MasterChef judge Sofia Levin shares her favourite food destinations

Melbourne-based MasterChef Australia judge Sofia Levin is a curious eater who seeks out food cultures around the world. These are the meals she'll never forget.

Food has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was always exposed to it in an enthusiastic and healthy way,” says MasterChef Australia judge Sofia Levin.

The Seasoned Traveller website founder and journalist says her adventures are always based around what her next meal is going to be.

“I can’t think of anything else in life that is both essential for survival and connects people so powerfully. Experiencing a destination’s food is the ultimate shortcut to its culture.

“When I think of visiting another country and the prospect of experiencing a food culture, I get flutters in my chest.”

Sofia Levin eats jungle food, including frog deep fried with garlic confetti, in Chonburi, Thailand.

White-cut chicken, Taiwan

In Taiwan, just outside Taipei, I had a local lunch between visiting Yangmingshan National Park and Beitou’s hot springs. Yangmingshan Zhuzihu Hometown Calla Lily Farm is a family-run eatery and flower farm known for its white-cut chicken. It’s the best I’ve tasted, with supple flesh and a melty translucent layer of gelatinous fat under the skin.

Lunch at Yangmingshan Zhuzihu Hometown Calla Lily Farm.

Mountain feast, Azerbaijan

In Azerbaijan I visited an outdoor restaurant called QəbələXanlarin Gabala in a mountainous district northwest of Baku. More than 20 plates of fresh cheeses, herbs, dips, pickles, olives and breads from tandoor ovens landed on the table. Then came stuffed qutab breads, vine leaves swaddling juicy lamb mince, grilled meat platters, and finally, tea with candied whole-fruit jams and biscuits.

The spread at QebelaXanlarin Gabala outdoor restaurant in Azerbaijan.

Pork sausages, Thailand

In Thailand I was on a mission to find the best sai oua; an aromatic pork sausage. About 50 minutes from Chiang Mai, I found a roadside place called Sai Oua (Chiang Mai Sausage) Brick House. The sausages were loaded with aromats and chunks of fatty goodness and came with sticky rice and nam prik makua (green chilli and eggplant dip).

Pork sausage at Sai Oua Brick House in Thailand.

Century eggs, Hong Kong

At Wing Restaurant in Hong Kong chef Vicky Cheng opened my eyes to how regional Chinese cuisine can be modernised while still telling ancient stories. I was gobsmacked by his version of century eggs with clear, near-iridescent whites served with chilli shirako (cod milt) and whole baby pigeon.

MasterChef judge Sofia Levin in Sifnos. Greece.

Sofia Levin's travel highs and lows

Long way round

We were making our way to San Cristobal de las Casas in Mexico but rebels were protesting so we were ushered on toa rickety local van. The trip was meant to be an hour. After about five hours driving, we were spat out, right where we needed to be.

Precious memory

My father was unwell with motor neurone disease when we visited Joshua Tree National Park. Dad became a talented astrophotographer later in life. He was no longer able to move his upper body, so I became his arms. We took photos of the night sky, immortalising the moment.

MasterChef Australia: Back to Win is on Sunday 7pm and Mon-Wed 7.30pm, on 10 and 10 Play.

Originally published as MasterChef judge Sofia Levin shares her favourite food destinations