Masterchef experience was foodie heaven

Masterchef sisters Verena Doolabh and Tanisha Kemp (left) the Masterchef kitchen on Monday night. Photo/Supplied

Two bad days in the Bali kitchen for Masterchef sisters Tanisha Kemp and Verena Doolabh brought their journey to an end on Monday night.

The former Wanganui sisters had not been in the bottom before, but were philosophical about their experience on the television cooking competition.

"Even after the stress of it all, we'd do it all over again if we had to.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we won't forget," they said.

A high point was the praise from the judges for their dish of the day, rabbit cannelloni.

"It was wonderful, especially as neither of us had cooked rabbit before," they said.

However, they say, the biggest highlight was making it to the top four.

"Every challenge we survived was a bonus, and we remember setting ourselves goals along the way, every one a milestone; top 10, dish of the day, an overseas trip, and being in the top five."

Their favourite challenge was the eight-course degustation they prepared in teams.

"It was great working side by side with the other contestants rather than competing against them. The standard of food produced by everyone in that challenge was unbelievable."

The sisters said they felt under control cooking in the Masterchef kitchen, but struggled when they had to cook in foreign places where they not only had to contend with environmental stresses such as the intense heat, but also in an unfamiliar kitchen with basic equipment.

"On top of that, the judges started to really put the pressure on, which at times was hard to take considering we are only home cooks."

The sisters said they remember the first time they walked into the Masterchef kitchen.

"We were overwhelmed by all the equipment and the fact that it looked just like it does on TV.

"We loved cooking there, and especially not having to worry about the washing up."

The sisters travelled to Samoa and Bali and experienced the luxurious resorts of Eagles Nest and Kauri Cliffs in New Zealand.

Mrs Kemp is a business advisory accountant and now lives in Tauranga and Dr Doolabh, a locum in rural Australia, came home to New Zealand for the series.

The sisters said they built great friendships with the other contestants.

"For the three months of filming we had the unique experience of being completely immersed in food without having the burden of work and everyday life.

"It was such a luxury being with other foodies, and for the most part everyone got on really well. It did not feel competitive in the house, with other contestants sharing their combined extensive food knowledge in our down time."

The Masterchef sisters have stayed in touch since filming has ended, united by their "exclusive experience that only contestants can truly understand".

"We got to meet some very talented chefs. The judges of course, but also George Calombaris from Melbourne, one of our all-time favourite chefs.

"Verena has lived in Melbourne and we have dined at nearly all of his restaurants."