The first time Tommy Pham entered the MasterChef kitchen his son, Miles, was six months old.
It wasnโt easy being away from his young family but it was a huge opportunity and he wanted to show his son, who he shares with his wife Wendy, that he could follow his dreams.
But now heโs back for Fans and Favourites with a goal of equal importance.
โI think after the end of last season, I came back to Miles, and I was like, โYou know, I love this little guy, but I really want to be able to provide for him and do what I love at the same time.

Tommy first went on MasterChef when his son was six months old.
(Image: Instagram)โ[To] work on that balance between making a living and following my dreams and my passion,โ he tells TV WEEK.
Of course, sacrifice is inherently difficult and although Tommy knows he is doing something with long term benefits, it doesnโt make his decision easier.
โI wish it was easier this time. I miss out on more milestones when Iโm gone. He grows so much more quickly, and things change so much in this period of time in his life and from one to two, you can come home, and he will be a completely different person,โ he says.
โI think the sacrifice is worth it, 100 per cent.โ

โI wish it was easier this time. I miss out on more milestones when Iโm gone.โ
(Image: Instagram)Within the chaos that erupts at any point during a MasterChef cook, there are likely three things on the contestantโs minds; donโt mess up, check the time, and did I balance the flavours?
Tommy finds a moment to connect with Miles in the calm before the storm through a picture he always keeps nearby.
โIโve got a little polaroid of him that I put in my pocket, and just before I go into the cook, Iโll give it a little kiss, put it in my pocket.
โIโm running and going crazy thinking about what Iโm going to cook, and itโs quite intense, but there is a moment right before when Iโm like, โHey Miles, letโs do this,โ shares Tommy.

โIโve got a little polaroid of him that I put in my pocket.โ
(Image: Instagram)Anyone who has or knows a toddler is aware they can be the pickiest eaters, but the mostly self-taught cook has a relaxed approach that works for him when it comes to feeding Miles.
โI like to let Miles be free to an extent unless heโs throwing all of your food on the floor like he can throw half his food on the floor, and then Iโll give him a limit.
โI donโt try to control too much. I like to give him free choice, especially when eating. I will give him all the options that weโre eating, and if he doesnโt eat it, itโs fine,โ he says.
Although Tommy has returned to the competition as a Favourite, he is intimidated by his fellow contestants who have more experience.

Tommy felt scared returning to the show with Favourites who have more experience than him.
(Image: Ten)โThe intensity is so different with all the returning favourites. They all know what itโs like on the outside and they have all so much experience.
โItโs scary, honestly, sometimes going up against these guys, Iโm like, โHow am I ever going to beat them?โ But you know you go in there and do what you do best and hope that itโs enough,โ he shares with TV WEEK.
Itโs not all scary, though. Tommy already has a rapport with the showโs three judges, Melissa Leong, Andy Allen, and Jock Zonfrillo.
And it seems like he had a calming effect on them too.
โIt was almost like seeing a friend again. It was really really nice,โ he says about seeing them again.