‘It’s like eating ice cream on the toilet’: MasterChef fans go crazy over the bizarre inclusion of exotic fruit durian in the mystery box challenge
MasterChef is usually full of high-pressure thrills and spills at the kitchen bench.
But on Wednesday night’s episode, it was the unexpected inclusion of the smelly durian fruit which had contestants rattled.
In the show’s first lottery-style mystery box challenge, the stinky fruit landed in contestant Poh Ling Yeow’s pantry.
‘It’s like eating ice cream on the toilet’: MasterChef fans have gone crazy over the bizarre inclusion of the exotic durian fruit in the mystery box challenge on Wednesday’s episode
‘A durian is a South-East Asian fruit that is actually banned from public transport and hotels because of its very, very odorous nature,’ Poh said, explaining the fruit.
She continued: ‘It smells a little bit like garbage, I just have a question to ask. Do you (Jock) and Andy like durian?’
The popular chef opted to not use Durian, instead choosing to make her lemon meringue cake for the judges.
‘I am a bit worried that I’m not pushing myself to use a durian. I kind of feel like it’s my… it’s from my culture,’ Poh said.
Smelly! ‘A durian is a South-East Asian fruit that is actually banned from public transport and hotels because of its very, very odorous nature,’ Poh said, explaining the fruit
Poh explained she felt ‘stressed’ as she loves to be ‘controversial’, but opted to choose a ‘comfort’ food due to the coronavirus pandemic.
‘I think right now comfort is not such a bad thing,’ she said.
Later, Poh explained to judge Melissa Leong that she chose not to use durian as she was concerned that judges Jock and Andy would not understand it.
Judge! Later, Poh explained to judge Melissa Leong that she chose not to use durian as she was concerned that judges Jock Zonfrillo and Andy Allen would understand it
‘I just don’t feel like it’s the right time to… take a risk right now,’ she said.
‘Um… and I just think… without being racist, I just don’t know if Jock and Andy will get it,’ she added.
Durian has been compared to sewage, stale vomit and skunk spray. Interestingly, it is not allowed on the Singapore mass transit system.
A number of fans were also less-than-impressed by the inclusion of the exotic fruit, questioning its value in the competition.
Hmmm! Fans had a mixed response to the inclusion of the South East Asian fruit
Comfort food: Popular chef Poh (pictured) opted to not use Durian, instead, choosing to make her lemon meringue cake for the judges
‘Despite growing up in Malaysia I’m still trying to not dry retch at the sight (let alone) smell of durian,’ one fan wrote.
Another added: ‘Durian hurts my nose, and my mouth. I’ve tasted it several times, I’ve tried to like it, but it’s like eating an ice cream in a toilet.’
Yet another wrote: ‘Wondering who the hell was the first person who smelled a durian and went ‘yum, garbage stench…I simply must eat it!’
The tweet finished: ‘Actually I am going to call him Keith, a Keith would like durian. You’re gross Keith!!!’
MasterChef: Back To Win continues Thursday at 7.30pm on Channel Ten
Challenge: MasterChef: Back To Win continues Thursday at 7.30pm on Channel Ten