JUSTIN WHO?
By Pragna Nerella
Justin Narayan, a 27-year-old Indian-Fijian youth pastor from Perth, clinched the title of Masterchef Australia 2021. Justin broke the internet with his win as his journey was a little bit more complicated and different when compared to the rest of the contestants.
We all can agree on how Justin started in the competition, he was gone unnoticed most of the time and was struggling to find his style of cooking. But just like any ordinary person, Justin had his turning point too and for him, it was the Barter Mystery Box Challenge. The challenge was to cook with vegetables and no protein. Trusting his guts, Justin made a slow roast pumpkin, with a sweet and sour grape glaze, charred leek puree with pickled and crispy broccoli. To his surprise, the judges loved the dish and this is where things started to change for him. He consistently managed to impress the judges with his creativity and delicious dishes.
Judges and the other contestants named him “Captain Consistency” after winning an immunity challenge against Depinder. It was a major confidence boost for Justin.
Being an Indian-Fijian in Australia, Justin always loved Indian food and highlighted Indian cooking style throughout the competition. From Daal chawal to chicken curry,
Justin managed to nail the flavours and as Jock says it “ The flavour profile is alchemic”. It was a delight to watch Indian cuisine being highly appreciated in a foreign land and how often we don’t realise the true value of it. Justin and Depinder, both elevated simple Indian dishes to Michelin star-worthy dishes.
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This season of Masterchef Australia witnessed some fine friendships. The way the contestants supported each other on and off screens was a treat to watch. Justin and Pete Campbell shared a series of bromances throughout the competition, making this season more fun to watch. They always joked about being in the finale together, so for that to become a reality was unreal!
The healthy competition pushed them to their limits and grow as cooks and human beings.
Another important milestone in Justin’s distinctive journey is Martin Benn’s “Society” Challenge. Justin had to create a main course highlighting “Tarragon”. Justin went all out and created a Michelin star-worthy dish (IT WAS FREAKING DISH OF THE DAY).
He cooked a butter-poached lobster with tarragon. The butter emulsion was beautiful, velvety, rich and delicious. The pickled radish on top with the caviar complemented the perfectly butter-poached medallion of lobster. Martin said and I quote, “ You can easily find this in any Michelin star restaurant across Europe.” This challenge proved his worth and how he grew throughout the competition. Justin’s dish was the dish of the night and he escaped elimination like a pro.
Having worked as a youth pastor to help create a fun and safe community for teenagers, Justin has gone out on a limb to chase his culinary dreams, resigning from his job to fully commit. He always tried to give his hundred per cent in all the challenges and his attitude to never give up made him win the competition.
Justin was a common man with ordinary dreams like most of us, but he set out an example to live life and follow our passions, cause we only live once right? ❤
