Steffen Henssler is stepping into the spotlight once again as he joins the jury of the popular cooking show "The Taste" for its upcoming 14th season. This exciting shift comes at a time when the renowned TV chef has faced significant challenges in his restaurant business, bringing both anticipation and skepticism from fans and viewers alike.
Henssler, recognized for his vibrant personality and culinary expertise, will be joining fellow judges Elif Oskan, Alexander Herrmann, and Tim Raue as they evaluate dishes prepared by contestants on the show. The highly anticipated new season is set to premiere in the fall of 2025 on Sat.1.
"I’m now a juror on 'The Taste' – I’m really looking forward to it," Henssler expressed, indicating his excitement about the new role and his eagerness to mentor aspiring chefs. However, this new venture follows a tumultuous year in which Henssler faced significant setbacks, including hygiene violations at one of his restaurants in Bremen and even a fire that necessitated a fire department response in Hamburg.
Compounding these troubles, his delivery services, locked into competition in major cities like Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin under the banner of "GO by Steffen Henssler," filed for bankruptcy in 2025. Despite these challenges, Henssler is determined to re-establish himself in the public eye and is bringing that competitive spirit to "The Taste."
In his transition from the heat of the kitchen to the judging table, fans are curious how Henssler will fare. His involvement has been met with mixed reactions, with some enthusiasts of the show eager to see what he brings to the table while others remain critical of his recent performance in gastronomy. One significant factor that adds interest to this season is the departure of prominent jury members Frank Rosin and Alexander Kumptner, leaving a gap that many hope Henssler can fill with his charisma and culinary knowledge.
The television format has become a staple of primetime viewing in Germany, having run for 13 successful seasons prior to Henssler’s recruitment. Viewer engagement is expected to be high as fans tune in weekly to see how the culinary duels unfold. For an added twist, Sat.1 has teased plans for a celebrity edition of the show in 2026, aiming to draw in even broader audiences with a mix of familiar faces and culinary challenges.
Henssler's transformation from competitor to juror presents a unique perspective. "Of course, we are competing to win at my 'The Taste' premiere!" he declared, showcasing his characteristic enthusiasm. The 52-year-old chef is using this opportunity not only to advance his career but also to focus on giving back to the culinary community by nurturing up-and-coming talent.
With Elif Oskan, a celebrated chef herself who appeared previously as a guest judge on the show, joining as a new jury member alongside the established timeliness of Herrmann and Raue, the lineup promises to maintain the show's high standards. Oskan's past experience as a juror on "MasterChef Switzerland" and her recognized culinary skills add to the credibility of the judging panel.
This new format will surely keep audiences engaged and guessing, especially with the potential of celebrity contestants in future editions. "The Taste" has cultivated a reputation not just for its competitive edge but also for the personal stories behind its contestants, showcasing the emotional investment of both the chefs and the judges.
In the wake of his previous ventures, Henssler's shift to television represents not just a personal second chance but also an exciting opportunity for viewers and contestants alike. Fans of the show can anticipate the upcoming season, where Henssler's bubbly energy and culinary expertise may just garner him the role he seeks as a guiding force in the cooking landscape.
Henssler's persistence and drive in the face of adversity are sure to resonate with audiences, setting the stage for an exciting competition. The show is not only about cooking but also serves as a platform for stories of resilience, and Henssler embodies this narrative as he takes on this new challenge in his career. As the anticipation builds, viewers are left to ponder: could this be the turning point in Henssler's career?
