We’ve had 16 seasons of MasterChef Australia so far, and it’s pretty easy to see why. The popular cooking show has consistently been a ratings winner for Channel 10, thanks to endless mouthwatering dishes that leave audiences – both foodies and otherwise – wanting more. Its other strength is its penchant for diverse storytelling, and South Asian cast members have unquestionably played a huge role in that.
For years on end, food has been a universal tool to tell stories about culture, connection, and community. It offers us the opportunity to indulge in nostalgia when we see familiar ingredients, dishes and rituals. It also allows us to reflect on our own selves and gives us the chance to grow and learn when we see new cuisines and culinary techniques.
As Season 17 (which is a ‘Back To Win’ season) prepares to kick off very soon, it’s exciting to see four familiar faces with South Asian heritage returning to the show (amongst the cast of 24). They are Season 16 stars Darrsh Clarke and Sav Perera (both of Sri Lankan heritage), Season 13’s Depinder Chhibber (Indian), who has since been a guest judge on MasterChef India, and Season 4’s Audra Morrice (whose father is of South Indian descent), who has also appeared on the judging panel for MasterChef Singapore. Â
Judges Andy Allen, Poh Ling-Yeow, Jean-Christophe Novelli, and Sofia Levin return to the show this year, while Gordon Ramsay kicks off a lineup of high-profile guest judges for 2025.
In a touching post shared to her Instagram account, Sav spoke about her decision to return to the reality TV kitchen for a chance to win $250,000 in prize money. She explained that while there’s “stress” and “pressure” that comes along with a fast-paced show like MasterChef, there’s also “a lot of magic that happens within the four walls of this kitchen”.
“You are fortunate to get to experience that magic once — but to get to do it again is an incredible privilege & honour,” she wrote. “I ummm’d and ahhhh’d my decision for a while before I said yes – I have not forgotten how brutal the stress can be in this completion.
“Last season, I had the chance to honour my late mother & represent my culture & cuisine. This time, I get the chance to do something solely for myself. No one else, just me – & that in itself is a confronting thing. I do not know how many successes and failures I might have playing different cards this time around. Yet, I am my mother’s daughter — and Silva/Perera women do not back down from a challenge.”
Sav admitted she’s “nervous” but that being on the show for a second time is just another way she can contribute to Australian TV’s gradual progress in bettering cultural diversity on screen.
“It is also important to me to create visibility for people from my background – especially brown women,” she said. “Often we get told our places are in the kitchen – I want to show our places are wherever we want to be, working hard in those spaces.”
As for Audra, she explained that coming back to MasterChef Australia after 13 years was a huge decision to make, and while some may think she’s “crazy” for giving it another whirl, she seemingly can’t see any reason not to.
“Call me crazy but I’m in this world wind of a journey AGAIN!” she wrote on Instagram.
“First time round in 2012, it changed my life and I’ve been living the dream since! It’s a crazy yet special place that fuels you, makes you sweat, laugh, cry but mostly it makes you want to cook the best food. I can’t wait for this crazy experience again! Stay tuned!”
Audra’s father is of South Indian descent, with her paternal grandmother hailing from Chennai and grandfather from Puducherry in India.
Last year, Draw Your Box was dedicated in covering MasterChef from a South Asian Australian lens, and you can bet we’re back to do even more this year! Our 2024 coverage led the way in driving important conversations that are particularly unique to second-gen South Asians in Australia – for example, exploring issues such as career choice as the child of immigrants, the decision of whether or not to eat with one’s hands, and learning one’s mother-tongue in an intercultural relationship.
So, just as MasterChef contestants are ‘back to win’, we at Draw Your Box are ‘back to entertain, inform and inspire’ you with our coverage! Let the countdown begin.
MasterChef Australia: Back To Win 2025 is coming soon to Channel 10 and 10 Play.
Top image source: Channel 10
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