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Meet your First MasterChef Asia Winner: Singaporean Woo Wai Leong!

By Flora / 11 Dec 2015 (Friday)

After thousands of applications from hopeful home-cooks across Asia, 15 talented contenders, and 15 weeks of intense culinary competition, Singaporean contestant Woo Wai Leong flew the Singapore flag high as he clinched the coveted title as Asia's first MasterChef!

Leong was a strong contender from the get-go; he delighted the judges with his “Chili Crab Pâte à Choux Gnocchi”, which fused Asian and Italian cooking styles to present a bold European twist to Singapore’s national dish. The judges, and guest chef, Janice Wong, were also wowed by the taste, creativity and presentation of Leong’s dessert in celebration of SG50.

Leong created a “Financier with Vermouth Cherries and Mascarpone Kaffir Lime Sorbet”. His dish resembled a junk boat, featuring financiers, a type of sponge cake, and meringue shards as the sails of the boat; infusing flavours of the Singapore Sling. An experienced bartender, the qualified lawyer likes to infuse alcohol with his cooking.

“Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve felt a deep passion for the kitchen.” said Leong, “This competition has been a real life changing experience and being Asia’s first MasterChef is definitely the proverbial icing on the cake. I am stoked about writing my first cookbook and you would definitely see unique food pairings and fusion of cuisines.”

(Read our interview with the Singaporean contestants and MasterChef Asia judges!)

Audra Morrice, judge on the inaugural season of MasterChef Asia, and former MasterChef Australia finalist commented “It has been an enriching journey to see Leong grow throughout the competition, and I look forward to seeing what he can achieve outside of the MasterChef kitchen.” Hong Kong born “Father of Fusion” and MasterChef Asia judge Susur Lee added, “Leong’s strong understanding of the foods he works with, and his ability to create bold fusion dishes has made him an outstanding contender throughout the competition.”

Bruno Ménard, three-Michelin starred chef and MasterChef Asia judge credited Leong for his technical skills. He said “The high level of technique Leong possesses, was what won him the competition. We are proud to be a part of his culinary journey and wish him the best in his career.”

Leong walks away with his very own cookbook, USD$50,000 cash prize, USD$10,000 worth of unique leisure experiences in Singapore, USD$15,000 worth of Panasonic home appliances, a one-year paid internship at one of Carlton Hotel Singapore’s restaurants and a one week stay at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

And of course, Leong has the bragging rights to the coveted title of being Asia’s first MasterChef.

MasterChef Asia aired on Lifetime (StarHub TV Ch. 514). If you think you can be the next MasterChef Asia, sign up for the upcoming season of the cooking competition!

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Meet your First MasterChef Asia Winner: Singaporean Woo Wai Leong!