The Samadi sisters have continually impressed the Family Food Fight judges this season with their Afghan-flavoured dishes.
However, where Ria, 25, and Saffa, 21, have struggled is with their reputation.
Viewers have branded the sisters the villains of the season, but business owner Ria insists to TV WEEK nothing could be further from the truth.
“We’re not evil, we’re kind-hearted people,” she says.
Saffa and Ria: guaranteed to cook up a storm!
“For the public to think the way they do really hurts. People are probably a bit frustrated with my attitude, but this is how I am. I have no bad intentions – I’m just very competitive.”
“People don’t know us from a bar of soap and they don’t understand how much we go through behind the scenes and how tough it is in that kitchen. It’s not easy.”
Ria describes her sister Saffa as “very sweet”.
“She just wants to be lovely to everybody,” she says.
“So the comments upset her. I just tell her not to worry, because they’re going to say things whether we like it or not.”
Saffa is feeling the heat.
Criticisms aside, the girls are proud of what they’ve achieved on the cooking show – especially on behalf of the Afghan community in Melbourne.
The sisters’ family fled the war in Afghanistan to seek safety in Australia when the girls were very young. Finding work as a chef, their father is now considered one of the most respected chefs in the Afghan community.
“It’s hard for Afghan girls to go on national TV,” Ria says.
“Everyone [in the Afghan community] has been glued to their TVs, as it’s the first time someone from their country has been on Australian TV.”
“All they usually see is war, but for the first time they’re watching something good. We’re happy we can make them happy.”
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