious, earning a judges' score of 76 out of 90 for their final menu. Airing for a single ten-episode season, the series emphasized through food, drawing Australian participants of diverse backgrounds to celebrate global culinary traditions, though it received mixed reviews for its pacing and production style. Despite plans for additional seasons, Plate of Origin concluded after its debut run, marking a brief but notable reunion for Feildel, Mehigan, and Preston on Australian screens.

Overview

Premise and format

Plate of Origin is an Australian competitive cooking in which pairs of contestants, all based in , represent the cuisines of ten different countries: , , , , , , , , , and . The premise centers on these teams competing to demonstrate the superiority of their represented national cuisine through heritage-inspired dishes, drawing on family recipes to showcase cultural authenticity in a high-stakes culinary battle described as the " of cooking." The overall format involves ten teams paired for head-to-head battles in each episode, where they prepare multi-course meals in a state-of-the-art arena. The winning team from each matchup advances toward the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and , while the losing team competes in an elimination challenge against previous losers to stay in the competition. In later stages, including the semi-finals and , teams cook three-course meals evaluated by three judges on criteria such as , , texture, , and fidelity to cultural traditions. Judging employs a numerical scoring system where each of the three judges awards up to 10 points per course, resulting in a maximum total of 60 for two-course battles in early rounds or 90 for three-course meals in advanced stages; the team with the higher cumulative score wins, establishing which cuisine advances. The winning team in the grand final receives a of $100,000. The series consists of 10 episodes broadcast over four weeks from August 30 to September 22, 2020, on the Seven Network, with each episode running approximately 90 minutes except for the three-hour grand finale.

Hosts and judges

, a French-born who trained as an apprentice in his father's restaurant in before honing his skills in at establishments like The Café Royal and Livebait, serves as the host of Plate of Origin. In this role, he introduces the head-to-head battles and elimination challenges, announces the outcomes, and occasionally participates in judging alongside his co-panellists. Feildel gained prominence in Australian television as a judge on the Seven Network's starting in 2010, bringing his expertise in French and international cuisines to the screen. Gary Mehigan, an English-Australian chef classically trained at London's The Connaught Hotel under Michel Bourdin, acts as a judge on Plate of Origin, evaluating dishes for their deliciousness, technical execution, and authentic representation of cultural heritage. Having moved to Australia in 1991 and later owned acclaimed restaurants like Fenix in Melbourne, Mehigan emphasizes flavor balance, cooking techniques, and the emotional connection to a dish's origins in his assessments. He previously judged on Network 10's MasterChef Australia from 2009 to 2019, where he formed a longstanding on-screen partnership with Matt Preston. Matt Preston, a renowned and who has written columns for publications like delicious magazine and served as national chief for the and Catering Awards for Excellence, rounds out the judging panel on Plate of Origin. As a non-chef , he focuses on overall enjoyment, skillful technique, and how well dishes embody the contestants' cultural backgrounds, prioritizing substance over elaborate presentation. Preston co-judged for 11 seasons alongside Mehigan, establishing their dynamic as a key element of the show's appeal before transitioning to projects. The trio of Feildel, Mehigan, and Preston provided consistent judging throughout the series, with no guest judges featured, drawing on their combined experience to assess flavor profiles, culinary techniques, and heritage authenticity in a format celebrating global cuisines.

