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BBC MasterChef 2020: Filmed in Mauritius with Identical Media

The UK’s biggest cooking competition BBC MasterChef brought its finalists to Mauritius in 2020 for a once-in-a-lifetime culinary challenge. Service produced by Identical Media, the special episode highlighted the island’s unique gastronomy and cultural diversity.

About the Show

Over eight thrilling weeks, judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace search for the UK’s best amateur cook. For the 2020 season, the finalists’ first major international challenge took them to the island of Mauritius.

The episode premiered on BBC One on April 15, 2020 at 21:00.

The Mauritius Challenge

Mauritius, often described as a gastronomic melting pot, fuses African, European, Chinese, and Indian cuisines into a style that is truly unique. For the challenge, the MasterChef finalists had to:

  • Recreate high-end Mauritian fine dining dishes
  • Master traditional street food under the guidance of leading Mauritian chefs
  • Cook with unfamiliar local ingredients and techniques, all under pressure

This cultural and culinary exchange pushed contestants out of their comfort zones while showcasing Mauritius as a vibrant food destination.

Identical Media’ Role

Identical Media provided production services for the Mauritius shoot, handling:

  • Local permits, logistics, and coordination
  • Crew and support services for the BBC team
  • Access to top Mauritian chefs and culinary venues
  • Scouting locations that reflected both fine dining and authentic street food culture

The production reinforced Mauritius’ growing reputation not only as a filming hub but also as a world-class culinary destination.

Conclusion

By bringing BBC MasterChef to Mauritius, Shine TV and the BBC showcased the island’s rich gastronomic heritage to a global audience. Identical Media is proud to have contributed as the local service producer, once again proving Mauritius is an ideal destination for international TV formats and branded entertainment.

Interested in filming in Mauritius? Learn more about our Production Services, Post-Production Services, and the benefits of the Mauritius Film Rebate Scheme.