Imagine Cooking with Celebrity Chefs
Imagine stepping into your kitchen and being guided by the warm, inviting presence of your favourite celebrity chef, ready to elevate your home cooking experience. At Otao Kitchen, this dream becomes a reality through our exclusive Cooking with Stars series. As fascination with culinary celebrities continues to grow, so does the desire for meaningful experiences that connect us to the artistry and stories behind the dishes.
From mastering exquisite choux pastry with Emelia Jackson, to exploring Torres Strait Island flavours with Nornie Bero, and discovering Nyonya comfort food with Diana Chan, our immersive chef-led classes bring food lovers closer to the stars of Australia’s culinary scene. These chefs share more than recipes—they reveal heartfelt stories and cultural legacies, infusing every bite with meaning.
The Rise of Star Chefs
The rise of celebrity chefs has redefined our cultural food landscape, blending fame with food artistry. What began with television appearances has evolved into live events, branded products, and fan-fueled experiences. Today’s culinary stars are using their heritage and platforms to introduce diverse flavours, storytelling, and innovation to the masses. As we look to the future, expect to see celebrity chefs blend personal heritage, sustainability, and cutting-edge food tech into their cooking. The journey is just beginning—and the kitchen is their stage.
Choux Pastry with Emelia Jackson
Join Emelia Jackson, MasterChef Australia finalist and beloved patissier, at Otao Kitchen for a one-evening-only choux pastry masterclass. Emelia’s hands-on class is a celebration of indulgent desserts and refined techniques.
What You'll Learn:
- Master the fundamentals of crisp, cloud-light choux pastry.
- Learn piping, baking, and filling for éclairs and craquelins.
- Elevate desserts with glazes, creams, and textures.
- Discover Emelia's tips for balancing sweet flavours with finesse.
Menu Highlights:
- Chocolate Éclairs with silky filling and glossy glaze
- Craquelin Choux with crunchy tops
- Chantilly Cream Buns with fresh berries
Take home Emelia's signed cookbook and recipe cards to continue your pastry journey with confidence.
Discovering Torres Strait Island Flavours with Nornie Bero
In a rare opportunity, join Nornie Bero, the acclaimed First Nations chef behind Mabu Mabu, for a deep dive into Indigenous Australian cuisine. Her class at Otao Kitchen reveals bold island flavours and cooking techniques passed down through generations.
Menu Includes:
- Warrigal Greens Salsa Verde with Yam Chips
- Native-Spiced Fish Balls
- Macadamia Labneh
- Crocodile Schnitzel with Native Slaw
- Coconut Keens Curry Chicken
Nornie shares the history and culture behind each dish, offering a soulful, hands-on journey through Torres Strait Island traditions. Expect a delicious blend of story, skill, and sustainability.
Nyonya Cooking with Diana Chan: Comfort Food with a Twist
Step into the world of Diana Chan, winner of MasterChef Australia 2017, and discover the magic of Nyonya cuisine at Otao Kitchen. Diana brings the heart of Southeast Asia to life with her fusion of Chinese and Malay culinary heritage.
What You’ll Make:
- Nasi Ulam: Herbaceous rice with toasted coconut
- Hu Pao: White fish steamed in banana leaves
- Jemput-Jemput: Crispy banana fritters
Enjoy Diana’s insights into culture, childhood, and her MasterChef journey. Walk away with autographed recipes and new skills to recreate these soulful dishes at home.
Connecting Stories and Recipes
Every dish tells a story, and these chefs are master storytellers. Whether it’s Diana’s childhood memories, Nornie’s deep-rooted traditions, or Emelia’s journey through pastry mastery, their classes go beyond ingredients and technique.
The legacy of their Master Chef competition has helped shape the way audiences connect with chefs—not only through their food but through the personal narratives that make each meal memorable. Today, we see that same blend of inspiration and intimacy in cooking shows and live classes alike.
Elevating Dishes with Fresh Ingredients
Great chefs know that freshness is key. From seasonal herbs to ripe fruits, the best dishes start with premium ingredients. The chefs featured in Otao Kitchen's series focus on high-quality produce, native ingredients, and ethical sourcing. It’s this dedication to freshness that transforms everyday cooking into exceptional culinary experiences.
This philosophy echoes across celebrity kitchens globally—from Master Chef stars to My Kitchen Rules champions—all prioritising ingredients that elevate flavour and celebrate simplicity.
The Blend of Culinary Excitement and Stories
Television shows like Master Chef Australia have redefined food entertainment. They merge drama, culture, and storytelling into compelling culinary narratives. These formats reveal chefs not just as experts, but as artists and humans with unique journeys. The culinary world continues to inspire by pairing human stories with mouth-watering visuals, making food a powerful storytelling medium.
Conclusion: Embrace the Culinary Journey
The Cooking with Stars series at Otao Kitchen celebrates not just food, but the people, culture, and creativity behind it. From the delicate beauty of Emelia Jackson’s desserts to the ancestral richness of Nornie Bero’s cuisine and the soul-warming comfort of Diana Chan’s Nyonya flavors, these classes are more than workshops—they are experiences.
Key Takeaways:
- Cook alongside Australia’s top celebrity chefs.
- Discover authentic recipes rooted in tradition and innovation.
- Connect through meaningful stories and cultural insights.
- Elevate your skills and confidence in the kitchen.
Whether you’re a passionate foodie, a MasterChef fan, or simply curious about global cuisines, join us for a unique opportunity to learn, create, and celebrate the joy of cooking.