As the old saying goes, if you can't stand the heat, get out of the food truck. With the latest series of Battle of the Food Trucks well underway, the chefs are starting to feel the heat as they slowly move one step closer to victory in the competition.
In episode two, we saw the chefs being tasked with producing their finest sweet treat efforts for the judges. Among the offerings, the trucks served up a smoked treacle tart, a savoury kinilaw with sweet accompaniments, some traditional Mexican churros and a chocolate mousse with a raspberry consomme. But unfortunately, as is the nature of the competition, someone had to go home. Sadly, it was Caomhán from The Salt Project and his ambitious effort of a rye, rhubarb and custard waffle that failed to impress the judges. He packed up his food truck and drove off, rightfully proud of his achievements to date and feeling excited about the future.
In episode three, the chefs are back in their trucks, cookers primed and ready to fight for their place in the competition. But in a surprise twist, a mystery guest will arrive to deliver the latest challenge - and (spoiler), it’s none other than last year’s winner of Battle of the Food Trucks, Kwanghi Chan.
Bringing with him a deceptively tricky task, Kwanghi wants the chefs to replicate his signature chicken pot sticker dumplings that featured in the competition last year. Since it’s a recipe that’s been passed down through generations of his family, Kwanghi is looking for excellence and perfect replication from the contestants, who must recreate the dish using their skill and taste alone.
In terms of hints, Kwanghi’s staying tight-lipped. "Mind the pleating" are his final cautionary words to the chefs. They’ll get a single dumpling (with accompanying sauce) to taste, and the rest is up to them. It’s a real test of skill as the chefs have to rely on their palates and flavour knowledge to get as close as possible to the original taste and appearance.
With the added pressure of unlabeled ingredients included in the chefs’ pantries, some of which aren’t even used in the recipe, and a tight turnaround time, the chefs are set to feel some intense pressure. After a mandatory refresher taste test of Kwanghi’s iconic dumplings, the judges aren’t going to have much leeway for the chefs when it comes to nailing the recipe through intuition alone. It’s set to be a battle for the ages as the four remaining food truck chefs go head-to-head with their interpretations of chicken pot sticker dumplings.
Just four food truck connoisseurs remain, but one must go. Will it be Filipino-inspired cooking force of nature Richie, Mexican food master Scott, BBQ boss Nathan or Indian flavour expert Chris’ truck that will be stopped from pulling into the next round? You’ll have to tune in to find out.
7UP Free are proud partners of the Battle of the Food Trucks, inspiring the country with many delicious dishes from incredibly talented chefs - exclusively on RTÉ Player. The ingredients to many a great moment are simply good friends and good food; made all the tastier with a 7UP Free.
Join James Patrice and Justine Stafford as things heat up in the battle to crown Ireland’s best food truck. Watch it here now on RTÉ Player.
