MasterChef Australia has been a launching pad for culinary talent since its inception, showcasing home cooks who have transformed their passion into successful careers. Over 16 seasons, the show has crowned 15 winners, many of whom have made significant strides in the culinary world. As the latest season approaches its finale, a look back reveals the varied paths taken by these culinary champions.
From Contestants to Culinary Icons
Julie Goodwin, the inaugural winner in 2009, has become a household name. Known for her comforting family-style meals, Goodwin has authored several cookbooks and has appeared on various media platforms. In 2024, she published her memoir, Your Time Starts Now, where she shares her personal experiences, including her struggles with mental health. Goodwin hopes her story resonates with others facing similar challenges.
Following her victory in 2010, Adam Liaw transitioned from a legal career to a prominent figure in the culinary scene. He has authored multiple cookbooks and hosts the show The Cook Up with Adam Liaw. Since 2022, he has been a familiar face on the SBS program Tomorrow Tonight, ensuring his presence in the food industry remains strong.
In contrast, Kate Bracks, who won in 2011, has preferred a quieter life. After her win, she returned to teaching and released The Sweet Life: Desserts From Australia’s MasterChef in 2012. Recently, she opened a gelato shop named Fifty Acres Gelato in Caloundra, where she emphasizes community and connection through food.
Strongly associated with the show, Andy Allen has made a remarkable transition from winner to judge. As co-owner of the acclaimed restaurant Three Blue Ducks, which earned a Chef’s Hat in 2018, Allen has also hosted a travel and cooking show featuring his restaurant’s menu.
Winners Making Impact Beyond the Kitchen
Emma Dean, crowned in 2013, has built a diverse career, including publishing her cookbook A Homegrown Table and co-hosting the show My Market Kitchen. She actively engages with audiences through her contributions to EatWell Magazine and special cooking segments on television.
In a heartwarming gesture, Brent Owens, the 2014 winner, shared part of his prize money with his fellow contestant, Emelia Jackson. Since then, he has focused on his education in Life Sciences at Harvard University and co-founded a biotech company, Vitrafy, aimed at developing affordable, nutritious food for underprivileged regions.
Billie McKay, who secured her first victory in 2015 and then returned to win again in 2022, has worked in prestigious kitchens, including The Fat Duck in London. McKay remains the only contestant to have won twice, showcasing her exceptional culinary talent.
Other winners have also carved unique paths. Diana Chan, who won in 2017, launched her dumpling brand Golden Wok, which is available in major Australian supermarkets. In 2024, she released her first cookbook, embodying her culinary journey.
Following his win in 2018, Sashi Cheliah opened a pop-up restaurant in Melbourne and later a restaurant in Adelaide, before pursuing his dream of establishing a modern Peranakan restaurant in India.
Recent winners like Emelia Jackson and Justin Narayan continue to expand their culinary horizons. Jackson, a winner in 2020, published First, Cream the Butter and Sugar, while Narayan has opened a taco pop-up and plans to release a cookbook titled Everything is Indian in 2025.
The most recent champion, Nat Thaipun, claimed victory in 2024, earning a $250,000 prize and a week of experience alongside celebrity chef Jamie Oliver in London. Thaipun is currently working on her first cookbook, set to celebrate her Thai Australian heritage.
As MasterChef Australia continues to evolve, the impact of its winners is evident in their diverse careers and contributions to the culinary landscape. As the show prepares for its upcoming season, one can only anticipate the next wave of extraordinary talent emerging from its kitchens.
