When it comes to cooking, Thais never settle for silver. After an epic battle, Nathale ‘Nat’ Thaipun has been crowned the winner of Masterchef Australia 2024. Here’s what you need to know about this aspiring cook.
Nat Thaipun innovates her cuisine by blending Thai cuisine with global techniques, making sure the local and seasonal produce she uses is treated with care and cooked to perfection. This is what got her the winning title on Masterchef Australia, and a central part of her culinary vision. Where did it all begin? And what is Nat’s background? We take a closer look.
Get to know Nat Thaipun, the Thai contestant who won Masterchef Australia 2024
Born to Thai parents in Melbourne, Nat completed her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Social Science. After graduation, she went on to try various jobs, including being a barista, business manager and Greenpeace fundraiser. As she was working, she noticed how food is the currency of human connection — that there’s already so much pride and joy she gets just by sharing a good meal with other people.
According to Nat, her cooking is heavily inspired by her late grandmother and mother, as well as the adventures of the late culinary icon Anthony Bourdain. Outside of the kitchen, she is an advocate for food accessibility, making sure food is easily accessible to those in marginalised communities.
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Her Masterchef journey
Nat Thaipun entered Masterchef Australia 2024, the 16th series. With her dish, “Kangaroo Larb,” she earned the series’ only immunity pin in the first episode, along with one week of work experience with Jamie Oliver in London, cementing her position as one to watch from the get-go. She also received a job offer from Vicky Cheng on the programme’s visit to Hong Kong.
The grand finale was broadcast on July 16, 2024, with Nat winning the finale against Josh Perry with a score of 71 to 68, receiving the grand prize of AUD 250,000 (approx. HKD 13,06,422), and a residency at Alumni Restaurant in Crown Melbourne.
In an Instagram post, Nat writes: “This victory is a collective triumph, a testament to the power of community, friendship, and the bonds forged over shared meals. As I take the next steps into this incredible food journey, I invite you to tune in. This journey has ignited my heart. The first stop is London. Here we go.”
You can keep up with Nat Thaipun on her official website, or her Instagram.
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This story first appeared here.
(Hero and featured image credit: Masterchef Australia)
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Written By
Vichayuth Chantan
A bar enthusiast with passion for good food, Vichayuth can be found trying out new menus and making friends ..Read More
