Diana Chan, culinary force and winner of MasterChef Australia in 2017, shares her favourite places to find nourishment and inspiration in the country’s cultural capital
In the end, it came down to a difference of one point in our scores. When I lifted the MasterChef trophy in 2017, it was like I flipped my life. I went from being an accountant to a professional chef. At the start, it was incredibly daunting but today I run my own business. I get to do work I love and choose the rhythm of my days. Every week is a new challenge: such as cooking for large, international events like the Melbourne Wine and Food Festival and the Grand Prix. Today, my mind is on filming. I’m the host of the television series Asia Unplated and a co-host on 10-Minute Kitchen, with another production in discussion. And finally, there’s my range of frozen dumplings that are now available in leading Australian supermarkets. I’ve been asked often whether they’ll soon be available in Asia. The short answer? Yes. In the middle of my hectic schedule, I count on Melbourne – my home of 18 years – to ground, nourish and inspire me. Here are some of my top picks from the city.
Inspire me, please
I love shopping for unique homewares and knickknacks. I’m an avid food photographer, and those come in handy when I’m styling my own shoots. When I’m looking for inspiration and for props, I love to visit the op-shops (charity shops) such as Salvos, Saint Vincent’s or Sacred Heart. There’s one that’s a little out of the way called Amazing Mill Markets in Daylesford. They tend to have really distinctive pieces, from polished silverware and cutlery to handblown coloured glass vases. They also have an array of vintage prints, lamp shades as well as secondhand clothing and costume jewellery.
Take me to the museum
I love to wander through the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). They sometimes host special exhibitions featuring iconic fashion houses – we’ve had Chanel and more recently Alexander McQueen. Each one is a real celebration of decades of style and skill.
Getting a dose of nature
The Royal Mail Hotel is set behind the Grampians and is the perfect base for hikes in the mountains. Trek to the top of the mountain where you’ll be rewarded by incredible views or simply go for a walk around the sanctuary and spot kangaroos, emus and koalas. Stay a night or two and eat at Wickens – most of the produce used in the cooking come from their kitchen garden. The wine menu is extensive, and they have the largest private collection of Burgundy wines in the Southern hemisphere.
Retail therapy
If I’m going into the city, I love to spend the day at Collins Street as all my favourite boutiques are there. Harrolds has some exquisite pieces, Viktoria & Woods is a staple for me and I just love how sleek and chic Camilla and Marc’s offerings are. I buy daily outfits from these places – they have lovely in-trend clothing at an affordable price.
Caffeine me up
Melbourne is renowned for its coffee culture, with cafés everywhere you go. A personal favourite is Code Black, a boutique coffee roastery. There’s one in the city on Collins Street but the one I always go to is at the South Melbourne Market. I usually order a piccolo, but if I want a milky coffee, I’ll have an oat latte.
Where to go for a (classy) night out
Gimlet at Cavendish House is one of my favourites because it’s set in an old bank – all high ceilings and marbled benchtops. They also do a late-night dinner – the kitchen stays open till past midnight. Try their amazing classic cheeseburger loaded with a patty from Gippsland O’Connor beef, cheese, dill pickles, white onions and fresh butter lettuce. All in a fluffy potato bun. They’ll also make crêpes suzette at your table and it’s so theatrical.
Another is Siglo Bar, a rooftop bar that specialises in cigars. You can have a cigar and a whiskey or just enjoy a well-made cocktail. It’s overlooking the Parliament House on Spring Street, which is a Melbourne icon. It’s especially beautiful on a warm night.
