Alvin Quah talks about life since MasterChef

March 26th, 2012

Ovens & Cooking

Before MasterChef, Alvin Quah was a scientist working in the pharmaceutical industry. Then in 2010, after being inspired by the first season of the show, Alvin decided to audition for the second season of MasterChef.

With a warm smile, a playful approach to cooking and a quick sense of humour, Alvin soon became an audience favourite, and since the show he has forged a successful career as a TV chef and food blogger.

This week we were lucky enough to catch up with Alvin, and we’re happy to report he’s every bit as friendly as he seems on screen! Check out our interview below to discover what it’s like to meet your culinary heroes, and what it takes to become a MasterChef:

What inspired you to apply for MasterChef?

Poh from Series 1. She was cooking some Malaysian food that was near and dear to me.

How has the MasterChef experience changed your life?

It has opened so many doors and introduced me to the wonderful world of cooking, sustainable eating and delightful chefs.

What was it like meeting Matt Preston?

At first he was quite scary but now, I just want to have him over for dinner and let him go off in his usual story-telling ways.

Did you ever get to meet your MasterChef hero Poh?

Believe it or not it took me a year to meet her in person! I was on the phone to her a lot and exchanged numerous SMS after I left the show.

Any advice for someone hoping to become the next MasterChef?

Learn your basic recipes and skills. Aside from that, be persistent and know what your goal is. We all want different things from the show. If you set your objectives early and avoid being seduced by the ‘fame’ you can come out of it a winner regardless of ranking.

Before you entered MasterChef you were a Scientific Affairs Manager – would you say cooking is more of an art or a science?

For me, cooking is a mixture of both although I cook more like an artist than a scientist.

You were eliminated from MasterChef because of Adriano Zumbo’s eight layered ‘V8’ vanilla cake. Do you hold a grudge against Zumbo?

A grudge? Me? No!! Never! Would I step into a Zumbo establishment, probably not…but that is not the grudge talking, it’s the trauma.

What have you been up to since MasterChef?

I have been cooking all over the country, been invited to South Africa (once in Durban and twice in Johannesburg) three times to cook, cooked for the Lord Mayor of Sydney, met Gordon Ramsay, Ainsley Harriott and am now an AYAM ambassador. I will be flying to Malaysia in April to film an online content for AYAM using their range of sauces and coconut milk.

What are your favourite and least favourite foods?

Favourite food would be Malaysian Hawker style Hokkien noodles. My least favourite food would be the V8 cake (oh, was that the trauma talking again??)

Which kitchen appliance do you use the most?

My mini food processor which I have had for 8 years…and sadly it is on its way out so if you know of anyone who wants to give me a new one… 🙂

Is there an appliance you wish you owned?

Yes! An ice cream maker.

Have you ever used an appliance in an unusual way (like steaming fish in the dishwasher or cooking eggs in the kettle)?

Haven’t done any of that but when I was a student in Melbourne, I was so poor that I couldn’t afford much to eat so for dinner, I would buy a piece of chicken Maryland, put in a cup of water, sprinkle with a little salt and pepper and microwave it for 8-10 minutes. That’s my student chicken soup. It’s embarrassing to admit it but it was really tasty back then!

Finally, what are your plans for the future?

I want to continue to enjoy what I do which is cooking, and continue to meet lovely and interesting people all around the world.

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Thanks very much to Alvin for taking the time to talk to us, it was a pleasure! Alvin’s blog is called Cinnamon Pig – it’s got some great photos and delicious recipes, mmm.

And MasterChef fans, stay tuned to the Appliances Online blog for more news about the show coming up soon. 🙂

And here’s Alvin cooking up a storm on YouTube – seafood Laksa, yum!