A cooking competition is an event where chefs or home cooks showcase their culinary skills by preparing dishes within a set time limit. Participants often compete for prizes, recognition, or the title of the best cook. These competitions can take place in various formats, including televised shows, local contests, or culinary school challenges. Judges, who may include professional chefs or food critics, evaluate the dishes based on taste, presentation, and creativity. Popular cooking competitions include MasterChef, Top Chef, and Chopped, each featuring unique challenges and themes that test the contestants' abilities and innovation in the kitchen.