Throughout his time on MasterChef Australia, Olaolu Olorunnimbe was determined to put Nigerian cooking front and centre.
Born and raised in the country’s bustling city, Lagos, before moving to Sydney in 2017, the 34-year-old has always considered it home.
Sadly, he was sent home on June 1, and told New Idea that his final dish, which was a Breakfast Trifle, wasn’t his “finest” work.
“I was spooked because I ran out of time during yesterday’s cook, and so I picked a concept that I knew I could get done in time, but wasn’t quite right, in hindsight,” he told us.
When asked if he had any regrets, it was the lack of time he had in the kitchen.
“Just wish I stayed longer so I could show more Nigerian cuisine,” he shared, but said he was proud of his progress during the competition.
He assured fans that this wouldn’t be the last we saw of him, and told New Idea that he hoped to hold some pop-up events where he combined Nigerian flavours with other things he picked up during the competition.
As for what advice he gives people who want to try and make Nigerian food at home?
“Don’t overthink it – find a recipe that looks good to you and go for it. And embrace the heat!”
During his time on the show, his beef efo riro with semo (semolina) became a turning point. The traditional Nigerian stew, which usually features spinach, was one of his late father’s favourite dishes.
The dish also earned him the $10,000 prize during Nostalgia Week, where the contestants were tasked with showcasing their family trees.
When asked how it felt to win that prize with a dish that was close to his heart, Olaolu exclusively told New Idea that it “feels like something from a movie”.
“I’ve had an up and down time in the kitchen, and I’ve often found myself overawed by the amazing chefs around me,” he explained.
As for what he’d spend the money on? He isn’t sure yet, but it’ll “almost certainly be food related”.
On the show, the brand consultant from New South Wales said he became more serious about his cooking after his father passed away, and after he moved to England and tolerated bland food at a boarding school.
“I’ve lived in a few different countries, but always called Lagos home,” he told us.
“Being able to use food to tell that story on a national and global scale feels like a huge privilege, or like I’ve won some kind of lottery, so I’m incredibly grateful. I hope this is just the beginning of Nigerian food on MasterChef Australia – I’d love to see more contestants do their thing on this stage.”
He has become a fan favourite throughout the competition, and he’s thankful for all of the “incredible” support. But that doesn’t mean that there haven’t been hard times in the kitchen.
“The competition has been hugely challenging and things haven’t always gone my way so far, but I’ve learned so much about food and about myself,” he told New Idea.
Olaolu even admitted that his bad luck with his Kofta and quick flatbread from earlier in the season still kept him up at night!
Fans also have shared their frustration when his food hasn’t been tasted. When asked how he felt about that part of the competition, he acknowledged that it was just part of the competition.
“It’s a competition and I’ve been cooking alongside incredibly talented people, who are plating incredible dishes,” he shared.
“When my dish isn’t tasted, it’s an opportunity to learn, and it gives me a little extra fire to make something irresistible next time.”
Keep watching MasterChef Australia every Sunday at 7pm, and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 7.30pm, on Channel 10 and 10Play.
