“The standard is kind of two to three Eurocentric middle-aged men”: In conversation with MasterChef’s Sofia Levin

These days, the business of food is not limited to the chefs working in a restaurant kitchen, but also social media creators, cooking class instructors, recipe book authors, and food-related TV shows.

Speaking of the latter, MasterChef Australia is a ratings juggernaut, attracting viewers with a deliciously diverse range of culinary drama that makes it stand out in the reality TV genre. Therefore, just as other parts of the food industry are striving to elevate women, MasterChef is trying to do the same. In 2020, Melissa Leong became the first woman – and woman of colour – to be a judge on the Aussie version of the show. 

In 2024, former contestant, Poh Ling Yeow and food critic, Sofia Levin joined, forming half of a new combination of judges that also includes chef and restauranteur Jean-Christophe Novelli and returning judge Andy Allen. 

According to Sofia, it’s a great step in better representing women in food and entertainment careers. 

“I think it’s extremely important to have women on such a public television show in particular,” she tells Missing Perspectives. “And you look at the different MasterChefs around the world, and the standard is kind of two to three Eurocentric middle-aged men. That’s it, and that’s just the way that it’s been.” 

The current season of MasterChef in the US features Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Tiffany Derry as judges, while Gregg Wallace and John Torode judged the last UK season. 

In Australia, the original judging trio featured Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston. From 2020 to 2023, the Australian judging panel featured Andy Allen, Jock Zonfrillo and Melissa Leong. 

Sofia notes that this “standard” or “traditional format” of more white men is typical of what we’ve seen in the past.

“That’s that traditional format in kitchens as well, which is becoming more and more outdated. When I say old-school chefs, there’s a very clear picture that I think comes to a lot of people’s minds for a reason,” she says.

“So, it’s amazing to have us there, because there are also so many female contestants – and also because you look at so many food cultures around the world, and they are run by women. “You’re down the streets in some countries, and the men are like playing cards and having a beer, and the women are running the food stores, as well as the families.”

The TV star believes there’s a unique flair to the way in which females create dishes, and she can often tell the difference when she tastes food while dining out.

“There is something really beautiful about the female touch in food. I think this might be a bit of a controversial thing to say,” she laughs, “but I feel like a lot of the time you can tell the difference between food in a restaurant that’s been made by someone who identifies as female – and it might just have that extra attention or softness.

“Even in the way that she might run a kitchen, compared to men,” she adds. “And I’ve spoken to men about this as well, and they often agree.” 

We’ll definitely be paying the utmost attention next time we dine out! In the meantime, we have plenty of MasterChef Australia to watch, with the 2025 season well underway.

It features 24 cast members: Alana Lowes (Season 3), Andre Ursini (Season 1), Audra Morrice (Season 4), Beau Cook (Season 4), Ben Macdonald (Season 6), Callum Hann (Season 2, Season 12), Cath Collins (Season 15), Darrsh Clarke (Season 16), Declan Cleary (Season 15), Depinder Chhibber (Season 13), Jamie Fleming (Season 6), Jimmy Wong (Season 8), Laura Sharrad (Season 6, Season 12), Matt Hopcraft (Season 7), Pete Campbell (Season 13), Rhiannon Anderson (Season 15), Rue Mupedzi (Season 15), Samira El Khafir (Season 5), Sarah Todd (Season 6, Season 14), Sav Perera (Season 16), Snezana Calic (Season 16), Steph de Sousa (Season 11), Theo Loizou (Season 15) and Tim Bone (Season 11).

MasterChef Australia: Back To Win airs on Sunday at 7pm, and Monday to Wednesday at 7:30pm on Channel 10 and 10 Play.