On March 28, 2025, the culinary competition show "Das perfekte Dinner" took a thrilling turn aboard the AIDAprima, docked in Dubai, as contestants faced unexpected challenges and memorable moments. The week culminated in a series of highs and lows, showcasing the talents and struggles of each participant.
Katharina, one of the contestants, was set to host the final dinner of the week. Known for her culinary skills, she aimed to impress her fellow competitors with a carefully curated menu. However, disaster struck early in the evening when her aubergine slices, a key component of her dish, were left in the oven too long, resulting in them being completely burnt. "Here smells like something's burning!" she exclaimed in a panic, as she rushed to salvage her meal. Unfortunately, the damage was done, and the aubergines were deemed inedible, leaving Katharina in a precarious position.
Despite the setback, Katharina managed to put together her menu, which featured a starter of Veggierolls meet Pinky Heaven, consisting of aubergine rolls filled with cream cheese and dates served on beetroot mousse. The main course included golden Mezzelune, chickpea pockets filled with caramelized fig-hummus and saffron sauce, accompanied by grilled shrimp. For dessert, she prepared Sholeh zard, a saffron rice pudding with almonds and rosewater, paired with pistachio ice cream. However, feedback from her guests was mixed, with some stating that the flavors were lacking, leading to a total score of 31 points and a second-place finish for Katharina.
Meanwhile, in Bremen, Zeynep faced her own culinary challenges during the final dinner of the week. Although she had been vegan for five years, she opted to prepare a non-vegan menu to ensure fairness among the competitors. Her menu, themed "Von funkelnden Rubinen und goldenen Momenten," included a starter of Hirtenkäse on wild salad with pomegranate seeds and walnuts, a main course of lamb rack in a pistachio-herb crust served with mashed potatoes and braised cherry tomatoes, and a creamy cheesecake with fruity pomegranate sauce for dessert.
However, one of her guests, Nico, was not impressed. Despite Zeynep's efforts, he awarded her 0 points, expressing his distaste for the lamb. "I had to restrain myself from getting up because I really felt unwell," he stated in an interview. In stark contrast, other guests enjoyed the meal, with Elena praising the cheese and Charlotte finding the salad to be delightful. Ultimately, Zeynep received a total of 25 points, falling short of her expectations.
Another standout contestant was Viktoria, an 18-year-old student from Ingolstadt, who participated in "Das perfekte Dinner" during her exam period. Despite the stress of her studies, she managed to impress her guests with her creativity and culinary skills. Her menu featured a colorful winter vegetable patty as a starter, a main course of beef with potatoes and peas, and a dessert of winter tart with cherry and spices. Viktoria's confidence shone through as she prepared personalized spatulas for her guests, showcasing her creative flair.
Viktoria received 7 points from each of her guests, totaling 28 points, which placed her behind Philipp, who won the round with 34 points. "I hope the exams go well despite the double burden. It’s impressive to manage both," commented a viewer, reflecting the admiration for Viktoria's determination.
Lastly, Hüssi, a 28-year-old contestant who has adhered to a vegetarian diet for 14 years, showcased his culinary talents with a menu inspired by his Turkish heritage. His dishes included manti with mushroom filling and labneh for the starter, imam bayildi (stuffed eggplant and fried Jerusalem artichoke) for the main course, and a sweet soup made from legumes for dessert. Hüssi's approach to the final dinner was to create a relaxed atmosphere, emphasizing the enjoyment of the evening over competition.
While some guests found the manti to be chewy, others appreciated the effort Hüssi put into his dishes. The main course received mixed reviews, with Hüssi admitting he had under-seasoned the rice. Nevertheless, he managed to win the week with a total score of 34 points, with Bissi and Katharina awarding him 10 points each, while Stephen gave him 6 points.
As the week of "Das perfekte Dinner" came to a close, it was clear that each contestant brought their unique flair and challenges to the table. From kitchen disasters to culinary triumphs, the evening was filled with laughter, tension, and a shared love for cooking. While the competition was fierce, the camaraderie among the contestants shone through, making it a memorable week aboard the AIDAprima.
With the final scores tallied and the contestants reflecting on their experiences, it's evident that "Das perfekte Dinner" continues to captivate audiences with its blend of culinary creativity and personal stories, proving that every dish has a story to tell.