Production

Development and casting

Plate of Origin was developed by the Seven Network as an original cooking competition series set to launch in 2020, featuring teams representing diverse international cuisines through family recipes and cultural heritage dishes. The concept was first announced at Seven's 2020 Upfronts event on October 23, 2019, positioning the show as a post-Olympics flagship program hosted by Manu Feildel alongside former MasterChef Australia judges Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan. Production was handled internally by Seven Studios, with an initial plan for a multi-week format emphasizing head-to-head culinary battles among 10 national teams. Casting began with an open nationwide call in early 2020, targeting Australian residents with personal or familial ties to one of 10 selected countries, including , , , , , , , , , and . Applicants were required to form teams of two—such as friends, family members, or couples—who could demonstrate authentic knowledge of their represented through home-cooked dishes and cultural stories during auditions. The process prioritized passion for heritage cooking over professional experience, culminating in the selection of 10 teams by mid-2020 to reflect Australia's multicultural fabric. The format was designed to highlight global food diversity using local talent, a decision influenced by COVID-19 restrictions that curtailed international travel and large-scale productions, allowing the show to proceed with modified safety protocols like reduced episode counts to 10. Hosts and judges signed three-season contracts ahead of production, but the series was ultimately axed after its single season due to consistently low viewership, with the premiere attracting 667,000 metro viewers and the finale dropping to 335,000. Seven confirmed no renewal at its 2021 Upfronts, citing a strategic shift toward established external formats.

Filming and broadcast

Filming for Plate of Origin took place from March to May 2020, primarily at a luxurious mansion in Dural, approximately 36 kilometers northwest of 's , serving as the main studio kitchen set with some outdoor elements incorporated. amid strict protocols that included self-imposed isolation for key personnel such as judges and , who shared accommodation in to minimize risks. These measures aligned with broader Australian screen industry guidelines, which curtailed off-site locations and international guest appearances due to restrictions. was expedited to meet the premiere deadline, reflecting the accelerated timeline necessitated by pandemic disruptions. The series premiered on the Seven Network on , 30 August 2020, at 7:30 PM AEST, and concluded with a three-hour on Tuesday, 22 September 2020. It comprised 10 episodes, airing primarily Monday through Wednesday at 7:30 PM AEST, with initial episodes including a slot to launch the season. Most episodes ran for approximately 90 minutes, except for the extended finale combining the last two installments. Episodes were also available for streaming on the network's platform shortly after broadcast. The show had limited international availability, remaining exclusive to Australian audiences without major overseas distribution.

Contestants

Participating teams

The ten teams in Plate of Origin represented Australia, Cameroon, China, France, Greece, India, Italy, Lebanon, Venezuela, and Vietnam, with all contestants being Australian residents chosen for their strong ties to authentic family recipes and cultural traditions from their heritages.
CountryTeam MembersAgesRelationshipLocationBackground
AustraliaEthan Scott & Stewart "Stew" Gillies28 & 28Friends since high schoolSydney, New South WalesThe duo bonded over a shared passion for modern Australian cuisine, emphasizing its diverse influences and adaptability; they met in Year 10 maths class and have cooked together for years.
CameroonKelly Vola & Ashley Vola26 & 28SistersMelbourne, VictoriaHaving moved to Australia in 2005, the sisters learned traditional Cameroonian dishes from their mother, focusing on bold, spicy African flavors central to their family gatherings.
ChinaMandy Chai & Chrys Hong28 & 30FriendsSydney, New South WalesBest friends who met at a dinner party, they have cooked Chinese dishes since their teens, aiming to highlight the diversity of authentic regional flavors beyond common perceptions. Chrys Hong died on December 17, 2020.
FranceAustine Dall & Leo Garnier28 & 32Entrepreneurs and friendsSydney, New South WalesThe pair, who bonded through their love of food, sought to showcase elegant and technique-driven French cuisine, drawing from classical traditions to create elaborate, happiness-inducing meals.
GreeceDezi Madafferi & Penny Kerasiotis41 & 33CousinsMelbourne, VictoriaGreek cuisine has been a cornerstone of their family life, with Dezi's fishmonger father influencing early cooking experiences; they emphasize hearty, heartfelt Mediterranean dishes prepared with love.
IndiaAsh Gulati & Simran Gulati41 & 39Husband and wifeSydney, New South WalesThe couple, who met while visiting families in New Delhi, bring expertise in spice-heavy Indian cooking—drawing from India's 76 spices—with Ash as an IT specialist and Simran as an actor and model; they are parents to two young children.
ItalyTeresa Minichiello & Michelle Minichiello60 & 35Mother and daughterSydney, New South WalesRaised on a farm where they grew and prepared ingredients from scratch, the team upholds Italian traditions of family-focused cooking; Teresa is the mother of NRL stars Anthony and Mark Minichiello.
LebanonJamal Gerges & Rachida Qutami48 & 30Mother and daughterSydney, New South WalesIncredibly close like best friends, they run a catering business and embody Lebanese hospitality by ensuring no one leaves hungry; their daily interactions include sharing traditional recipes.
VenezuelaKiki Carrillo & Aly Utrera37 & 38FriendsAustralia (residents)A PR specialist from Colombia and a journalist from Venezuela, they began cooking after moving to Australia due to homesickness and the scarcity of authentic Venezuelan eateries, focusing on vibrant, comforting dishes.
VietnamThanh Truong & Duncan Lu32 & 29FriendsMelbourne, VictoriaThe friends aim to demonstrate the breadth of Vietnamese cuisine using fresh ingredients, going beyond staples like pho and spring rolls to reflect intricate cultural flavors.

