MasterChef’s Eric Mao reveals his ‘unique’ connection to judge Melissa Leong

As one of the youngest applicants Chef This year Eric Mao has most certainly given the competition all he has, and throughout it has managed to find a “shared bond” with one of the judges.

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Born in Australia with a Chinese heritage, Eric talks about an “identity struggle” and how it helped him resonate with Judge Melissa Leong.

“We kind of had that shared connection with the fact that we were both Chinese-Australians and we grew up in Australia and I think that identity struggle was something that we both had to go through,” the 21 years old – says old.

“We kind of had a connection and I think the way we both found a connection to our Chinese heritage was through the food and that was a very unique connection we had there.”

And while he resonated with Mel in particular, Eric adds that the Three Judges are just as great to work with.

“Judges are exactly like they are in real life, as they appear on television,” he says.

“They are so personable and full of candor and integrity and think they really want to see you outperform so they have been incredibly helpful with their advice and feedback.”

Eric also adds that while he didn’t really appreciate the importance of his family’s background and culture when he was younger, it’s in the last three years or so that he’s really connected. to the Chinese part of his heritage.

“The way I do this is through the food, it’s kind of the way I communicate,” he says.

“Presenting this through food and raising awareness about it more in the wider Australian context is something that I’m incredibly passionate about and that’s what I’m going to do to move forward.”