When it comes to life achievements, Nat Thaipun tells New Idea that nothing could ever top winning MasterChef Australia.
For almost three months, millions of Australians tuned in to watch the 28-year-old compete against some of the most talented and passionate home cooks in the country
After countless team relays, mystery boxes, and celebrity chef cook-alongs, it all culminated in two final rounds where Nat faced off against Tassie butcher Josh ‘Pezza’ Perry in the grand finale.
The first round was an ingredient knockout challenge where Nat plated up a Scotch Egg with Sai Oua, nam prig noom, and a Thai roasted green chilli dip.
In the second round, both finalists were tasted by three hatted Michelin chef Clare Smyth to recreate her “elaborate”insane” 113-step ‘Core-teaser- dessert.
While her final dish did have some inconsistencies, ultimately her efforts won Nat the MasterChef trophy, $250,000 in prize money, and a residency at Crown Melbourne’s ALUMNI restaurant.
“I still can’t believe it. I don’t know if the shock [will ever wear off],” Nat shared with us the morning after her victory.
It’s such a long journey, MasterChef goes for 50 episodes so I think after all that hard work…it’s insane to see it end. I don’t think anything could ever match what I experienced [by winning].“
Despite describing her time on the culinary cooking show as “one of the hardest things ever”, the former barista says her experience in the high-pressure environment was also rather “beautiful.”
“It’s such a unique thing to experience. It not only met my expectations but exceeded them.”
As for what the future holds, Nat tells us that she has “so many plans” – including a potential cookbook!
“I want to use some of that winning to take me around the world, broaden my palate, and broaden my knowledge of food. Maybe a restaurant one day, or a hospitality co-working incubator space, or even some supper clubs to give people a taste of my [dishes].”
“I’m not a recipe person so I’m not sure how good I’m going to be at making a cookbook, but we’ll find out,” Nat laughs.
She’s also not opposed to returning to the MasterChef kitchen in the not-so-distant future.
“To be able to be in that environment where nothing but food matters to you, I would do anything [to experience] that again,” she adds.
