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The secret lives of the MasterChef judges

We take a peek inside the lives of TV’s biggest foodies
The 2024 MasterChef judges sitting and standing on a concrete pillar in front of a city skyline

In a fun food-based questionnaire, we get to know the MasterChef Australia judges on a more personal level.

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Take a peek inside the lives of foodies Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, Jean-Christophe Novelli and Sofia Levin, and read about world-renowned chef Jamie Oliver’s finale surprise.

Andy Allen, 36

MasterChef judge Andy Allen holding up a beer can on a balcony

What’s your favourite fast food?

I’ve been known to enjoy a takeaway tub of ice cream on the couch post-work while watching footy!

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Favourite place to dine out?

Capitano in Melbourne is my go-to comfort restaurant. The pizzas and the general vibe of the place just keep me coming back.

What’s the worst meal you’ve ever made?

In Spain, while making my TV show Eat The World, Ben Milbourne and I prepared and shallow-fried some sliced lambs’ testicles under the watchful eye of the owners of the bed and breakfast we were staying. They wanted the slithers to be the opposite of well-done – needless to say, the eating texture was not desirable!

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Poh Ling Yeow, 50

MasterChef judge Poh Ling Yeow sitting on wooden stairs

What’s your favourite fast food?

I honestly never get takeaway! If I’m desperado, it’s instant noodles or I call my great-auntie Kim, who lives around the corner from me.

What’s your go-to room service order?

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I get all the sides. Wedges with sour cream and sweet chilli sauce. Yes, I do! Then the salad and steamed veg. I know. Weird!

Where’s your favourite place to dine out?

I’m not one for new places. I’m a creature of habit and, strangely, I like predictability when I’m paying for food. One of my fave spots is Le Souk at the Adelaide Central Market. After a “date” with delightful owner/operator Azou – he always greets you with dates and the warmest smile – I always go for the lamb and couscous with extra harissa. It’s divinely comforting.

What do you cook for a dinner party?

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I used to be all show-offy, fancy pants, but now I’m all for the one-pot comfort soupy noodles, simple curries, congee or one of my faves is moussaka. Because it pleases everyone, and I can actually sit and enjoy the company, rather than being MIA, slaving over the stove.

Jean-Christophe Novelli, 63

MasterChef judge Jean-Christophe Novelli posing with a peace sign

What’s your favourite fast food?

I never order takeaways, but once I sadly lost a bet with my kids and I had to get the full McDonald’s offering. I remember this very well as I had to discreetly keep the windows open for hours afterwards!

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What’s the worst meal you’ve ever made?

It’s never happened and it will never happen, but the worst disaster I have had was to run out of gas right in the middle of serving up at a wedding. That was way back in the past in my early career. This was always done by the maintenance man who I had recently sacked. Cheeky of him, but then again, I’m still glad I sacked him!

Where’s your favourite place to dine out?

My daily appetite always follows my mood and at this moment it’s the French bistro Les 2 Garçons in the heart of Crouch End in North London.

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Would you rather eat something over-salted or under-salted?

I will definitely have unsalted and if there are no options, I would choose not to eat anything.

Sofia Levin, 34

Sofia Levin dangling food into her mouth

What’s the worst meal you’ve ever made?

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No disasters come to mind. I tend to cook simple, flavourful food, so there’s little room for error and maximal time for enjoying the company of others

What’s your favourite fast food?

I almost always prefer to dine in, but when I order takeaway, it’s from either Co Thu Quan or Tom Toon, both in Melbourne.

Where is your favourite place to dine out?

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The places I go back to in Melbourne are those that are close to home and consistently comforting, whether it’s a rich ramen from Tamura Izakaya on a lazy Sunday night, freshly piped Paris-Brest at Napier Quarter in Fitzroy or taking visitors to Footscray.

What do you cook for a dinner party?

I love attempting new dishes. Inspiration can come from a particular cuisine, condiment or cookbook. It’s a real treat for me to spend a whole day sourcing ingredients and cooking for people as I rarely have the time. It can be anything from a Korean banquet to a Mexican DIY feast centred around slow-cooked carnitas.

Jamie’s finale surprise

Jamie Oliver sitting at a table
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In a sizzling twist, sources tell Woman’s Day that Jamie Oliver is set to return to the MasterChef Australia stage as a surprise judge for the anticipated final! The British chef, who has been something of an honorary judge this season, jumped at the chance to return, giving producers a swift and resounding yes.

Adding to the excitement, Jamie, 49, filmed a segment in his new restaurant, which will be shown as part of the MasterChef finale. And the lucky winner of the culinary competition can expect to travel to London to do work experience in his new Covent Garden restaurant as part of the show’s prize. That’s pukka!

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