NSW, 31, Performance Data Analyst

With a mix of Burmese, Taiwanese and Chinese heritage, Therese Lum is no stranger to bold flavours, pungent aromas and the art of balance in the kitchen. Born and raised in Sydney with younger sister Jillian, Therese has always loved cooking and has rich childhood memories of Cantonese feasts at her grandmother’s house.

During summer holidays, Therese’s family would often return to Taiwan to visit her mum’s family. Therese recalls visits to night markets, foraging and catching fresh shrimp to cook.

Adept at balancing flavours that pack a savoury punch, and following recipes, Therese also knows when she can flex more creative muscle in the kitchen. She has come to love desserts over the years and finds joy in learning new techniques to make beautiful, complex and delicious sweet treats.

Trained as a chartered accountant who now works in business analytics, Therese had previously applied for MasterChef Australia.

Tragically, she lost her close friend and foodie partner in crime Maggie to lung cancer in 2019. Her passing taught Therese not to take anything for granted, to be brave and to pursue all the things she wants in life.

Cooking for her family most days, Therese is also the designated chef and baker for special occasions. She says that without a doubt she spends most of her money on food, be it equipment, cookbooks, eating out or buying ingredients to do more cooking.

Therese has high standards for herself and knows she might struggle to ask for help sometimes, but looks forward to challenging herself in the MasterChef kitchen. She’s uber-competitive and knows she has what it takes to win.

She would love to teach Australia about Taiwanese and Burmese cuisines and hopes to start a line of pre-packaged dessert boxes and Asian-fusion noodle sauces.

In her spare time, Therese enjoys dining out with friends, coastal walks, strength training and indulging her creative side with pottery, painting and floristry.