Elimination table

The elimination table below provides an overview of each team's progress across the key stages of the competition, including head-to-head battles, the elimination challenge (which featured a multi-round format resulting in two eliminations), quarter-finals (fast-and-furious head-to-head matchups), semi-finals (a collective of classic dishes with the bottom two eliminated), and the grand final.
TeamHead-to-HeadElimination ChallengeQuarter-FinalsSemi-FinalsGrand Final
Win (vs. France)SafeWin (vs. India)AdvancedWinner
Loss (vs. Cameroon)AdvancedWin (vs. Lebanon)AdvancedRunner-up
Win (vs. Vietnam)SafeWin (vs. China)Eliminated
Win (vs. Venezuela)SafeWin (vs. France)Eliminated
Win (vs. India)SafeEliminated (vs. Vietnam)
Loss (vs. Lebanon)AdvancedEliminated (vs. Greece)
Win (vs. Australia)SafeEliminated (vs. Cameroon)
Loss (vs. Greece)AdvancedEliminated (vs. Italy)
Loss (vs. China)Eliminated
Loss (vs. Italy)Eliminated

Competition

Head-to-head battles

The head-to-head battles formed the initial phase of Plate of Origin, where pairs of teams representing different national cuisines competed directly against each other to showcase their heritage through cooking. Each matchup required teams to prepare and serve a two-course consisting of a main dish and a , drawing on traditional family recipes to highlight the authenticity and flavors of their respective countries. These challenges took place in a high-pressure environment known as The Arena, with strict time constraints including 90 minutes for overall preparation, for the main course, and 45 minutes for the plating and serving. Winners of each battle advanced straight to the quarter-finals, while losers proceeded to the elimination challenge for a chance at redemption. The five battles aired across episodes 1 through 5 of the series. In the first matchup, Team faced Team China, with both teams emphasizing bold, innovative interpretations of their national staples under the intense scrutiny of the clock. Team China emerged victorious, securing their spot in the quarter-finals with a narrow edge over Team , who were sent to elimination. The second battle pitted Team against Team , where competitors infused their courses with Mediterranean and Gallic influences, respectively, navigating unexpected kitchen mishaps to deliver their meals. Team claimed the win, advancing while Team headed to the elimination round. The third head-to-head featured Team versus Team , focusing on vibrant, spice-driven dishes that represented African and Southeast Asian culinary traditions in a tense side-by-side . Team triumphed, moving forward to the quarter-finals as Team faced elimination. In the fourth matchup, Team competed against Team , with both duos highlighting aromatic, heritage-rooted flavors in their mains and desserts amid escalating pressure. Team secured the victory with a standout performance, advancing and leaving Team to compete in the elimination challenge. The final head-to-head battle saw Team take on Team , where pasta-based mains and creative desserts underscored European and Latin American culinary identities in a bid to avoid joining the losers' bracket. Team prevailed, earning direct entry to the quarter-finals while Team proceeded to elimination. These battles set the stage for the competition's progression, underscoring the cultural pride and technical skill required to represent one's nation on a global culinary stage.

