John Torode and Gregg Wallace both shed a tear during the 2023 MasterChef final as they confirmed Chariya Khattiyot had won the series after a tense battle in the kitchen.
Chariya fought off strong competition from Anurag Aggarwal and Omar Foster on Friday to become the 19th amateur cook to claim the coveted title on BBC One’s beloved cooking competition.
Reacting to her win, Chariya said: "This is unbelievable. It means the world, the sun, the moon and everything to me. I don’t think anything can top this. I’m so happy!
"This just proves that if you dream something and you work really hard and you never give up, you can get it. That’s what my grandad said to me – never give up. He would be so proud of me!”
MasterChef judge, John commented: “Chariya’s food has always been honest and from the heart. It’s always exciting, it’s always unusual and it’s always been beautiful and addictive. And not just punchy, exciting Thai flavours that we saw at the start, but also exceptional, innovative and exciting technique all the way through. A proper master.”
Gregg added: “Chariya is outstanding and one of the best MasterChef contestants I can remember. Chariya has delighted and amazed me in equal measure. Some of her creations are absolutely beautiful - almost with an artist’s touch. She is one of the most creative, skillful cooks I’ve seen on MasterChef for a long, long time.”
Chariya’s winning menu started with a Thai Lotus Tuille, filled with Coconut Jelly, Fried King Prawns, Pomelo Fruit Salad, flavoured with Honey, Palm Sugar and Coconut.
For her main course, the subsequent winner served a traditional Northern Thai “Khantoke” Sharing Platter of Wagyu Sirloin Steak in Hung Lay Curry Sauce, Minced Lamb in a Spicy Tomato and Shrimp Paste, Jackfruit and Scallop Salad, Sticky Rice and Scallop Crisp Crackers.
Chariya finished her menu with her take on Strawberries and Cream - a Strawberry Jelly and Vanilla Cremeux Ring, filled with Macerated Strawberries in Strawberry Liqueur, Pistachio Sponge, Strawberry Shards and a Strawberry and Thai Basil Sauce.
The MasterChef champion's love of cooking stems from growing up in Northern Thailand with her grandad before she moved to the UK with her fiancé Adam, whom she met in Japan whilst studying there in her early twenties.
MasterChef Series 19 is available to catch up on iPlayer.
