“For the most part, Australian diners are familiar with kimchi, Korean fried chicken and even bimbimbap - those deliciously nourishing bowls of rice topped with a rainbow of veggies and grilled meat - but that's where some folks' awareness stops.”

Australian food writer and television host

Melissa Leong is an Australian food writer, critic, television host, radio broadcaster, cookbook editor, and marketer. She is best known for her work in food media and for appearing as a judge on Australian television. She has written and spoken widely about food across print, radio, and television. Leong is a judge on Network 10's Dessert Masters alongside Amaury Guichon, and she previously judged MasterChef Australia from 2020 to 2023 with Andy Allen and Jock Zonfrillo.