Chef Luke Nguyen Puts Cooks to the Ultimate Pressure Test on “MasterChef Australia”

Get ready for yet another week full of surprise guest judges on “MasterChef Australia: Secrets & Surprises“. Tonight, chef Luke Nguyen heats things up in the kitchen as the contestants face the toughest pressure test yet. Luke Nguyen, the owner and chef of the renowned Sydney restaurant Red Lantern, has become a prominent figure in the world of Vietnamese cuisine. Now, he’s ready to put the “MasterChef Australia” contestants to the test.

In tonight’s pressure test, Luke will challenge the cooks to recreate his iconic Beef Pho — without a recipe. That’s right, the home cooks will be relying solely on their taste buds and intuition. The person whose dish tastes the least like Luke’s will, sadly, be sent home.

Who Is Luke Nguyen?

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Born in 1978 in Thailand to Vietnamese parents, Luke’s upbringing was filled with the rich flavours and traditions of his heritage. After resettling in Sydney, Australia, his parents passed on their knowledge of Vietnamese cooking, instilling in him a deep appreciation for the art of flavour balance.

At a young age, Luke discovered his passion for the hospitality industry while working at his parents’ Vietnamese noodle house in Cabramatta. Eager to explore his culinary aspirations, he took a leap of faith and, at 23 years old, opened Red Lantern in Surry Hills. This intimate Vietnamese restaurant, nestled in a heritage-listed terrace house, quickly became a culinary gem, enchanting its diners with authentic flavours and cultural experience.

Luke’s culinary journey didn’t stop there, though. He co-founded GRAIN, a cooking studio in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, dedicated to showcasing the best of Vietnamese cuisine to both local and international guests. In 2009, Luke and Suzanna Boyd established The Little Lantern Foundation in Hoi An, providing disadvantaged youths with opportunities for hospitality training in their operating hotel, restaurant, and bar.

Additionally, Luke has taken his culinary adventures to the small screen, hosting the SBS Television food documentaries “Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam” and “Luke Nguyen’s France,” captivating audiences worldwide.

Luke Nguyen Cookbooks

Luke’s expertise and passion for Vietnamese cuisine have brought him widespread acclaim. He has authored bestselling cookbooks, including “Secrets of the Red Lantern” and “Songs of Sapa,” which offer readers a glimpse into the vibrant world of Vietnamese cooking.

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