Georgia Is the Winner of Junior MasterChef & We Could All Learn Something From Her Perseverance

Georgia took home the trophy in tonight’s Junior MasterChef finale, after impressing the judges (and her mum!) in a two-course fine dining cook.

She drew on her Sri Lankan heritage to make her main course in 90 minutes, a trio of curries, with cucumber yoghurt, papadums and rice. While she acknowledged she’d overextended herself, she was determined to plate up all the elements, which, after tasting, had Jock Zonfrillo saying she was just ahead of Carter and Filo.

Then for the 90-minute dessert course, she aimed to make a toasted coconut ice cream slice, but ended up serving up a “Tropical Mess”, drawing on Australian and Sri Lankan flavours like lemongrass and coconut, and Davidson plums. Unfortunately, her ice cream didn’t set and her crumb fell apart, which led her to nearly quit, harking back to last night’s comment that, “This is the face of despair” (that’s literally what she said when she saw Kirsten Tibballs’ lemon meringue tart).

When she started to tear up, she received a barrage of encouraging words from the judges, her mum and Carter, pushing her to finish her dish. Her mum even rushed down from the gantry to reassure her, giving her the biggest hug and the best advice. Georgia finally decided on the deconstructed route, relying on her delicious flavours, and ignoring her perfectionist impulse.

It was enough to win her the title, with Melissa Leong calling her menu the one she and the other judges would love to eat again and again.

On Instagram after the finale, Jock wrote: “I’ve never met an 11 yr old so respectful of others, polite, and with such a passion and understanding of food.

“Your balance of flavours, taste, and technique are well beyond your years. We were truly grateful to eat your delicious food time and time again, and for you to share your heritage and family with us.”

Andy Allen added in his own post: “Your passion to seek perfection is well beyond your age and you’re going to be something very special in years to come.”

Melissa shared her own messagefor the impressive mini chef: “Georgia. At 11, you are already out-classing kids twice your age in wisdom, self possession and grace (and obviously culinary talent). I am in awe of everything you bring to the table, and I am just so goddamn hopeful with you as our future. Congratulations little one, you did it!”

Here’s how fans of Junior MasterChef cheered Georgia along tonight and celebrated her victory!