Nat Thaipun won MasterChef Australia in a thrilling final.
The Victorian cook emerged victorious on Tuesday night after completing chef Clare Smyth’s ‘Core-teaser’ dessert in 113 steps – but it wasn’t without its flaws.
“We had everything on the plate. It looked amazing. But when we ate it, surprisingly, there were flaws in the texture,” judge Andy Allen said during the exciting food-scoring portion of the show.
“Luckily, we made up for it in terms of taste,” added judge and food critic Sofia Levin.
Nat needed 33 points to beat runner-up Josh ‘Pezza’ Perry and narrowly managed to advance.
She managed to score a 7 out of 10 from all five judges, including guest judge Clare, leading her to a two-point victory.
The winner will receive chef training from leading professional chefs, the opportunity to publish their own cookbook and $250,000 in cash.
Starting this week, Nat will also be serving his signature menu at Alumni Restaurant, Crown Melbourne.
Nat Thaipun (pictured) won MasterChef Australia in a thrilling final
When asked how she was feeling, Nat admitted: “I’m exhausted. I feel so good. This is crazy.”
“It seems like a dream but it’s not. I just won MasterChef!”
Runner-up Pezza was noble in defeat and received a prize of $40,000.
“I’m happy. In the top two of MasterChef. The most important cooking show in the world,” said the Tasmanian butcher.
“Poh (Ling Yeow) came in second and look what he’s done! So if my wife comes with me, we could do something really special and I hope you all can come and eat there one day.”
When asked how she was feeling, Nat admitted: “I’m exhausted. I feel so good. This is crazy. It feels like a dream, but it’s not. I’ve just won MasterChef!”
The Victorian chef emerged victorious after completing chef Clare Smyth’s ‘Core-teaser’ dessert in 113 steps.
Nat needed 33 points to beat runner-up Josh ‘Pezza’ Perry (left)
She managed to score 7 out of 10 from all five judges, including guest judge Clare, which led to her victory by two points. Pictured: Judge Poh Ling Yeow
Fans of the show were pleased with the outcome and many supported Nat from the start.
“I’m so happy my girl won. It’s definitely a well-deserved win!” one person wrote on social media platform X.
“Congrats Nat! Thanks for being the most amazing representation and being a badass all season!” said another.
“Oh Nat. I’m so happy it’s you, winner of #MasterChefAU 2024! Showing great potential from day one and being the most consistent cook in the competition. Can’t wait to see what you do next, you fabulous lady!” wrote another person.