Elimination challenge

The Elimination challenge provided a redemption opportunity for the five teams that lost their head-to-head battles, allowing them to compete for advancement to the quarter-finals. Aired as episode 6 on 8 September 2020, the challenge featured two rounds emphasizing the fusion of national heritage with Australian culinary elements, judged by , , and host on criteria including flavor, texture, innovation, and execution. Scores were awarded out of 60, with higher marks reflecting successful creativity and technical skill in adapting dishes. In Round 1, the participating teams—, , , , and —were required to transform their national flavors into an Australian-style within a set time limit. Team created a Beef Pho , earning praise for its unbeatable balance of heritage and classic structure, while Team ’s was lauded as a textbook example of innovative fusion. Team 's Chicken Polvorosa , however, was criticized for a dry filling and undercooked , leading to their immediate elimination. The bottom two performers from this round, Teams (Beer & ) and (Chicken & Champignon ), advanced to Round 2, while Teams and were deemed safe. Round 2 pitted the bottom two teams against each other in a high-pressure , testing their ability to execute precise work and refined flavors under scrutiny. Team produced a Lemon with smooth and well-handled , securing their advancement, whereas Team Australia's Cherry Ripe suffered from shrunk and overcooked , resulting in their elimination. This double elimination left Teams , , and to join the head-to-head winners in the quarter-finals. The challenge highlighted emotional intensity, with commending Team Australia's display of "Aussie spirit" and mateship despite their struggles.

Quarter-finals

The quarter-finals of Plate of Origin featured the eight teams that advanced from the earlier head-to-head battles and elimination challenge, structured as a fast-paced format across two episodes to determine the top four contenders. In the first round, aired on September 14, 2020, four teams were paired into two head-to-head battles, each required to prepare a heritage-inspired dish within a strict 45-minute time limit to evoke authenticity under pressure. Team , consisting of Thanh Nguyen and Duncan Pyle, faced Team (Jamal and Rachida Ward), preparing lemongrass vermicelli wraps inspired by street fare, which earned praise for its juicy, chargrilled flavors and vibrant presentation, scoring 26 out of 30 from judges , , and . In the parallel battle, Team (Dezi Madafferi and Penny Kerasiotis) competed against Team (Ash and Simran Bhumbra), delivering souvlaki that judges hailed as the best ever tasted, with perfect execution in seasoning and char, securing a flawless 30 out of 30. Team India's biryani, while commended for its spice complexity, scored 24 out of 30, and Team Lebanon's shawarma with was critiqued for dry chicken and lacking authenticity, resulting in a low 19 out of 30. Consequently, Teams and were eliminated, with emotional reactions underscoring the cultural pride at stake, while Teams and advanced. The second round, broadcast on September 15, 2020, shifted to beef-themed challenges for the remaining four teams, again in 45-minute head-to-heads emphasizing elevated elements from their heritages. Team (Mandy Chai and Chrys Hong) battled Team Cameroon (Ashley and Kelly Vola), presenting spicy beef skewers with pickled cabbage that were flavorful but undermined by underwhelming accompaniments. Team Cameroon's spiced beef with plantain and onion sauce, despite kitchen chaos, impressed with its bold, appetizing profile and won by a razor-thin margin of one point, highlighting judges' appreciation for experiential depth over perfection. In the other matchup, Team (Austine and Leo Ng) served beef tartare with chips, drawing ridicule for using seasoning sauce, which clashed with expectations of French culinary purity. Team (Teresa and Michelle Minichiello) countered with paired with duck fat potatoes, favored for its robust simplicity and superior execution. This led to the elimination of Teams and , amid tensions from close scoring and debates over cultural authenticity in judging, such as the of French techniques. The cumulative scores from these rounds propelled Teams , , , and into the finals, setting the stage for further competition while establishing placings based on performance margins. The format's intensity amplified cultural clashes, with judges occasionally prioritizing bold heritage representation over technical flaws, contributing to dramatic close calls that heightened viewer engagement.

