The heat is officially on as Big Chef Season 4 kicks off, and fans are already buzzing about the dynamic mix of young culinary talents who made it through the competitive audition stage.

In an exclusive interview on Joy Prime, hosted by Michelle Agyekum, the two judges; Chef Kofi Agyekum and Chef Rita Oko opened up about the qualities that earned each contestant their spot in this season's lineup.

Bubune, one of the standout contestants, instantly impressed the judges with her passion, creativity, and flair, particularly through her handling of Tom Brown and the artful garnishing of her meals. “When I watched her cook, I saw the creativity and confidence shine through,” Chef Rita noted. Chef Kofi echoed this sentiment, commending her for confidently defending her dish when questioned. Interestingly, Bubune comes from a legacy of excellence—her brother was the reigning champion in last year’s season.

Elaine, another contestant who struggled initially, made a lasting impression despite setbacks. After her audition, she asked for another try due to her eyes getting burnt and difficulties with her filling. But Chef Kofi saw potential. “She still managed to serve her dish right, which told me that with the right opportunity, she’d do even better,” he explained.

Then there’s Hilda, the oldest contestant this season, who chose to break the mold by leaving out proteins and creating a unique dish using the other ingredients. Her organized plating and perfectly cooked vegetables caught Chef Rita’s attention. “She stood out because her vegetables were not overly soft, and her organization was top-notch,” she said.

Nicolle also made her mark with her knowledge of ingredients and solid knife techniques. “Her kitchen space was clean and her technique was impressive. She clearly knew what she was doing,” Chef Kofi remarked.

The judges highlighted Serwaa Bonsu as one of the youngest yet most unpredictable contestants. Though she appeared timid and slow, she managed to finish her meal before time—proving that you can’t always judge by appearances.

Jaden, a returnee from last season, warmed the judges' hearts with his unwavering passion for cooking. Even on the day he was evicted last year, he told Chef Kofi, “I will be back”—and he kept his word. His younger sister Rena joins him this season, adding a family twist to the competition.

Raziella came in with a bang, surprising everyone with her bold twist on traditional cooking, her outspoken confidence, and clear understanding of her ingredients. “She shocked us—in a good way,” said Chef Rita.

Marvin, though slow, made up for his pace with a perfect porridge texture and presentation that left a lasting impression. Monalisa played it cautiously, keeping a close eye on her surroundings, which helped her stay focused.

Rena is the younger sister of jaden, the returnee. We can’t wait for the drama that will unfold between them both. Rena is very confident when it comes to her meals and her questions. And we are here for how good they would portray their skills in cooking.

Monalisa was good in cooking and how best she presented her meals. She was being cautious about what was happening around her so she doesn’t make mistakes or waste time preparing her meals

Selinam (aka Sasha) from Sogakope is the only contestant from outside Accra. She chose to go a completely different route during auditions, slicing and plating her bread using Fortune Butter instead of sticking to the usual omelets and salads. This bold move worked in her favor.

Finally, Clifford, known for his "hard Tom Brown," impressed the judges with his determination and serious attitude throughout the auditions.

From confident returns to surprise performances, this season promises drama, talent, and lots of culinary surprises. With a strong lineup of contestants bringing diverse skills and stories, Big Chef Season 4 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions yet.