Why Poh Ling Yeoh was ‘anxious‘ return to MasterChef series 16

As the 16th season of Ten’s groundbreaking MasterChef Australia season begins, celebrity chef and visual artist Poh Ling Yeow confesses she was apprehensive about returning as a judge.

MasterChef Australia veteran Poh Ling Yeow is “surprised” by how little the TV show’s format has changed in the fifteen years since she was runner-up in its very first season.

She joins “straight-up no frills” Andy Allen, “old school classic French chef” Jean-Christophe Novelli, and food critic Sofia Levi “who has an encyclopaedic knowledge of flavour profiles” on the judging panel for season 16, which begins airing on Channel 10 tonight.

“We disagreed a lot,” Yeoh laughed.

“It gets heated.”

“What I’m excited for is to see the resilience of the show.

MasterChef judges Jean-Christophe Novelli, Sofia Levin, Poh Ling Yeow and Andy Allen

“It’s been through a really rough in-between season period.

“When we first all got asked to be on the show, I expressed how anxious I was about trying to fill shoes.

“I was told ‘please don’t take this the wrong way, but the show is such a well-oiled machine and the spirit of it lies in the contestants, not the judges. Obviously you’ve been chosen for a reason but you could be anyone … and it would still work’.”

“That is said with no disrespect to Jock, he is so sorely missed on set.”

Flashback: MasterChef judges and guest judges Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, Melissa Leong and the late Jock Zonfrillo Picture: Network Ten.

The celebrated chef and popular judge passed away suddenly in May 2023, age 46.

Zonfrillo’s death was only made public five hours before the 15th season of the hugely popular cooking show was due to commence, shocking fans and the TV industry.

“Even though Jock’s legacy can definitely be felt in the kitchen, it is a show that has such an amazing presence on Australian TV that should continue,” Yeow said.

Poh Ling Yeow. Photo: Stellar Magazine.

A fusion of difficult experiences, including two broken marriages and the loss of her beloved mother, could have left the populary presenter and culinary star with a sour taste for her own future.

But aged 50, Yeow said taking part in the series was “a very big turning point” in her life that laid the foundation for the confidence she carries today.

“It was such a public validation,” she said.

“I don’t think it’s realistic to say that all of your validation should come internally. It’s such a basic human need, an instinct. In the show, I found a space to be celebrated for my chaotic. unorthodox way of creating.”

Poh Ling Yeow shared heartwarming family photos to celebrate her 50th birthday. Picture: Instagram.

Poh Ling Yeow at the 2024 AACTA Awards on the Gold Coast. Photo: David Clark.

As a judge, Yeow said she probably empathises with contestants the most.

“I’m always really drawn to the cultural cooks, but what makes things so compelling is that it’s not about appearances,” she said.

“You’ll get an Aussie bloke who’s super interested in South East Asian cooking. The contestants are such a mixed multicultural bag and have always has been, inadvertently making MasterChef a frontrunner in representation.”

Poh Ling Yeoh on Ian Parmenter's Margaret River property for Poh's Kitchen in 2010.

As for how things are cooking in her own kitchen — Yeow said fancy meals have been “in the bin” for some time.

“When I first popped out of the show I felt such immense pressure to live up to the brand name,” she mused.

Nowadays, her meals are only getting “more and more basic”.

“I realised what people need, and that is quick, economical meals, and that is what I enjoy most. Because I’m time poor. Everyone is.”

Yeow’s weeknight go-to is a tray of seasonal roast veges bought from the local farmer’s market.

“Bung it on a roasting tray, crank it up to 250°C for about 20 minutes. Squeeze some lemon and pepper and I’m done. Even if I’m really unmotivated to cook I’m getting a nutritious meal,” she said.

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