Melissa Leong is a force to be reckoned with. The television host and food writer came into the spotlight when in 2020, she was announced as a Masterchef Australia judge alongside Jock Zonfrillo and Andy Allen. Since then, the food scene has dramatically changed. Getting pad thai delivered for dinner has majorly replaced dining out at restaurants. Even home cooking has become more accessible and refined than ever. Melissa has her thoughts on the currently changing food industry. NDTV Swirlster spoke to Masterchef Australia's Melissa Leong on her favourite go-to comfort food and viral food trends cropping up during the quarantine. You can catch more of Melissa on Masterchef Australia, which is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar Premium.
NDTV Swirlster: How greatly has your journey changed ever since you have become a MasterChef judge?
Melissa Leong: My life has changed a lot since taking up this role, and it has certainly been an exciting and evolving period in my life. I'm very grateful.
NDTV Swirlster: How do you believe the at-home cooking scene has changed during the pandemic?
Melissa Leong: Inevitably. This challenging time has meant so much time at home to investigate, consider, test, and of course, eat. We've seen a growth in cooking trends and in cooking in general; I think in some way we will be better for it.
NDTV Swirlster: Who are your cooking inspirations and why do you consider them so?
Melissa Leong: My mother, first and foremost. She is an amazing cook and taught me so much about food growing up. Not everyone has that great fortune, and so I am especially aware of how lucky I am.
NDTV Swirlster: Your thoughts on viral food trends and whether you'd try your hand at them?
Melissa Leong: I hate food trends. I'd rather just cook good food.
NDTV Swirlster: Your go-to comfort food dish you enjoy making?
Melissa Leong: Hainanese chicken rice, any day.
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NDTV Swirlster: The most memorable part of being on the judging panel.
Melissa Leong: We laugh a lot. Sometimes at how one of us handles a dish in terms of heat, or volume... I have an obscene amount of fun at work.
NDTV Swirlster: 3 ingredients that are always part of your pantry
Melissa Leong: Garlic, chilli and olive oil.
NDTV Swirlster: Following a recipe or winging it; which way do you like to cook best?
Melissa Leong: It depends on the recipe. Baking and pastry is specific, but so much of the food I love to cook like Chinese, South East Asian and Indian cuisine, relies more on sense and intuition.
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