MasterChef Brinner
Flavour combos net vet victory in ‘best-ever’ final
CLUTCHING his MasterChef trophy, winner Brin Pirathapan wants to spice up his life by becoming a professional chef.
he triumphed in the final of the 20th series with a mouth-watering menu which included a main course of spiced venison loin, beef short-rib and pickled mushroom tartlet.
And it hugely impressed judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace, with John declaring it was the “best final they have ever done”.
he added: “Brin is an extraordinary cook and an amazing talent.
“he takes combinations that don’t sound like they belong together, but they actually work.
“he’s delivered three absolutely sensational courses that could grace the table of any restaurant up and down the land.”
Veterinary surgeon Brin won a close final against Louise Lyons Macleod and Chris Willoughby, both 44.
The 29-year-old said: “I’m absolutely chuffed to bits. I can’t breathe.
“I’m a big mix of my background, my culture and all the opportunities my parents have given me. They’ve been incredible and I’ve done it for them as much as I’ve done it for myself.
“The experience itself has been incredible and to top it off with this is just the most amazing thing, .”
Brin grew up in Chelmsford, essex and moved for his veterinary studies to Bristol, where he still lives with his fiancee, Anna – who he says is his biggest supporter, and occasional critic.
The pair are due to marry this summer.
he credits his parents, who are originally from Sri Lanka, for inspiring his love of food and flavour.
“Cooking definitely runs in my family. I’m really lucky that I’ve got this amazing spicy culinary background from my parents,” he said.
“They are great cooks and I’ve been lucky enough to be treated to amazing Tamil Sri Lankan flavours”
Looking to the future, he added: “I’d love to have a future in the food industry. Waking up every morning knowing that I’m doing something I absolutely love would be a great feeling. It would be incredible to write a cookbook and explore supper clubs or private dining.
“Longer term, I’d love food to take me all over the world.
“MasterChef has already given me an opportunity to cook for some of my absolute heroes – including Tom Kitchin, Monica Galetti, Pierre Koffman. I’d love to do another Chef ’s Table for more of the greats and see what they really think of my food.
“I’ve got so much more to learn and this is hopefully just the beginning.”
During his final week on the show, MasterChef took Brin on the trip of a lifetime with the final four contestants travelling to Singapore – one of the world’s most vibrant and multicultural food cities.
Brin cooked for discerning locals under the godfather of Singapore heritage cuisine, chef Damian D’Silva.
he also produced a dish from Michelin-starred chef Malcolm Lee’s high-end menu at his restaurant Pangium, and toiled away at Singaporean stoves to host a VIP lunch.
Looking back over his time on MasterChef, Brin said: “My personal highlight of the competition was the 20th anniversary dinner.
“Receiving a huge standing ovation from a room full of culinary royalty was one of the greatest feelings I’ve ever had.
“I’ve loved cooking for John and Gregg but it’s been absolutely nerve racking and waiting for their feedback during tastings feels like an eternity.
“They are such a pleasure to cook for. No matter how stressful this competition can be, it’s been fantastic, one of the greatest experiences.”
■ Series 20 of MasterChef is available on BBC iPlayer.
I’m lucky I have this amazing spicy food background Brin PirathaPan Masterchef Winner