For the better part of a decade now, baking and cooking shows have taken off, giving the average home cook or foodie a window into culinary magic and an open invitation to bring that magic into our own kitchens. Channel 10’s latest culinary program, MasterChef Australia: Dessert Masters, is no exception. Who can resist a deceptive dessert like Anna Polyviou’s hot dog?
As we get hooked on the artistry of these master bakers, there’s a collective craving that goes beyond the visuals. It’s the undeniable desire to trade pixels for real, to taste the sweet success of crafting those desserts with our own hands, or more so at the hands of the people we’re watching.
So, we’ve decided to round up everywhere you can taste the Dessert Masters contestants’ sweet concoctions. Hint: some of them you can find on supermarket shelves.
Anna Polyviou
You can spot Polyviou’s hot pink mohawk anywhere, especially in Woolworths, on a tub of irresistible Edible Cookie Dough. That’s right, there’s no baking involved unless you want to throw them in the oven, but it can be eaten right out of the tub for a sweet treat. There are two flavours to choose from: Jam Donut and Choc Brownie.
Polyviou has also been known to pop up in hotels, offering her sweet delights in high tea form at the Langham Sydney. She even made doggie afternoon tea and a Barbie-themed high tea.
Stay tuned for her next residency. For now, bring her creations into your kitchen with her edible cookie dough.
Morgan Hipworth
From Junior MasterChef Australia to MasterChef’s Dessert Masters, Morgan Hipworth’s knack for baking made him a social media sensation and erected his dessert empire. Now he’s taking on TV personality, standing next to some of his idols like Adriano Zumbo. If you spotted Hipworth’s Peach Melba or other sweet concoctions online and immediately started licking your lips, you’re not alone.
Luckily for us, Hipworth’s Bistro Morgan peddles fresh-baked pastries, tarts, and other sweet treats. The only downside is that there are only two locations: Windsor and Fitzroy — both in Melbourne. But for the diehard fans, it’s worth the trip.
Hipworth has recently announced a new restaurant, Maven in Melbourne, where you can get modern Australian dishes alongside a killer dessert menu and, of course, pastry display every day. Maven is slated to open by the end of December.
Rhiann Mead
Mead wowed the judges with her Marble Solitaire cake, and they weren’t the only ones. Viewers at home were left with their jaws hanging when Mead showed up to the pass, and now we’re craving a taste of her lifelike creations.
Mead is the Head Pastry Chef at The Charles Grand Brasserie and Bar in Sydney’s CBD. Here, she oversees the dessert trolley, which is exactly as it sounds — a trolley of desserts. You can pick up cakes (Russian honey, Banana Breton, Apple Tarte) for just $19 and Petit Fours for $6-9 each. You can also pick off the a la carte dessert menu.
Gareth Winton
Despite his spectacular fail in the kitchen, Winton managed to turn the would-be coffee cup into a “supercharged caffeinated dream”, as Mel put it. However, most of the time, Winton nails anything sweet. He was the former Head Pastry Chef at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, so you know he’s got a few tricks up his sleeve.
For anyone wanting to try his desserts, head to Tarts Anon in Cremorne or Collingwood, VIC. Every month, a new tart is dropped, be it pea and feta, mushroom and parmesan, or chocolate and whisked pecan tart. You can buy them whole or half, or build your own with all different flavours. Choose up to 10 slices.
Kay-Lene Tan
Tan was a powerhouse in the dessert kitchen at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Melbourne, where she held the title of Executive Chef and her previous roles at Coda, Tonka and Joël Robuchon-owned venues. However, after leaving the Ritz in August, Kay-Lene Tan is gearing up to take on the Executive Pastry Chef role at Decca in Alphington, VIC, with none other than Adam D’Sylva. The 80-seat all-day restaurant and wine bar is slated to open in the first quarter of 2024.
However, for those who can’t wait to taste Tan’s creations, you’re in luck. She will be doing some pop-ups at Boca Gelato in Ivanhoe, VIC — another D’Sylva venue. Keep an eye on her Instagram to find out when you can spot her behind the colourful terrazzo counter.
Andrew Bowden
The self-confessed cake cowboy blew the lid off the competition with his “little pile of trash,” which in reality was a “little gem,” according to Mel. It was an absolute culinary deception at the highest level.
Since then, we’ve been dreaming of eating trash — made by Bowden, of course. While we don’t see him making this available to the public anytime soon, you can try his cakes and all sweet things at Salmas Canteen in Rosebery, NSW. Pick up a vanilla slice or salted honey tart from the glass display case, or open the fridge to pick up some spreads and curds for desserts at home.
Adriano Zumbo
Is there anyone who doesn’t remember the Croquembouche? Zumbo is a household name when it comes to macarons, and we know just where to get them from.
In Sydney, Zumbo puts on a high tea like no other at QT Sydney. Think Alice in Wonderland meets modern-day Marie Antoinette. It’s a feast for the eyes and tastebuds. There are a few savouries, too, and lots of champagne to be had.
Reynold Poernomo
If you’ve watched MasterChef Australia, you might remember the Golden Snitch or Poison Apple creations by the hands of Reynold Poernomo. Now, he’s back with more intricate chocolate work.
If you’ve ever wanted to taste one of Poernomo’s desserts, you can do so at KOI Dessert Bar in Chippendale and KOI Dessert Kitchen in Ryde. Be seduced by the glass case of glossy desserts in the shape of apples, spheres, logs, and anything you can imagine.
Poernomo and his brothers also own Monkey’s Corner, where you can stop by, make yourself at home and enjoy great food and great cocktails.
MasterChef Australia: Dessert Masters airs Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays at 7.30PM Channel 10 and 10 Play.
Want more MasterChef Australia? Read all our content here and the stories below:
- ‘MasterChef Australia’ Crowns Brent Draper As 2023 Winner
- Get Ready to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with ‘MasterChef: Dessert Masters’
- Melissa Leong Reveals How Much Food the ‘MasterChef’ Judges Actually Eat
- Who Will Replace Jock Zonfrillo on ‘MasterChef Australia’ 2024?
- ‘MasterChef Australia’: Pastry Wizard Kay-Lene Tan Sets a Sweet Test
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