He may not have won MasterChef but Reynold Poernomo certainly earned his title of “Dessert King” back 2015 having served up some of the most delicious treats the competition has ever seen.
And tonight, the 22-year-old is set to return to the MasterChef kitchen – much to the delight of the contestants.
Since hanging up his apron on the hit show, Reynold is now the proud owner of Koi Dessert Bar in Sydney and TV WEEK couldn’t resist catching up with the sweet-toothed chef ahead of tonight’s mouth-watering episode.
How did it feel stepping back in the MasterChef kitchen?
It felt scary! I truly felt like a contestant once more. Then again, I never feel like I’m more than an amateur cook, even though this time round I’m coming in as a professional.
What do you think of this year’s batch of contestants?
Same with every year, they only get smarter, better and even more creative! Food has become more than just food. People add so much creative flair and turn it into edible art.
What’s your most cherished memory from your time on the show?
My most cherished memory would definitely be the first time I got Marco to taste a dessert of mine.
His feedback was not only memorable but also, allowed me to set a goal to be one of the best in the industry.
Who was your favourite judge when you were on the show and why?
They’re all unique in their own ways, but if I had to choose, I’d say Matt.
His knowledge on food is like an endless library of everything you could ever imagine. It’s amazing and scary at the same time.
How has MaterChef changed your life?
Let’s just say I’d never be where I am now without MasterChef! It’s changed my life like crazy – opened doors and set me on the right path.
Do you still keep in touch with contestants from your season?
I still keep in touch with Kha, Jamie, Matt and Rose. We catch up every now and then or just a chat over WhatsApp.
Would you consider a permanent judging role on the show if asked?
I don’t see why not, I’d get to eat and pass on knowledge of my own!
Have you ever thought about launching your own cooking show?
I have, but at the same time I want to focus on being the best in the industry and earning my stripes.
Maybe one day in the future, but it wouldn’t be an every day home cooking show. I’d love to do one showcasing various interesting methods and techniques as well the the process of researching in creating a dessert.
Are you working on any other projects at the moment?
At the moment my brother’s and I are working on a bar in the coming months called Monkey’s Corner.