Finals

The finals of Plate of Origin commenced with the semi-finals, featuring the top four teams—representing , , , and —competing to determine the grand final participants. Aired on 22 September 2020 as part of a three-hour special, the semi-finals required each team to present a classic dish representing their cuisine. Teams and were eliminated based on their performances, with and advancing to the grand final. The grand final, also part of the three-hour special on 22 September 2020, brought Team (Dezi Madafferi and Penny Kerasiotis) and Team (Thanh Nguyen and Duncan Pyle) together for an epic multi-round emphasizing signature dishes from their cuisines. The competition unfolded over three courses: an of Greek barbecued prawns with yiayia’s pita bread versus Vietnamese Morton Bay bug rice paper rolls ( 28/30, 24/30); a main featuring Greek slow-cooked lamb with lemon potatoes and against Vietnamese caramelized pork belly with bitter melon soup ( 24/30, 30/30); and a dessert showdown of Greek galaktoboureko with mastic versus Vietnamese coffee tart ( 24/30, 18/30). Judges , , and scored each course out of 30 points, with no audience votes or bonus elements influencing the outcome. Team clinched the victory with a cumulative score of 76 out of 90, compared to 's 72. Following the announcement, hosts presented the $100,000 prize to Dezi and Penny of Team Greece, crowning them the champions of Plate of Origin and affirming Greek cuisine's triumph in the competition.

Results and reception

Winner and prize

In the grand final of Plate of Origin, cousins Dezi Madafferi and Penny Kerasiotis of Team Greece emerged as champions, defeating Team Vietnam in a three-course menu showdown that highlighted the authenticity and flavors of Greek cuisine. Their menu featured an entree of grilled prawns that earned an early lead for its fresh, Mediterranean simplicity; a main course that, while not perfect, showcased traditional techniques; and a standout dessert of galaktoboureko, a creamy semolina custard wrapped in phyllo pastry, which secured victory with high praise for its nostalgic authenticity and balance of sweetness. The judges awarded Team Greece a total score of 76 out of 90, emphasizing the dishes' representation of Greek-Australian culinary heritage. As winners, Dezi and claimed the top prize of $100,000 in cash, with no additional sponsorships or professional opportunities announced as part of the reward. Team , consisting of Duncan and Thanh Truong, delivered a strong performance, particularly with their perfect-scoring main of with bitter melon soup, but ultimately finished as runners-up, graciously acknowledging Team Greece's win in a display of . The victory held significant cultural impact, proudly representing the Greek-Australian community and sparking widespread pride. Following their win, Dezi and Penny leveraged the exposure for media appearances, including interviews with The Greek Herald in 2021, and expanded their businesses—Dezi launching a seasoning line like "Gyro Gyro " sold in stores and online, while Penny grew Miss Penny Cakes with Greek-inspired products such as syrup cakes and kourabiethes.

Ratings and legacy

The premiere episode of Plate of Origin drew 667,000 viewers across Australia's five major cities, providing an initial boost for the Seven Network amid high expectations for the format. However, ratings quickly declined, with episodes averaging around 500,000 viewers and the finale attracting fewer than 380,000, rendering the series a notable disappointment for the network in a competitive landscape. In October 2020, Seven officially axed Plate of Origin, confirming no plans for a second season due to persistently low engagement and challenges in standing out against rivals like . As of 2025, the show has not returned to production. Reception to the series was mixed, with praise for its emphasis on cultural diversity and heritage-inspired dishes but criticism for slow pacing and a judging style reminiscent of My Kitchen Rules. Its legacy remains modest as a short-lived experiment in national food rivalries, influencing limited trends toward multicultural cooking representations on Australian TV, while full episodes continue to be available for streaming on 7plus.

References

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