Gary Mehigan: MasterChef Australia has been a delicious journey!

By now, MasterChef Australia fans know that Singapore-born contestant Sashi Cheliah bagged the winning title of season 10 of the popular culinary show. But there’s something about the easy camaraderie between judges Gary Mehigan, Matt Preston and George Calombaris, watching the epic challenges posed to the contestants and rooting for them on their journeys to becoming food professionals. The 10th season of the show is about to begin here and to know more, After Hrs got Gary to speak on the line. Excerpts...

Can you describe these 10 years in one word?

I don’t think that’s possible. I think what makes it special is the multicultural diversity and the wonderful, honest people who come on the show. Viewers love watching the mentorship, the learning and this journey that the contestants take. One word? Maybe ‘delicious’! (laughs)

One of the things that viewers really enjoy is the great chemistry between you, Matt and George...

We describe ourselves as three of the biggest food nerds in the world. We talk about food all the time, whether we’re on camera or not. They’re almost like my brothers. I have known them for 16-17 years now and we have shared some wonderful memories.

You had Mumbai lad Saransh Goila on the show this time. Tell us about that.

Both George and I have known Saransh separately. I met him when he took me on a street tour last year in Mumbai for a show I was shooting. His butter chicken is probably one of the most popular downloaded recipes on the website. Everybody loved it. I really admire him. I’m pushing the makers to bring a few more Indian chefs on the show next year.

You’ve always been vocal about your love for India. Last year, you stayed for a couple of weeks in Mumbai and Delhi for another show. Did that change your perspective in some way?

I’ve been visiting India a lot in the past few years but it wasn’t until I stayed in these two cities that I really started to get a much better understanding of the diversity in food, even within one city. Right from street food to restaurants like The Bombay Canteen, going to the local markets and buying stuff off the streets, discovering new ingredients like the green chickpeas — I just went ‘wow’, it was amazing. Now, I’m looking forward to covering Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and a few other places next time.

What are your travel plans for this year?

I was recently in South Africa for the Apertit fest. Then there’s UK and Greece on the list. I will also do a bit of a foodie trip, which will include Paris, Barcelona and Copenhegan among other places.

Any place on your wishlist whose cuisine you really wish to explore further?

Too many! (laughs) If we talk about India, then Kashmir for sure. I want to discover more about South America, Brazil and Chile. You could travel and discover food for the rest of your life and you wouldn’t have even scratched the surface.

MasterChef Australia premieres on September 10 on Star World and will air Monday to Friday at 9 pm.