Nigerian cooking competition show, Delicious or Disaster, is set to return for its third season on September 25. The 10-episode season, hosted and produced by Tolani Tayo-Osikoya, popularly known as Chef T, will feature 40 contestants competing for a total prize pool of N10 million. Contestants will compete for N1 million in each episode, with new episodes airing every Friday at 6pm.
The third season was unveiled at a press conference attended by stakeholders in Nigeria’s culinary and creative industries, including the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ruth Abisola Olusanya. Chef T disclosed that the organisers received more than 500 entries for the new season before selecting 40 contestants. The contestants will include mothers, fathers, young adults, professional chefs, and food enthusiasts.
Unlike conventional cooking competitions, Delicious or Disaster will produce a winner in each episode, with the successful contestant taking home N1 million. Chef T said the show had grown significantly from its modest beginnings, with the latest edition featuring a purpose-built studio, a new set, and support from multiple sponsors. The chef recounted the programme’s production journey, noting that the first season was filmed in a two-bedroom apartment and largely funded by her.
Chef T said that for season three, the organisers "went all out" by getting a studio space, building a set from scratch, and securing sponsors. She said the show would continue to spotlight Nigerian food culture, with local ingredients and dishes taking centre stage. Previous episodes had introduced audiences to ingredients such as ogiri, efo, and tamarind, while demonstrating how they could be used creatively in different meals.
The growth of locally produced cooking programmes could help expand Nigeria’s culinary industry while creating new opportunities for young people, according to Commissioner Olusanya. She said the food industry extended beyond farming and markets, stressing that the culinary sector played an important role in transforming agricultural produce into meals, experiences, and economic opportunities.
Commissioner Olusanya noted that the food industry involves a network of stakeholders, including researchers, farmers, aggregators, logistics providers, processors, and market distribution networks. She emphasized that the culinary sector was crucial in getting food from the market to consumers' kitchens, restaurants, and hotels. The commissioner expressed support for the show, citing its potential to promote Nigerian food culture and create economic opportunities.
With the latest edition attracting multiple sponsors, Chef T said the development reflected growing interest in Nigerian food entertainment and the programme. The show's growth and popularity demonstrate the increasing demand for local cooking programmes that showcase Nigerian cuisine and promote food culture. The third season of Delicious or Disaster is expected to be an exciting and engaging competition that celebrates Nigerian food and culinary talent.
Key points
- The third season of Delicious or Disaster features a N10 million prize pool and 40 contestants competing for N1 million in each episode.
- The show's host and producer, Chef T, said the programme had grown significantly from its modest beginnings, with a purpose-built studio and support from multiple sponsors.
- Commissioner Olusanya expressed support for the show, citing its potential to promote Nigerian food culture and create economic opportunities in the culinary industry.
