On Sunday, June 28, the 17th season of the popular culinary show 'MasterChef' concluded. The superfinal turned into a tense confrontation between two strong opponents — Alina Kuzmenko and Nikita Snovida. At stake was the title of the best chef in Ukraine and the opportunity to realize their gastronomic dream.
Battle of concepts: from traditions to the philosophy of the land
The final stage required the contestants not only to demonstrate technical skills but also the ability to think like chefs of the future. Each finalist had to create a full-fledged gastronomic concept that could serve as the foundation for their own restaurant. The judges evaluated not only taste and presentation but also the depth of the idea, ingredient balance, and the overall impression of the author's set.
Alina Kuzmenko bet on Ukrainian hospitality, choosing bread as the main symbol of her project. For her, it embodies home, warmth, and family traditions. In her menu, she offered a modern interpretation of familiar products: for the appetizer — stuffed pike with beet jelly, the main course was baked meat in dough with potatoes, and for dessert — cakes with custard and regional berries.
The philosophy of the land and the victory of young talent
Nikita Snovida presented the concept of a restaurant called 'Pід шкірою української землі' (Under the Skin of Ukrainian Land). His idea was to explore Ukrainian roots and the power of the land that unites the people. For the appetizer, he served tarant with sheep cheese and kvass sauce under the poetic name 'Memory of First Love'. The main course — lamb rack with potatoes and mushroom 'earth' — was named 'Memory of Ancestors'. The set concluded with a dessert of pistachio latak from white chocolate, a tart persimmon sauce, and flowers of almond and rosemary.
After a thorough evaluation of all dishes, the judges announced the winner — it was 21-year-old Nikita Snovida. Hailing from Samara, he works at a youth center and actively experiments with flavors and presentation, viewing cooking as an art form. Passionate about creativity and sports since childhood, he has formed a unique approach to cooking: in the kitchen, he combines intuition, unconventional thinking, creativity, and precision.
Consequences of victory: termination of cooperation with a well-known brand
Nikita Snovida's victory caused a wide resonance, however, it was not without unexpected twists. A well-known brand, which previously collaborated with one of the stars of 'MasterChef', decided to terminate the partnership. The reasons for this step remain unclear, but the event has already become a subject of discussion in the media space.
The superfinal of the 17th season of 'MasterChef' showed that modern Ukrainian cuisine is not just about taste, but also a deep understanding of culture, history, and emotions. Nikita Snovida proved that even at 21, one can create a concept worthy of the attention of professionals and viewers.