MasterChef fans hit back at 'ignorant and racist' viewers: 'Very disappointed as an Aussie'

Throughout the entire 2024 MasterChef Australia season, viewers have repeated the same complaint over and over again. They've said they are sick of the home cooks "only cooking what they know" and have made repeated digs about the number of curries and other Asian-inspired dishes that have been plated up.

No one has copped the brunt of this criticism more than Savindri Perera - or Sav as she is affectionately known - who has excelled throughout the competition and has made it into the final three thanks to her talent. And yet, at every turn, she has been accused of "only cooking Sri Lankan food", being "too arrogant" and even "playing the dead mum card."

Sav has previously addressed the backlash on her social media, tweeting (and then deleting), "All the people accusing me of only cooking Sri Lankan food. 1. Yes, and? 2. Are you saying cultural cuisine isn’t skilful [sic] and masterful as European cuisine? That’s incredibly ignorant."

Now, the MasterChef finalist has taken to her Instagram stories once more to share her thoughts on consistently honouring her Sri Lankan heritage, after her Lamprais brought Sofia and Poh to tears on Tuesday night's episode.

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Sav hits back at 'ignorant' claims

In her statement, shared to her Instagram stories, Sav said that she was overwhelmed by the response to her dish, she had also come across a lot of ignorance and people saying the meal was "just a curry" and lacked "technique."

"Whilst my first reaction is to get fired up about this, it's actually deeply saddening and indicative of how incredibly Eurocentric people's views STILL are on what's considered 'technical' and 'fine'", she wrote.

"The food of the subcontinent is often viewed as lesser, as a cheap thing, as something not technical & skilful," she continued. "Yet it takes years to master how to balance spices, to curate aromatics, to play along the symphony of complex flavours, to master the consistency of the doughs & batters. The food of my culture does not need to meet a Eurocentric ideal to be considered beautiful.

"More than ever, what these comments have shown me is that I ABSOLUTELY made the right move in representing my Sri Lankan heritage. The more we talk about our cuisine with pride, with unapologetic fondness, the more we get to shine a light on its value."

MasterChef viewers show support for Sav

Sav's heartfelt post was then shared in a Facebook group, where fans expressed their admiration and respect for her.

"It's really sad to see how ignorant and racist MasterChef fans have been this season," one fan wrote. "From discussions on here that 'Asian' food is not 'Australian' to people saying curry is not fine dining food. Very disappointed as an Aussie to see this kind of behaviour. I really love how this show celebrated diversity, it's a shame Australia is very backwards in that thinking despite Australia being built on so many different cultures making up Australia and Australians. Props to Sav for so eloquently educating the MasterChef fans on their ignorance."

"Well answered Sav! Much love. Successful people have more haters than others," someone replied.

"How beautifully written Sav, there is many a young girl, and no doubt many older such as myself that you have made such an impression on, it is sad to see such terrible remarks, best wishes to you all in the finals, and perhaps the ‘nasties’ need to watch other cooking shows that generate nastiness for viewing/ratings," another said.

"The ignorance is astounding. I don't even know where to begin honestly," a third chimed in.

"Thank you, Sav. That was so eloquently put," another wrote. "I have had the great fortune to visit Sri Lanka and it’s my favourite cuisine in the world - totally unique. Watching you put your food culture in the spotlight this season has been riveting. Those little girls are watching and standing taller. May they, and you, reach for the stars."

Among the encouraging comments from people who agreed with what Sav had said and wanted to wish her well, there were a few who still thought that all of the contestants needed to branch out with their creations, regardless of their heritage.

"Mimi, Nat, and even Sumeet are also Asian but many people including me love them," one viewer said. "They have made so many varieties of food, not just sticking to Asian. Even when they're making Asian food a few times, the dish is not the same type. It's not about the person or the race but the same type of food multiple times."

"I have loved this show this year, but, now the judges have chosen their favourite," another said. "As far as I am concerned a curry is a curry and it all depends on the amount of chillies used to up flavour a little. On the singing shows. AGT, the Voice etc, contestants must be able to tackle any genre. The only time it seems Sav gets through is when they can cook whatever they like."

Former MasterChef semi-finalist shows support

Despite the negativity, Sav has earned herself scores of fans thanks to her authenticity and talent and will now battle it out for the MasterChef crown against Pezza and Nat.

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One such fan - season 13 semi-finalist Elise Pulbrook - left an encouraging comment for Sav on her Instagram writing, "Regarding your story post today and the haters out there - where are they and where are you? They’re doom-scrolling and trolling while you are WINNING at life 🙌 You have a unique talent that deserves to be celebrated, and I believe in your ability to rise above any negativity.

"Keep pushing forward with the same passion and dedication that got you here. Wishing you all the best in the competition. Looking forward to seeing more of your amazing dishes in Masterchef and beyond! X"

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