Poh Ling Yeow is a multi-talented artist known for her diverse creative pursuits, including painting, cooking and television presenting.
Born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Poh’s early years were influenced by a rich tapestry of cultures – a theme often woven into her artistic expression. At the age of nine, Poh’s family migrated to South Australia where she still lives and works. Poh studied a Bachelor of Design (Illustration) at the University of South Australia, then freelanced as a graphic designer and illustrator. She is a celebrated artist with over 20 successful exhibitions under her belt.
As a fifth-generation Chinese Malaysian, Poh’s interest in food came from her wanting to reconcile her heritage with Western culture. In 2009 she shot to stardom when she was runner-up in the first ever series of MasterChef Australia. Her unique culinary creations and warm, affable personality endeared her to viewers, catapulting her into the public eye as a household name.
Since her breakthrough on MasterChef Australia, Poh has emerged as a prominent figure in the Australian culinary landscape and has regularly appeared on our television screens. She has authored five cookbooks, hosted her own television series, and collaborated with various renowned chefs. In 2019, Poh returned to the MasterChef Australia family as a mentor and in 2020, she was a contestant on MasterChef Australia: Back to Win, placing sixth overall.
From 2021, she hosted two series of Snack Masters Australia, in 2022 she competed in Nine’s LEGO Masters Bricksmas Special and Network 10’s eighth season of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! In 2023 she teamed up with fellow MasterChef Australia contestant Adam Liaw to host SBS cooking show Adam & Poh's Great Australian Bites. And in a full circle moment, Poh has now joined MasterChef Australia as a judge beginning in 2024.
Coming from a huge family of proud Chinese Malaysian home cooks, Poh prefers to be called a cook than a chef. She hopes to get Aussies excited about exploring a variety of cuisines and become mindful of food wastage.
