Ma Weigong Deputy Editor in Chief of CRI (L) and Liu Jiawen Deputy Editor in Chief of Xinhua Net (R) tell CRI's Lucy their thoughts about the quality of the sauces prepared by the contestants. [Photo/CRIENGLISH.com]

In respect to the show's format the winner was decided democratically - with Chopsticks and Beyond characteristics: each contestant stood at the front of the room in their chefs outfits as guests approached to place a sticker on the maker of their favourite sauce. All three girls received a lot of votes -- but the winner by a sleeve was Sopit from Thailand.

"I'm so surprised I won! And, have you tried it?" she asked as her Thai hospitality overcame the urge to answer my questions. "I'm so happy they all like my dish and also the other competitors." Unfortunately at the time of speaking she hadn't had a chance to try Ana and Elyse's sauces, "But I think they will be good because both of them are previous winners and they know how to cook well, so I hope I have a chance to try."

And there will be more winners next year as CRI is already planning the second series of Chopsticks and Beyond.

So after all the success, drama and amazing culinary creations over the past six months, it only remains for all of the CRI team to give an amazingly big thank you to all our sponsors that helped us to pick up the bill.