Who we are & our projects.
[ Bahari & Phlavour Meals ]
Philip Vakos was a contestant on Season Two, Australian MasterChef, in 2010, and also MasterChef Greece, 2026! Having grown up in Tasmania, with two Cretan Grandmothers, meant he was surrounded by food, Veggie gardens, and often in the kitchen learning avidly. Philip however, was an accountant by trade. With some cookery studies up his sleeve, & vast experience working in Restaurants & Kitchens growing up ~ food was always his real calling.
He moved to Melbourne after his first stint on show, to pursue a career in Restaurants & Hospitality. Philip along with his wife Heleena, founded, & have since run restaurant, Bahari | The Hellenic Palate, (12 Years), since, October 2013. A popular Greek staple on Swan Street, Richmond, the restaurant is always bustling, showcasing traditional favourites, with Philip’s unique twists always appearing on the specials.
Born & bred in Melbourne, with a strong Marketing, Events, & Business background, Heleena brings her creative, eye for style & design, whilst also her passion for brands & love of bringing new projects to life.
Most recently the duo launched Mediterranean Ready Meals company, ‘Phlavour’. This new venture has become very popular with busy families, professionals and the elderly community who enjoy wholesome, fresh, familiar meals with no preservatives - food they may not be able to cook for themselves anymore, which is delivered to their doorsteps.
Philip has made many TV appearances since his time on MasterChef Australia, notably ‘SBS Food’, with Adam Liaw, ‘Everyday Gourmet’, and ‘Farm to Fork’, on Channel 10, amongst others. Philip is also generous with his time, being part of many Greek community events across Australia, such as the Antipodes Festival in Melbourne, as well as cooking for Greek Schools, and Chef Demonstrations at Farmer’s Markets, and Greek Festivals around Australia.
MasterChef Greece, 2026!
The first episode of the 10th season of MasterChef Greece aired on Sunday 18, Jan on ‘Star Channel Greece’, with Philip progressing through the audition stage, receiving an apron - impressing all three Judges with his unique Lamb Dish, inspired by both Australian, and Greek flavours.
The first episode showed Philip’s down to earth, fun, and emotive character, and highlighted his passion and love for everything food. Philip spoke of his Grandparents traveling from Greece in the 1940’s to Australia, and noted the significance of him coming to Greece to cook, as a third generation Greek.
Since his first stint on MasterChef Season 2 in Australia, a lot has changed for Philip, who moved from Tasmania to Melbourne to pursue his food dreams.
‘This is really special, to come back on the show after 15 years, to cook, and show my culinary experience, in Greece . After almost 12 years of running our restaurant Bahari in Melbourne, I believe it’s good to challenge yourself, and get out of your comfort zone - in order to grow’ ~ Philip.
The 10th Season of MasterChef Greece, not only features Chefs from Greece, but Chefs of Greek background from around the world. With Philip representing Australian Greeks, contestants have traveled from Dubai, Egypt, Germany, Switzerland, and more ~ returning back to their ancestor’s Country of origin, to compete in the season. Philip did not have plans to do another stint on the show., but when approached to partake in this 10th Season of Greece MasterChef ~ it seemed like a special opportunity being filmed in Greece, and one he couldn’t pass up.
‘Sometimes life throws you an opportunity, and you either say no, or grab it with both hands. I’m really grateful to have firstly, the love & support of my wife, and also family - to be able to partake in this season, and be able to represent Australian Greeks’ ~ Philip
The Season is currently airing 4 nights a week in Greece, 21:00 local time, on Channel, ‘Star’
Follow the Journey online, Youtube, & via Instagram :
