Contestant Sam Collins was "volunteered" to compete by her mother, who was there to watch her daughter on Saturday morning.
With a chef for a partner, Ms Collins said she was "probably more nervous than anybody" and she could definitely feel the pressure of cooking in the spotlight.
Remarkables Market manager Sherryn Smith said the competition, a local take on the MasterChef TV competition, was now in its second year and would run until March next year.
Food was sourced as much as possible through market stallholders.
Contestants were mentored and judged by local chefs from restaurants and companies such as La Rumbla, Rata, Wai and the Mercure.
Ms Smith said contestants were still needed and anyone wanting to sign up could email market@remarkablespark.com or visit the website at www.remarkablesmarket.co.nz.
