By Neena Bhandari
Sydney, 10.07.2021 (Khaleej Times): As COVID-19 lockdowns confined people to their homes, many sought comfort in home cooking. The 13th season of MasterChef Australia showcased contestants from varied professions, inspired by their culture and heritage, improvising traditional recipes to incorporate local Australian produce and ingredients. They created dishes that attracted a huge following, including from second and third generation migrants from around the world.
The Australian food landscape, today, is a cultural melting pot. The penchant is growing to discover and savour the culinary diversity immigration has brought to this country. In recent years, it has been the subtleties and complexities of Asian flavours that is gaining popularity.
Four contestants with Indian, Bengali, Sri Lankan and Vietnamese heritage speak about what makes them passionate about food; when did they transition to cooking good food from enjoying eating it? Would they have been as passionate about their heritage and cuisine, if they hadn’t migrated; the importance of reducing food waste; their connection to the Middle East; and the doors that this competition has opened for them. Continue reading