After four weeks of intense competition, the nine strongest and most talented chefs return to the MasterChef kitchen for the semi-final round. They are set the challenge of creating a dish based around their favourite food memory. They have one hour and 15 minutes to produce a knockout dish supported by a culinary story inspired by wonderful times. With emotions running high in the kitchen, at the end of the challenge only the four strongest chefs will go straight through to the next stage of the semi-final.The five weaker chefs must return to the kitchen for a cook-off, where they must pull out all the stops to save their place in the competition. Their last chance to impress the judges is an invention test using the leftovers and trimmings from the previous challenge. In one hour and 30 minutes, these chefs must demonstrate creativity, skill and quick thinking to deliver a delicious dish that elevates leftovers to new heights.The strongest four will join the four from the previous challenge and continue their pursuit of the 2021 trophy.