Twenty-eight-year-old Nat Thaipun, a barista from Victoria, won the MasterChef Australia 2024 title and a cash prize of AUD 2,50,000 on Tuesday after defeating fellow finalist Josh ‘Pezza’ Perry.
Nat has been a standout contestant this season, winning the first immunity challenge — the only immunity pin of the season — and the final immunity challenge. Her victory in the first immunity challenge also earned her a trip to London to cook with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver in his restaurant.
In the finale, the top two contestants faced a two-round cook-off, starting with an ingredient knockout challenge and culminating in a pressure test set by British celebrity chef Clare Smyth.
Nat excelled in the first round, preparing a scotch egg with sai oua (a Northern Thai sausage) and nam prig noom (a Thai roasted green chili dip), earning 36 points. Pezza, on the other hand, presented a rib-eye steak with fondant potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and peppercorn sauce, scoring 33 points.
In the second round, the contestants faced a pressure test with over 100 steps, where both finalists had to replicate Smyth’s Core-teser as closely as possible. Pezza failed to plate a key element and both contestants received sevens across the board, bringing Nat’s total score to 71 points and securing her victory.
Nat celebrated her victory on Instagram with a heartfelt post, describing the experience as a “fever dream.”
“This victory is a collective triumph, a testament to the power of community, friendship, and the bonds forged over shared meals. As I take the next steps into this incredible food journey, I invite you to tune in. This journey has ignited my heart. First stop, London. Here we go,” she wrote.
The show’s judges left touching comments on her post. Sofia Levin remarked, “It’s not every season that you see someone’s talent, as well as a unique cooking style, shine from day one. Absolutely deserved, Natty. So heartwarming to see you and the family so loving, connected and proud, too. Go forth”.
Poh Ling Yeow added, “Natty, your unique flair was unmistakable right from the beginning but this competition runs you through so many kinds of mazes - physically mentally and creatively and you endured with flying colours. I dare say this might be the most magical moment in your life. No one gets to take this away from you. I’m so excited to watch your climb because this is just the beginning. Go gettum lil wolf!”.
