Dental Student Johnathan Chew Wins MasterChef Singapore Season 3

A new MasterChef Singapore is crowned!

After nine weeks of intense competition, dental student Johnathan Chew emerged the winner of MasterChef Singapore Season 3.

On Sunday's (July 3) finale, Chew, 23, edged out visual arts instructor Azwandi ‘Andi’ Robani, 41, and car salesman S ‘Nares’ Nareskanna, 31, in a first-ever three-way finale where the contestants had to create a three-course meal, featuring an appetiser, a main dish, and a dessert.

The judges — Chefs Audra Morrice, Damian D’Silva, and Bjorn Shen — had to score each course out of 10.

After the first two courses, Andi was eliminated, paving the way for Johnathan and Nares to duke it out in the desserts round. In the end, Johnathan’s Lemongrass Meringue Tart narrowly beat Nares’ Deconstructed Mango Tart. Johnathan triumphed with a grand total of 76.5 points out of 90, narrowly beating Nares by 1.5 points.

Besides the MasterChef Singapore trophy, Johnathan also won S$17,000 cash; a book publishing deal with Marshall Cavendish; over S$3,000 worth of Nespresso products; kitchen appliances from KitchenAid, Global Knives, and Thermomix; an internship with Chef Gaggan Anand’s culinary team; and a Fullerton Hotel staycation and spa package.

Johnathan also took home a V-ZUG oven in Episode 6's oven challenge. 

“I am so proud to be Singapore’s next MasterChef!” said Johnathan in a statement. “My confidence in my abilities has grown so much, and I have picked up so many skills throughout my MasterChef journey. This moment has always been a dream of mine, and clinching the trophy will motivate me to chase after all my other food dreams — like opening a bakery with my mum, which I feel is now within reach.”

He added, “MasterChef Singapore was the first time I have interacted with so many fellow foodies, professional chefs and big names in the food industry. My perception of a career in food has changed completely. I now understand why a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant warrants a certain price.

“Food is not just about what you see on your plate or taste in your mouth. It's the chef’s effort, the attention to detail, the communication skills, and teamwork with fellow staff and food suppliers. As Singapore's new MasterChef, I hope I will be able to emulate the qualities that these chefs embody, and make mouth-watering food for the people.”