The iconic masterclasses returned, with judges and guest chefs sharing their techniques and secrets with contestants.
(Winner) : Known for her bold flavors and creative use of ingredients like bone marrow. Savindri Perera
Following the changes, Season 16 introduced a dynamic new lineup of judges who brought both nostalgia and fresh energy to the kitchen. masterchef australia season 16
: Premiered on April 22, 2024 , and ran for 50 episodes on Network 10. The Judging Panel
: The celebrity chef kicked off the season with a two-week stint, including a high-pressure "Keep Up with Jamie" elimination challenge. The iconic masterclasses returned, with judges and guest
After nearly 12 weeks of intense competition, the grand finale of Season 16 aired on 16 July 2024, pitting Nat Thaipun against Josh Perry.
: The season opened with international superstar Jamie Oliver : Premiered on April 22, 2024 , and
The caliber of home cooks in Season 16 was arguably the highest the show has ever seen. The casting focused heavily on diverse backgrounds, resulting in a rich tapestry of global cuisines represented across the mystery boxes and invention tests.
Age: 32, former nurse, from Perth Nat emerged as the season’s most consistent cook. Her Thai heritage heavily influenced her flavor profiles, but she excelled in European pastry and seafood. She never landed in the bottom three until the semi-finals. Her signature dish—a Crispy Barramundi with Tom Kha Broth, Pickled Watermelon, and Herbal Rice Powder —scored a rare 29/30 from the judges. In the finale, she beat her rival by cooking a four-course modern Australian-Thai tasting menu, with the dessert (coconut panna cotta, mango jelly, lemongrass granita) described by Melissa Leong as “perfection in textural contrast.”
: Episode 10 (Jock tribute) Worst episode : Episode 23 (filler “Leftovers Challenge”) Watch if : You like slow-burn winners, emotional but not mean-spirited judging, and learning why seasoning scrambled eggs is a life skill.
As the winner, Nat took home the grand prize of and the coveted MasterChef Australia trophy.