Last Friday, Elena Duggan — a teacher of creative and performing arts at Galston High School in Sydney —  aced MasterChef Australia 2016 (telecast on STAR World). t2 caught up with the 32-year-old on the big win, her top MasterChef moments and the road ahead.

Congratulations! Are you aware that you are a household name in India since MasterChef Australia is so popular here?

(Laughs) Yes, I have been getting a feel of that ever since I won the title. I have been overwhelmed by the kind of response that I have been getting from across the globe, including India. My social media has been flooded with messages. It’s been so humbling and inspiring. 

What was the winning moment like?

Oh, very, very special. More than anything else, just the opportunity to share it with my family that was there in the finale with me! They have seen my journey with MasterChef from the outside, so just to celebrate my hard work with them and the support they have given me throughout was special. I can’t compare anything else in my life to that moment. 

What made you give it your all in the last round when you were three points behind co-finalist Matt Sinclair?

The finale was the most nervous I found myself to be in the entire season. I made a conscious decision to shake off the nerves and the pressure and go in thinking that I was just going to have fun. This was going to be my last cook in the MasterChef kitchen and I wanted to have that joy and energy that allowed me to think more clearly and be myself and perform well under pressure. 
  
At what point did you think you could be Australia’s next MasterChef?

I don’t know if I ever specifically thought like that, but when I was in the Top 10, I looked around at all of us and I thought that just any of us could be there, you know… any of us could win this. Honestly, I don’t think the prize or the winning was ever my motivation. My motivation was making sure I got to cook out there every day (smiles). To be able to win at the end was the most magnificent bonus.

You didn’t make it to the top 25 in 2015. What motivated you to bounce back and give it a go again in 2016?

Yes, I did try in 2015, but when I look back, I am glad I didn’t get in because it just wasn’t my year! (Laughs) And when I didn’t make it, I tried to use that as motivation to push harder and harder and to train myself well enough to make sure I got selected when I applied this year.  

Looking back, what would you count as your top moments on the show?

One would definitely be at the winery (at Inglewood Estate, Napa Valley) when I was fast-tracked to the finals on the basis of my winning dish (Quail, grapes and goat’s cheese). That was one of my absolutely favourite cooks and the whole day I felt so thoroughly inspired. Another big moment would be our time in San Francisco where I was totally in awe of (celebrity chef) Dominique Crenn. I think she looks at and thinks of food in a very different way… almost like that of a poet or an artist. And another very memorable moment early on in the show was our first Team Challenge at the Plough Hotel  (in Melbourne) in which Elise (Franciskovic, contestant) and I really began to enjoy ourselves to come up with the winning dishes of the day.     

And the moments you wouldn’t want to relive again?

Nothing really with respect to the show, but the toughest part of the whole MasterChef experience was being away from my family and my partner (Eric) for so long. I wouldn’t want that to happen again (smiles).

Your gesture of helping out Matt when he was struggling in the final round brought a smile to everyone’s face. Did you do it because he was a friend or are you someone who would always do something like that?

I am the kind of person who, if I am fond of someone or have a friendship with someone, I can’t see them going through pain. I could tell that Matt was having a tough time and considering we have gone through so many tough situations together during the course of the show, it was a natural reflex to reach out. I am sure he would have done the same thing for me since we are such good mates.  

Who have become friends for life?

Karmen (Lu) and I formed a special bond and when we went to America together, we all became like one big family. Matt, Elise, Trent (Harvey) and Mimi (Baines) are my absolute closest friends. I know I can count on them for anything. Over and above, I have made 23 new friends after this experience.  

Are you a fan of Indian food and is there anything Indian you like to rustle up?

My partner and I absolutely adore Mango Lassi and we could do just about anything for it! (Laughs) In terms of whole meals, there are so many things Indian that I really like. I can’t have food that’s very spicy, but a lot of my friends love it. I am quite a fan of Chicken Makhani and I do make it sometimes. But there is definitely a lot more I want to explore about Indian food.   

What’s your message for a teen in India who has a passion and talent for cooking and wants to be where you are?

Just keep pushing… work harder. Know your strengths well and your weaknesses even better. And if you have a food dream, never lose sight of it. And just keep cooking (smiles). 

And finally, when is that dream farm cafe coming up?

My farm cafe is a long-term goal. I am taking baby steps towards it now. I think it would be naive of me to open it straightaway without any experience. I am now going to be doing some work experience both in Australia and California over the next six months. In the meantime, I am going to keep on writing recipes and, of course, keep on cooking (smiles). 

Did Elena deserve to win MasterChef Australia 2016? Tell t2@abp.in