Over a decade on from his triumphant win on MasterChef Australia season four, Andy Allen is the success story that exemplifies what the nation’s favourite cooking show is all about.

Andy started as a sparky, but what really lit him up was getting creative in the kitchen and feeding whoever was home and hungry. Throughout his time on the show, he devoured every opportunity to learn and hone his skills. His hard work paid off when he was crowned winner of MasterChef Australia in 2012. As the show’s youngest winner at the time, Andy’s culinary journey was just heating up.

Andy used his success on the show as a springboard into incredible new challenges, including authoring his first cookbook, The Next Element, and commencing work as a cook at Sydney café, Three Blue Ducks.

Andy was instantly hooked on the fast-paced kitchen environment and the Ducks’ ethos, so much so that in 2016, they opened a new venture in Rosebery together. Andy threw everything he had at his new head chef role, going on to become a co-owner of the entire restaurant group. In 2018, the Three Blue Ducks’ Rosebery restaurant was awarded an Australian Good Food Guide chef's hat, making Andy the first MasterChef Australia contestant to receive the highly sought-after honour. Andy and the Ducks now have five restaurants around Australia, including Byron and Melbourne.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Andy got back into television, presenting Andy And Ben Eat Australia, Andy And Ben Eat The World, Farm To Fork, and Three Blue Ducks. In 2020, Andy returned to the MasterChef Australia kitchen – this time as a judge alongside Melissa Leong and Jock Zonfrillo.

In 2022, Andy paired up with internationally renowned actor and close mate, Travis Fimmel, to create the low-carb and mid-strength beer, Travla. The ‘better-for-you’ beer represents all the things Andy holds dear: embracing Aussie produce, sharing good times with friends, and making memories anchored in unforgettable food and drink.

Following the loss of fellow judge and close mate Jock Zonfrillo in 2023, Andy carries on his friend’s legacy in season 16 this year. Alongside new judges Sofia Levin, Poh Ling Yeow and Jean-Christophe Novelli, Andy leads the next chapter of MasterChef Australia with heart, authenticity, and open arms.