Sarah Tiong: Masterchef Favourite Joins Poh Ling Yeow and Benjamin Law at OzAsia Festival
1. What can audiences expect from your event – A Night with Poh Ling Yeow and Sarah Tiong In Conversation with Benjamin Law?
I am a little star-struck and it feels a little surreal to be on a panel with Poh and Benjamin. These are two of the most interesting thinkers and magnetic personalities in Australia. Audiences can expect everything from funny moments to deep emotions and strong opinions on topics like food, culture, career and what it means to be Asian-Australian. Between the three of us up there, there will be many differing and shared experiences.
Benjamin Law - Credit Daniel Francisco Robles
2. Are there any restaurants you are looking forward to trying while you are in Adelaide?
My absolute favourite restaurant in Australia is actually Magill Estate Restaurant, so I've booked a sneaky date night in for my partner, Aya, and I. But my first stop in Adelaide, right off the plane, is always The Middle Store. It is the most heart-warming cafe by Rose and Haefa Adam and they have the best coffee. I'm also super keen to finally try Africola, Muni, and Peel St. It's a lot to conquer, but I'm determined.
3. How does it feel to be able to share your love of food and cooking with others at events like this?
I'm extremely lucky to be able to share my love of food, culture and cooking at events like this. It's the conversations about food experiences, cultural identity and curiosity that sparks a fire in me. This is how you create friendships and get inspired; it feels so special.
4. What have you been working on since audiences last saw you on Masterchef 2020?
The biggest news is that I am opening my own restaurant, along with another ex-MasterChef contestant, Rashedul Hasan. We're looking to open in December in Sydney. The restaurant is called OGNI (Bengali for 'fire') and serves a modern fusion of South and Southeast Asian cuisine. The concept really celebrates the modern Australian story, beautifully woven with South and Southeast Asian heritage.
I've also written a second cookbook which is out now called Modern Asian and it's really a tribute to my mother and how I grew up eating as an Asian-Australian. It's a little more unexpected and creative than my first book, Sweet, Savoury, Spicy. It's full of unique and almost experimental dishes that have delivered on flavour and texture every single time.
Poh Ling Yeow - credit Gretl Watson Blazewicz
5. Have you worked with Poh in the past?
Aside from working on MasterChef 2020 with Poh, I haven't had the pleasure of doing any food events with Poh yet. Poh and I are great friends and I look up to her very much as someone who is very special and important in my life. I have no doubt that if the opportunity to work together comes along, it will be an incredibly fun and uplifting experience.
Find out more or book tickets here.
More information from the OzAsia Festival 2023 edition of WeekendPlus:
OzAsia Festival: Annette Shun Wah Foreword
Something for everyone at OzAsia Festival
In Other Words returns to OzAsia Festival
Visual Arts at OzAsia Festival
Workshops & Masterclasses at OzAsia Festival
OzAsia Festival joins Adelaide Film Festival to present Contemporary Asian Cinema
OzAsia Festival – Special Offers
