“From hearty beet-red borscht and soft, pliable pierogi dumplings to dill-scented pickles and hearty braises, the food of Eastern Europe - that is The Ukraine, Russia, Hungary, Poland, Georgia and their close neighbours - is tasty stuff, but it's never really taken off in Australia in any significant way.”

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.