As we settle comfortably in our couches and beds with remotes, phones, or tablets in our hands to hit play on these cooking shows, we don’t just prepare ourselves to root for our favourite contestant but also to witness our favourite chef judges in action. Because, let’s be honest, our opinions do get biased based on what they say. So let’s take a look at some of the most loved Australian chef judges of all time.

Gary Mehigan

Gary Mehiga, an English-Australian chef, was one of the original judges of one of Australia’s most famous cooking shows, Masterchef Australia, alongside Matt Preston and George Calombaris. With his formidable cooking skills and affable personality, he easily became a popular name in Australian households. He later starred as a host in the show Good Chef Bad Chef and also started his own series called Far Flung with Gary Mehigan. He also appeared as a guest judge in another popular Australian cooking show, My Kitchen Rules. It is his warm demeanour and genuine interest in nurturing the talent of budding chefs that have earned him love and respect in the community.

George Calombaris

Geoge Calombaris is also an original judge of the show Masterchef Australia. But did you know that before his Masterchef fame, he was also a part of a daytime cooking show called Ready Steady Cook? Calombaris brought a unique flair to the cooking shows pertaining to his Greek-Australian heritage. His journey in the culinary field began at a very young age, and since then he has won many awards, including Young Chef of the Year, Best New Restaurant, and two chef’s hats in The Age Good Food Guide. His passion for food always puts him front and centre at cooking shows. Even though he has been a part of a few controversies, his popularity as a judge remains unhinged.

Matt Preston

Best known as one of the original judges on Masterchef Australia, English-American chef Matt Preston is also a food critic, writer, food journalist, and television and radio presenter. Recently, in 2022, he also became a judge on the popular cooking show My Kitchen Rules. His larger-than-life persona easily captured the attention of viewers and contestants alike, instantly making him a favourite. Being a journalist and senior editor for Delicious and Taste magazines, his ability to provide constructive feedback and valuable insight is unparalleled. He left MasterChef Australia after judging the show for 11 years and to date, viewers hope for his comeback in the show.

Shannon Bennett

Shannon Bennett is also extremely well known as a recurring guest judge in the show Masterchef Australia. However, to the viewers and contestants, Bennett is more than just a judge, he is a mentor as well as a competitor. His patient mentoring and humble personality alongside his exceptional culinary skills make him one of the most loved chefs in the show. He honed his skills under the masterful guidance of famous chefs like John Burton Race and Marco Pierre White. His refined sense of taste has earned him respect and love, establishing his status as one of Australia’s most cherished cooking show judges.

Nigella Lawson

Oxford Graduate Nigella Lawson is most well-known as the editor of the Sunday Times. Although she was neither originally Australian nor had formal culinary training, Lawson still managed to mark her presence as an eminent personality in the Australian culinary world. She judged the popular show My Kitchen Rules, appeared as a guest judge on the popular show Masterchef Australia and also hosted several cooking shows of her own. Her sensual approach to cooking and her decadent recipes made her an instant hit with the viewers, making her one of the most loved chef judges.

Jock Zonfrillo

The late Jock Zonfrillo earned his fame as a judge of Masterchef Australia after replacing the original judges, Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston, and George Calombaris, along with Melissa Leong and Andy Allen. Hailing from a humble family, he immigrated to Australia in 2000 and brought with him his passion for food, which showcased the diversity and richness of Australian cuisine. He also founded the Orana Foundation to preserve the historical cooking techniques and ingredients of Indigenous Australians. His unfortunate demise in 2023 caused great sorrow to the loyal viewers of Masterchef. 

In this ever-evolving landscape of Australian cooking shows, there will be more shows we’ll fall in love with and even more judges we’ll admire. But the journey of these beloved Australian chefs will always remain embedded in our hearts. As they continue to inspire upcoming culinary talents with their passion, skill, and charm, their legacies will remain forever.

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