We’re really getting to the pointy end of the competition now on MasterChef.
Here, Woman’s Day sits down with the top eight contestants to discover a little more about their life outside the MasterChef kitchen and who they’re most afraid to see alongside them in the finale.
Reynold Poernomo
The dessert king is one of the favourites tipped to win the competition.
(Image: Channel 10)Fans would be surprised to know: I rarely cook at home. During filming I ordered so much Korean fried chicken!
My biggest threat in the kitchen is: Laura. She’s smart and she’s versatile and has found her style of cooking.
I’d spend the prize money on: The business – COVID-19 has hit us hard. Koi and Monkey’s Corner is not just me. It’s my mum and brothers.
At midnight you can find me snacking on: I mix Easy Mac with Cup-a-Soup chicken croutons. It’s flavour town – don’t mock it till you try it!
My hangover cure: Steel-cut oats, garlic chicken stock, butter, chorizo and egg.
I can’t stand: Vietnamese mint is my kryptonite! The smell makes me sick.
Emelia Jackson
Pastry chef Emilia is currently the bookies’ favourite to win.
(Image: Channel 10)Fans would be surprised to know:: I’m obsessively into mushrooms. I love them. It’s the strangest thing about me.
My biggest threat in the kitchen is: Laura – she’s a force – natural talent and high-end training and experience.
I’d spend the prize money on: I’d want to take my time and make it count. And a weekend away with my partner somewhere in Victoria!
At midnight I’ll be snacking on: I’m never awake past 9.30pm! But I do love Whittaker’s Coconut Chocolate.
The only way to cure a hangover is: As much orange juice as you can handle and lots of bacon in a soft white roll with butter.
I can’t stand: Fruit in savoury.
My go-to takeaway: Thai!
Callum Hann
Callum is the “nice guy” of the MasterChef kitchen.
(Image: Channel 10)Fans would be surprised to know: That I eat pretty healthily! In the MasterChef kitchen, I’m often making pretty indulgent dishes but I have five dietitians in my Sprout cooking school team who keep me honest in my real world!
My biggest threat in the kitchen is: Reynold! His conceptual way of cooking is perfect for a competition like this and he doesn’t seem to get flustered under pressure.
I plan to spend the prize money on: My business. Like most places COVID-19 has been pretty tough for us. And a bigger car for my wife. The baby seat and pram take a bit of Tetris work in the current one.
At midnight you can find me snacking on: Cheese, olives and bread.
Hangover cure: Crumpets and honey.
I can’t stand: Sun-dried tomatoes.
Takeaway: Laksa or Mexican.
Poh Ling Yeow
Does Poh have what it takes to win?
(Image: Channel 10)Fans would be surprised to know: I’m mostly an introvert.
My favourite winter warmer recipe is: An Italian side of spinach or chard with boiled potatoes in lots of garlic, chilli and olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. On a lazy night it’s my main meal but otherwise with a piece of pan-fried fish or chicken tenders. I make this once a week!
I plan to spend the prize money on: Producing my own TV show.
At midnight you’ll find me snacking on: Fried chicken and kimchi!
The only way to cure a hangover is: I don’t really drink, but chicken ginger with extra fresh ginger.
One ingredient I can’t stand is: Goat’s cheese.
Go-to takeaway: Pho or laska.
Laura Sharrad
The pasta queen is one to watch.
(Image: Instagram)Fans would be surprised to know: I’m a very keen renovator. My husband and I bought an old bungalow a few years ago with the intention of renovating it.
My biggest threat in the kitchen is: Reynold! I think he’s one of the best cooks this competition has ever seen!
I’d spend the prize money on: A flight to Italy – get me to some warmer weather!
At midnight you can find me snacking on: A cheese toastie or some ice-cream.
My hangover cure is: A cheeseburger with extra pickles, a double serve of French fries with tomato sauce.
I can’t stand: Durian, period.
My go-to takeaway is: Indian!
Reece Hignell
Fan favourite Reece has emerged as one of the season’s dark horses.
(Image: Instagram)Fans would be surprised to know: I recently converted to a plant-based diet and still cook classic baked goods.
My biggest threat in the kitchen is: Brendan. I know how amazing he is at cooking and how tasty his food is.
I’d spend the prize money on: A staycation and order in every night just to have a week off cooking. But it would likely go towards expanding my cake business in Newcastle, Cakeboi.
At midnight you can find me snacking on: Dumplings.
My hangover cure is: Sushi with loads of wasabi, soy sauce and pickled ginger.
I can’t stand: Baked beans.
My go-to takeaway is: Lebanese food.
Tessa Boersma
Tessa is definitely back to win this season.
(Image: Instagram)Fans would be surprised to know: I don’t take life too seriously. On the show I seem very serious, but I’m actually quite a relaxed and chilled out person.
My biggest threat in the kitchen is: Reynold, for sure. He has a multitude of skills, which is so important for this competition.
I’d spend the prize money on: A holiday! I haven’t had one in a long time, and since coronavirus I haven’t been able to make any plans.
At midnight you can find me snacking on: Whittaker’s coconut chocolate.
My hangover cure is: An acai bowl in summer or pasta in winter.
I can’t stand: Casseroles.
My go-to takeaway is: A Big Mac or a Whopper
Brendan Pang
Can Brendan take home the title?
(Image: Channel 10)Fans would be surprised to know: I was a social worker. I worked in Broome for two years in child protection, working mostly with young families in the Indigenous community.
My biggest threat in the kitchen is: Laura! She has the most relevant experience to win, but Reece is also a threat because he knows me so well.
I’d spend the prize money on: A relaxing holiday in Margaret River. The rest would go towards my dumplings business, Bumplings.
At midnight you can find me snacking on: Cheese and crackers.
My hangover cure is: Anything cheesy and a thickshake!
I can’t stand: Purple cabbage.
My go-to takeaway is: Vietnamese pho or rice noodle soup.
WATCH: Fan favourite Danni Venn dishes on being the only contestant this year to score an immunity pin.
