The thirteenth season of MasterChef Australia came to an end this week with the twenty-seven-year-old chef Justin Naryan taking home the winner’s trophy and a cash prize of USD 250,000. The Fiji and Indian origin chef beat other finalists Kishwar Chowdhury, who stood as the second runner-up, and Pete Campbell, who was named the first runner-up.
Justin who hails from West Australia, became the second Indian-origin contestant to clinch the title. Before him, prison guard Sashi Chelia took home the trophy in the year 2018.
The final pressure test was set by chef Peter Gilmore, the contestant had to make a replica of his squid noodles and Golden crackle. It was Justin’s renditions that pleased judges the most. “Mate, that was a wild cook but I am glad I finished on a cook like that. I honestly feel that I did my best”, he told the judges after the final round.
Justin, who had been a sort of an underdog throughout the season beat many favourites for the ultimate title. For his dishes he often drew inspiration from his Indian and Fiji heritage, his most notable dishes being Chicken Curry, Indian Chicken Tacos, Pickle salad, Charcoal Chicken with Toum and flatbread.
Upon winning the title, Justin was thrilled. A video posted by MasterChef Australia’s team on Facebook caught an elated Justin right after the big reveal.
“I just won master chef season 13, 2021! What the actual heck? It is a surreal feeling. It’s going to take a while to sink in, I am keen to party with these guys, but huge thank you to the judges, and other contestants Pete, Kishwer.” he can be heard saying in the video.
He further said that his “mind is blown”, and described MasterChef Australia as the “best experience” of his entire life.
Justin also shared a picture of himself with the trophy on Instagram. “Find people that believe in you. Back yourself. Go hard and hopefully you’ll surprise yourself! Whoever’s reading this I love you”, he wrote in the caption.