Chef Haim Cohen Opens Restaurants and Supports Job Seekers Amid MasterChef Return

Chef Haim Cohen, a longtime Israeli television personality, admitted in a recent interview that he still finds it difficult and embarrassing to watch himself on screen. Speaking with Nasli Berda, Cohen reflected on his role in the new season of "MasterChef: Dream Team," where he appears as a guest chef mentor rather than a judge. He revealed that this season is the first time he has watched nearly the entire show, finding it both challenging and sometimes frustrating to see his past judging performances.

Cohen praised the contestants’ progress, highlighting individuals like Jackie, who transformed from a shy participant to a confident competitor, and another contestant named Haim Cohen (not himself), who impressed him with his growth. He noted that the overall cooking level has significantly improved due to contestants’ accumulated experience.

Regarding the atmosphere among the judges, Cohen described a friendly and relaxed dynamic, likening their relationship to a divorced couple who remain good friends. He emphasized that while competition existed in their youth, today they maintain mutual respect and camaraderie.

Currently, Cohen is busy opening two new restaurants in Tel Aviv’s Dizengoff 99 area. Using his platform, he made an unexpected appeal to those seeking employment, especially former high-tech workers and "MasterChef" contestants, inviting them to join his team. He assured that the job requirements are low and encouraged anyone interested to reach out to him directly.

The new season of "MasterChef: Dream Team" airs on Channel 12, with new episodes following the evening news.