{"id":19341,"date":"2026-05-27T06:30:24","date_gmt":"2026-05-27T06:30:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/19341\/"},"modified":"2026-05-27T06:30:24","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T06:30:24","slug":"adelaide-born-chef-makes-it-to-masterchef-uk-semi-finals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/19341\/","title":{"rendered":"Adelaide-born chef makes it to MasterChef UK semi-finals"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Image Credit: BBC<\/p>\n

South Australia is known for producing its fair share of culinary icons (and more than a few\u00a0MasterChef\u00a0favourites) throughout the years, but now there\u2019s another name we can proudly add to the list.<\/p>\n

Adelaide-born Kristen Dodd spent her formative years right here in our backyard, developing a love of cooking from a young age. Now, after 20 years living in London, she\u2019s traded her communications career for what she calls an \u201cadult gap year\u201d, determined to discover what else life might have in store for her.<\/p>\n

Safe to say it\u2019s paid off. With the MasterChef UK semi-finals airing next week, Kristen has found herself in the top eight, and we couldn\u2019t be prouder!<\/p>\n

\u201cThe show has given me a wonderful platform to talk about my South Australian heritage, food and culture. <\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly, Australian\u00a0MasterChef\u00a0was a huge inspiration for me applying for the UK show, and South Australia even more so, with so many\u00a0MasterChef\u00a0contestants (and winners) hailing from Adelaide,\u201d Kristen told Glam.<\/p>\n

Her love of cooking began like it has for so many Aussie chefs: around a big family table. <\/p>\n

\u201cI grew up near Seacliff, went to Adelaide University and my parents still live in the Adelaide Hills. <\/p>\n

\u201cI moved to London when I was 21 and have stayed for the last 20 years.\u201d<\/p>\n

But beyond those early inspirations, Kristen\u2019s signature cooking style draws heavily from the bold flavours and cuisines of Asia; the kinds of dishes that we, South Australians, can\u2019t get enough of. <\/p>\n

Although she\u2019s deep in the cooking show now, it wasn\u2019t a decision she took lightly to join. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt took me a long time to pluck up the courage to leave my job,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHitting 40 was a turning point; I realised I needed a change. I wanted to spend more time with my kids and explore what truly makes me happy \u2013 food. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe comfort of a corporate role was hard to let go of, but I feel incredibly fortunate to have the support to take that leap.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI constantly remind myself that fear is just excitement in disguise. <\/p>\n

\u201cMy kids have been a fantastic source of encouragement. They have this wonderfully clear perspective that everyone should do something they love and showing them that it is possible \u2013 even at 40 \u2013 helped to keep the doubts at bay.\u201d<\/p>\n

On Instagram, Kristen has been sharing some of the signature recipes that helped carry her through the competition, inspiring the rest of us to tie on an apron, throw star anise and chilli into a hot pan, and make our kitchens smell like a MasterChef\u00a0set.<\/p>\n

Take a look at this Thai-cured sea bream \u2013 the bright colours alone feel like a proclamation of the bold flavours to follow.<\/p>\n

We don\u2019t know about you, but after watching that, we\u2019re suddenly considering a quick mid-week Woolies run for sea bream fillets and a bag of limes.<\/p>\n

But even if cooking up an entire Thai-cured sea bream feels a little ambitious for a Wednesday night, there are still plenty of ways to \u201cKristen-ify\u201d your home cooking. <\/p>\n

Kristin shared that the one dish that transports her back to South Australia is prawns.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery time I cook them I am taken back to a 40 degree Christmas Day in Adelaide. It was always my job to peel and devein the prawns and whip up the Thousand Island dressing.\u201d<\/p>\n

While Kristen\u2019s focus is firmly on\u00a0MasterChef\u00a0as the competition reaches the pointy end of the season, there\u2019s been plenty on up and downs. <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve dealt with lots of high-pressure situations, but I was surprised by my ability to find a higher gear when I\u2019m up against the clock.\u201d <\/p>\n

\u201cThat, and how sharp mandolins actually are \u2013 I sliced my fingers daily.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kristin hopes to share her love of cooking and vibrant flavours with a personalised cookbook about \u201cpickling, fermenting and hosting\u201d in the future.<\/p>\n

\u201cI truly hope this is the start of something new. \u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d love to write a cookbook that encourages people to experiment with food and techniques that sound intimidating, but are actually straight forward \u2013 like curing, smoking, fermenting and pickling.\u201d <\/p>\n

\u201cNo matter what, communications will always underpin what I do next \u2013 whether it is writing, broadcasting, or even launching a food business.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"Image: MasterChef UK contestants, Credit: BBC<\/p>\n

And while this Adelaide local may feel a world away for now, we\u2019re hopeful she might one day return to her old stomping ground. Until then, we\u2019ll be cheering her on from behind the TV and keeping up with her latest culinary creations on Instagram.<\/p>\n

Her family and friends back home have been her biggest supporters.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy mum has probably told the entire city, even tracking down my old teachers to share the news \u2013 \u2018proud\u2019 is probably an understatement.\u201d <\/p>\n

\u201cIt has been so wonderful to reconnect with people I haven\u2019t seen in decades, reminiscing about making scones in year 8 Home Economics class and cooking on a trangia in the pouring rain on year 9 camp.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

To watch Kristen compete in real time, South Aussies will have to set their alarms! Episodes are set to air at 4:30am ACST on Thursday 28 May, Friday 29 May and Saturday 30 May, with episodes also available to stream afterwards on BritBox.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re sure we can speak for the rest of South Australia when we say: good luck, Kristen! You\u2019ve already made SA proud.<\/p>\n

Adelaide Chef Kristen Dodd makes Masterchef UK semi-finals
When: Semi-finals week: 4:30am ACST, on Thursday 28 May, Friday 29 May and Saturday 30 May
For more information, click here.<\/a><\/p>\n

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