Nigerian-Born Contestant Olaolu Olorunnimbe Brings Ofada Stew to MasterChef Australia 2026

Nigerian cuisine is gaining international attention after Lagos-born contestant Olaolu Olorunnimbe secured a place in the Top 24 of MasterChef Australia with a traditional Ofada stew that impressed the judges.

The 34-year-old freelance brand consultant earned a coveted white apron during the live auditions after preparing Ofada stew served with rice, fried plantain, and coconut-carrot sambal. Ofada sauce is spicy sauce made from bleached palm oil, blended peppers and eggs, traditionally including fermented locust beans (iru). The dish also features bold Nigerian flavours, including tripe and offal. Ofada sauce is usually paired with Ofada rice, a short grain unpolished rice, named after a town in Ogun State. The rice is known for its distinct smell, texture and colour.

Judge Jean-Christophe Novelli praised the meal, especially the plantain, describing it as “the best plantain that I have had so far in my life.”

Olorunnimbe, who was born and raised in Lagos, moved to England at age 12 for boarding school before later relocating to Sydney in 2017. He said reconnecting with Nigerian food during the COVID-19 lockdown inspired him to begin cooking seriously.

Unable to travel and craving meals from home, he started collecting recipes from his mother, sisters, aunts, and friends. The experience later inspired him to launch a home kitchen pop-up focused on Jollof rice and other Nigerian dishes.

Now in its 18th season, MasterChef Australia features 40 home cooks auditioning before judges Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin, and Jean-Christophe Novelli. Only 24 contestants advance to the main competition, where they compete for a $250,000 grand prize.

Reacting after his successful audition, Olorunnimbe described the achievement as emotional and unexpected.

“Getting to the MasterChef Australia auditions felt like a long shot. Getting an apron feels like a miracle,” he said.

He added that he hopes to continue showcasing Nigerian cuisine throughout the competition while pursuing long-term plans to launch a restaurant, food products, and a travelling food truck dedicated to Nigerian meals across Australia.