When Rue Mupedzi first stepped into the MasterChef Australia kitchen in 2023, she dazzled with her sweet treats and infectious smile. But behind the scenes, the Perth-based dental hygienist was struggling with low confidence.
“I had impostor syndrome,” confesses the Zimbabwean-born cook, 31. “When I watched it back and saw how many people were rooting for me, I couldn’t believe that I didn’t see what they were seeing in me.”
After being eliminated in seventh place, Rue went on to launch BarbeRue BBQ Sauce, which sold out in supermarkets across Aussie.
“It was such an affirming moment for me,” she reveals. “I was getting thousands of messages every day from people saying, ‘I just need that sauce!’”
Next on Rue’s bucket list is a six-month stint in Paris to do a culinary course, then she’d like to finally open her own Champagne and dessert bar back in Oz.
“What better way to spread joy and bring people together than by opening a place where people can enjoy all the things I love creating?”
MasterChef Australia: Back To Win screens 7.30pm Monday to Wednesday on TVNZ 2 and streams on TVNZ+.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
