In an emotional episode that aired Monday night (August 4), beloved cook Depinder Chhibber was eliminated from MasterChef Australia: Back to Win, narrowly missing out on a spot in the Top 3. The episode marked a bittersweet end to what has been a deeply inspiring journey for the New South Wales-based pharmacist, mother of two, and proud representative of the Australian South Asian community.
Depinder reached the Top 4—an extraordinary achievement in a season packed with returning stars and intense culinary challenges. But in the high-stakes all-in elimination episode, one small misstep proved costly. She served a beautifully spiced Indian-inspired savoury dish featuring cinnamon, apple chutney, and a bold chilli gravy, crowned with a scotch egg. Unfortunately, the undercooked egg white in the scotch egg led to her elimination, despite the judges praising her expert use of cinnamon and exceptional flavour work.
Depinder’s journey on MasterChef Australia has always been about more than just food. Known for her deep connection to her Indian roots and bold use of spices, she cooked with warmth, emotion, and integrity throughout the competition. From technical desserts to vibrant savoury dishes, she showcased the depth and diversity of Indian cuisine with elegance and authenticity. In her final cook, she demonstrated exactly what she brought to this season—a fearless spirit. “That’s the cook I’ve become in this kitchen,” she said during the episode, aware of the high risk she was taking with her dish. Her gamble reflected not just determination, but the growth she’s experienced since her original appearance in Season 13.
After the elimination, Depinder shared a heartfelt message on social media: “Although it might look like my MasterChef Australia journey has come to an end, this is just the start. It’s surreal to think I made it all the way to the Top 4. This experience has been more than a cooking competition; it’s been a life-changing lesson in resilience, creativity, and friendship.” She went on to thank the judges—Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin, Andy Allen, and Jean-Christophe Novelli—as well as her fellow contestants who had become like family. “My passion for food has only grown stronger, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds,” she added.
For many viewers—especially those from South Asian backgrounds—Depinder’s presence on MasterChef Australia was profoundly meaningful. She proudly represented a new generation of Australian cooks who are deeply rooted in heritage yet unafraid to innovate. With each challenge, she brought flavours, techniques, and stories that echoed kitchens across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and beyond.
The MasterChef Australia media kit notes Depinder’s personal evolution: from a part-time pharmacist and mother of two to a culinary personality running her own supper club, Ghar, where she celebrates homestyle Indian thalis. Her rise has inspired many to dream big, chase passion over comfort, and blend culture with creativity.
While her run on MasterChef Australia: Back to Win has come to an end, Depinder’s food journey is only just beginning. With plans to write a cookbook and expand her supper club offerings, her future is as vibrant as her plating. Her fans, judges, and fellow contestants all agree—this isn’t goodbye, but the start of something greater.
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.
