MasterChef Australia winner Nat Thaipun has responded to allegations that the show’s judges were unnecessarily hard on her during the series.
The 28-year-old barista from Victoria, who won the gruelling cooking competition on Tuesday, said she appreciated the judges’ tough criticism as it helped her push herself.
“It’s actually quite funny because so many people messaged me saying that the judges were a bit too hard on me,” she said. Yahoo Lifestyle.
“When I looked back at those episodes, I wondered if this was the episode they were talking about. Because I don’t see it that way.”
Some of the ‘harsh’ comments she received from the judges included Andy Allen criticising the lamb shanks she had made, openly asking if he had been mistaken in his opinion of how promising the chef was.
Nat added that she found the judges’ feedback incredibly useful as it helped her improve her cooking as the competition progressed.
“I see it as a way to improve. If we didn’t get constructive criticism, I don’t think I would be here now because the judges were constantly pushing us to make sure we were improving,” she told the publication.
“If I got all involved in that, I don’t think I could win. I’m really good at hyperfocusing. And when it comes to food, I think, nothing else matters.”
MasterChef Australia winner Nat Thaipun has responded to claims the show’s judges were unnecessarily hard on her during the series. Pictured
Earlier this week, Thaipun won MasterChef Australia in a thrilling finale, after completing chef Clare Smyth’s 113-step ‘Core Teaser’ dessert – but it wasn’t without its flaws.
“You had everything on your plate. It looked amazing. But when we ate it, surprisingly, there were textural errors,” judge Andy Allen said during the nail-biting scoring portion of the show.
“Luckily you made up for that with the taste,” added jury member and food critic Sofia Levin.
Nat needed 33 points to beat runner-up Josh ‘Pezza’ Perry and she narrowly crossed the line.
The Victoria barista, 28, who won the gruelling cooking competition on Tuesday, said she appreciated the judges’ tough criticism as it helped her push herself. Pictured with the judges after winning
She received a 7 out of 10 from all five judges, including guest judge Clare, and won with a two-point lead.
The winner will receive chef training from leading professional chefs, the chance to have their own cookbook published, and $250,000 in cash.
From this week, Nat will also be serving her signature menu at the Alumni Restaurant, Crown Melbourne.