Savindri Perera From Sri Lanka won 3rd place MasterChef Australia sesson 16.
She Said “A Love Letter to Sri Lanka”
Entree: Kalupol rubbed pork belly | kalu thunapaha Kitul glaze | Kiri hodi potato | Pickled onion & parsley salad
Main: Ghee poached lobster | Lobster, finger lime & green chili salsa | Chili dhal puree | Lobster Hodi
Amuse Bouche: Salted Greek yoghurt & lemongrass sorbet
Dessert: Coconut water jelly veil | Lime macerated mango and pineapple | Coconut creme diplomat |Toasted coconut
A meal capturing three of my favourite food memories.
The memory of the first time late kalupol pork curry, the memory of crab curry on Sunday for lunch, the memory of my Athammas fruit studded jelly. I wanted to feed & do it generously.
I walk away with so much pride & gratitude. At the beginning I did not think this is where I would end up.
Having to confront not just your own insecurities but carrying the weight of grief so deep in my bones held me down so cataclysmically.
I wanted to show case that Sri Lankan food is deserving of its place in the fine dining world.
That you can capture the flavours of my island home in elegance without losing its soul.
My larger goal on being on the competition was to show, unapologetically, the food from my culture every opportunity I got, because it deserves to be celebrated.
Sri Lankan food is not difficult to learn – but it really is hard to master.
Today, I finally started to believe that I am good at what I do. Today, I got to tell 16 year old Savi that it’ll be a version of me that’s creating space for lots of young brown girls & telling them that it’s okay to speak your mind, to be brave.
Today, I healed the little girl & young woman in me that felt like I never deserved to take up space.
I feel incredibly lucky to have done this with Chef @curtisstone at the helm. We got a very good look at why he has those well deserved Michelin Stars.
Chef, you were an incredible mentor & I feel very honoured to have learned from you. It is an experience I’ll never forget.
To our Nat and Pez. I am so thrilled for you, I am so proud of you both. Get lots of rest because the finish line is almost here!
And that’s a wrap for me! Now: to sleep for the next 2 business days.
