MasterChef viewers have mixed opinions after the show films in Melbourne’s suburbs

MasterChef divided viewers on Monday, after it was revealed the episode had been filmed in the Melbourne suburb of Ringwood East.

And fans had plenty to say about the decision to film the hit reality cooking show out in the suburbs, with some claiming its reputation preceded it. 

‘Masterchef tonight is set in the suburb next to mine tonight. I’m laughing at the [sic] trying to make Ringwood East seem fancy…’ wrote one person on Twitter.

Another viewer called it an ‘interesting choice’, while somebody else warned the show’s judges and contestants to be ‘careful’.

‘Ringwood East? Really? Did you have to double the security detail for this episode?’ tweeted another viewer.

Others thought there were Melbourne suburbs more deserving of hosting MasterChef.

‘#MasterChefAU really? You’ve got all these great culinary suburbs in Melbourne and you chose Ringwood East?’ Tweeted one fan.

But other viewers thought it was ‘great’ that MasterChef had ventured out of the city, making the 25-kilometre trek to Ringwood East from Melbourne’s CBD. 

‘Great to see #MasterChefAU coming to us from a local restaurant in the Ringwood East shopping strip,’ wrote one fan.

Added another: ‘I have never seen people so excited about being in Ringwood East.’   

After the contestants made their way through the leafy suburban streets, they then entered a local Thai restaurant, where judges Jock Zonfrillo, Melissa Leong and Andy Allen were waiting for them. 

‘Welcome to the ‘burbs,’ said Andy, 32, before telling the contestants that he grew up in the suburbs, and it’s where his ‘happiest food memories’ come from. 

MasterChef continues Tuesday at 7.30pm on Channel Ten