MasterChef Australia star Khanh Ong has laughed at rumors of a romance with his best friend, The Bachelor star Matt Agnew.
In conversation with Daily Mail Australia ahead of his epic VIVID Chefs on the Harbor Saturday night event, the celebrity chef said the pair often chuckle at the speculation.
The rumors arose after the pair enjoyed a getaway to Vietnam earlier this year.
Matt showed off his ripped physique on the beach in a video shared by Khanh and hours later, the pair cuddled up as they enjoyed a boat ride down a river.
MasterChef Australia star Khanh Ong has laughed at romance rumors with his best friend, The Bachelor star Matt Agnew
Smiling and laughing, Matt and Khanh posed for video footage as they both wore life jackets.
And in July 2022, the astrophysicist and chef starred in front of the camera in a photo booth while attending a charity event.
They appeared to be leaning in for a kiss and were just inches away from locking lips when the camera took the picture.
“The rumors are hilarious because he (Matt) is the most straight man with the cis gender and I’m clearly gay. We are friends and get along,” Khanh told Daily Mail Australia on Friday.
He explained that he and Matt have been friends for years and offer each other something that is often lacking in romantic relationships: companionship.
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia ahead of his epic Saturday night VIVID Sydney Dinners event, the celebrity chef said the pair often chuckle at the speculation
“We offer each other something that I think we both miss and that’s just companionship,” he said.
“We have dinners, we talk about our careers and what we want to do next, and it’s just a sounding board where there’s no judgment and I think that’s a really healthy relationship.”
“I think the funniest thing is I could do this with a girlfriend and no one would expect me to date them,” he added.
Khahn said he also has to laugh at the number of women Matt has been linked to.
The rumors arose after the pair of best friends enjoyed a getaway to Vietnam earlier this year
And in July 2022, the astrophysicist and chef starred in front of the camera in a photo booth while attending a charity event. They appeared to be leaning in for a kiss and were just inches away from locking lips when the camera snapped the shot
“I laugh about it all the time because it’s like he (Matt) is rumored to be dating someone else every week, and sometimes I’ll read something and ask him “are you dating this person?” And he’d be like “I’ve never met them in my life”. It is so funny.’
Khahn will storm for Chefs on the Harbor during Vivid Sydney 2023 on The Jackson, a new $15 million superyacht-like vessel, for Chefs on the Harbor during Vivid Sydney 2023.
During the 3.5 hour dining experiences, three of Australia’s most recognized chefs, Nelly Robinson, Khanh and Mark Olive, team up with The Jackson for a true ‘Water View of Vivid Sydney 2023’
Khahn will create a storm on The Jackson, a new $15 million superyacht-like vessel, for Chefs on the Harbor during Vivid Sydney 2023 during Vivid Sydney 2023
Khanh was a fan favorite in seasons 10 and 12 of MasterChef Australia placing 3rd and 9th consecutively
Khanh and his team will be aboard The Jackson this Saturday from 6-9:30pm, bringing their creative flair, knowledge and expertise to the table.
‘I’m so excited! A lot of the food I make is Vietnamese, but change what you know about Vietnamese food a little bit,” Khang said of the event.
“There will be dishes I grew up eating that are like farm food. Dishes like braised beef, but I incorporated some new techniques I’ve learned over the years.
“Keeping the flavors the same, the proteins the same, but changing it, so it’s something that’s really exciting for people who may have never tried Vietnamese food or eaten Vietnamese food like me.”
He then took part in Survivor Bloods vs. Water in Australia (pictured), and currently has his own show on SBS, Khanh Ong’s Wild Food.
“Everyone has had rolls of rice paper and Bánh mì, but there’s so much more to Vietnamese food that isn’t on display.
Khanh was a fan favorite in seasons 10 and 12 of MasterChef Australia placing 3rd and 9th consecutively.
He then took part in Survivor Bloods vs. Water in Australia and currently has his own show on SBS, Khanh Ong’s Wild Food.
As for further TV plans, Khanh said he may have another show in the works.
‘I like working in front of TV. I find it really satisfying to be able to cook and learn and travel, and it would be a dream to continue doing that,” he explained.
“I don’t know that TV is one of those domains where you either get the job or you don’t, and I’m very happy with my life at the moment and if I get more offers, I’ll get more offers.
“We might do another show where I can go abroad to eat instead of just cook. It’s a food show where I talk about flavors and get to know new dishes and that’s later in the year.’
The sassy chef is also cooking for more large-scale events in Bali and Broome in the coming weeks, as well as doing a capsule clothing line with a Sydney designer.