Theo, you’ve brought an undeniable energy and charm to the MasterChef kitchen — what was your first memory of falling in love with food, and did you ever imagine it would lead you here?
When I was little, my yiayia [Greek for grandmother] would bake bread and my dad would pick up a huge 2kg loaf for our family. It would last us the whole week.
I loved fresh bread (and still do), so coming home from school to my yiayia’s loaf was like a warm hug. At first, it’d be piping hot so we would rip off a piece and it would just be delicious. Overtime, we would get a different texture and flavour. By the end of the loaf, we would toast it and it would still be just as delicious.
I wouldn’t have believed it at the time, but that memory has inspired my ongoing passion for bread and baking.
MasterChef is as much about resilience as it is about recipes. What was the most defining moment for you in the competition that shaped your mindset?
The Dough Fest team challenge [Episode 27, Season 17]. I was leading my team and we cooked amazing dishes. We were a well-oiled machine and we didn’t have any problems. We absolutely smashed it. I felt right at home centring dough in all our dishes.
It feels like the world is like looking at bread differently now, so it was a great chance to showcase how dynamic it can be.
Greek heritage, Aussie spirit, and a creative flair — how do these influences fuse into your style of cooking? Is there a dish that defines “Theo” on a plate?
My culture has a massive influence on my style of cooking. I enjoy showing a mixture of my culture and my personality on the plate. I’m so glad I could showcase more dishes that were inspired by my heritage this season of MasterChef Australia.
I don’t think there’s just one dish that defines me on a plate, but I’ve been obsessed with perfecting sourdough for the past ten years. It’s a never-ending pursuit that will never be perfect to me, but I love the challenge of having to trust the process. You need to be patient to reap the rewards.
From the mystery box pressure to emotional eliminations, what did this experience teach you about yourself — not just as a cook, but as a person?
That I can be kind to myself while still pushing myself. You don’t have to be hard on yourself to make progress. You can find a balance.
Outside the apron and camera lights, what’s next for Theo? Any dreams you’re cooking up — a restaurant, a cookbook, or perhaps inspiring future chefs?
The next chapter of my culinary journey is opening a bakery. It’s well on its way so keep an eye out on my social media (@theegram) for more.
MasterChef Australia: Back to Win continues Sunday at 7pm, and Monday to Wednesday at 7:30pm on 10 and 10 Play.
As an experienced media and communications professional, I serve as Advisor to:
-Digital Journalists Association of India (DIJAI)
-Sansad Ratna Awards, which honour top-performing Indian MPs.
-PreSense, India’s oldest volunteer-run digital magazine.
In Australia, I host shows for Radio Bollywood Beats and Friends World TV, highlighting diaspora voices and changemakers.
I am the Global Head of Partnerships and Australian Ambassador for Mission ShakthiSAT—the world’s first all-female-led space initiative—I help empower over 12,000 young women across 108 countries, with a strong focus on mentoring students in science journalism.
