‘MasterChef’ Viewers Are Praising Melissa For Her Emotional Moment With Eric
Melissa Leong truly pulled at the heartstrings last night on MasterChef, after she broke down in tears when tasting a dish that reminded her of her culture.
As returning contestant Eric Mao battled it out for a spot back in the competition, he presented a traditional Chinese dish of tea-smoked eggs, with cold tofu in spring onion dressing, along with fried peanuts with seaweed.
Upon tasting the dish, Melissa immediately got emotional. “What we have here is an opportunity, with cooking like this on this level, is to tell stories and to share our history,” she started, before breaking into tears. “I watched Jock plating up and I could smell the smells and I started to really feel it, let me just try to get through this.”
She continued, “Starting with the peanuts. It’s just such a Chinese thing no matter where it’s been spread across the world,” Melissa said before praising Eric’s dish. She finishes by telling Eric, “My heart’s beating. It’s history. It’s meaning. It’s life. So, thank you.”
It was super emotional to watch.
Watch the scene for yourself below:
Eric's final cook will leave a lasting impression on the #MasterChefAU Kitchen ? pic.twitter.com/0XG5lt9SMD
— MasterChef Australia (@masterchefau) June 3, 2021
Honestly, we are so damn lucky to have Melissa as a judge on this show. Contestant Trent Vu tweeted about the moment and shared his experiences finding pride in his Chinese heritage due to watching Asian contestants on MasterChef.
So glad the editors made a point to include that really special moment between Mel and Eric ❤️ #MasterChefAU
— Trent ✌? (@trent_vu) June 3, 2021
I despised my Asian heritage when I was younger, but seeing people like Poh on my TV meant so much to me. Connecting with my culture through food is something that’s been pivotal for me in embracing my heritage. This show’s dialogue is so powerful and so important #MasterChefAU
— Trent ✌? (@trent_vu) June 3, 2021
Viewers are feeling grateful that we are blessed with Melissa as a judge on this show:
I’m convinced that Melissa Leong is one of the most compassionate and articulate people on Australian tv. #MasterChefAU
— Isobel Ardent (@isobelardent) June 3, 2021
That moment between @fooderati and Eric proves why this is the best reality show on TV. Important. ❤️#MasterChefAU
— Dean Nye (@Dean_Nye) June 3, 2021
"I don't understand why anyone would cry over some food" well, you're white. White food is repped all the time on TV. #MasterChefAU
— Ленре ? and it wasn't a prescription for me ? (@lenreli) June 3, 2021
Hearing Eric speak Mandarin and seeing Mel get emotional over Chinese food just warms my soul #MasterChefAU
— liya ✨ (@liyalazuli) June 3, 2021
#MasterChefAU Another episode of MasterChef where Melissa makes us realise what we missed in the first 11 seasons without her!!! pic.twitter.com/MSi976q4tC
— Neel P (Not Sarah?) (@neels_pandit) June 3, 2021
Melissa talking to Eric about the importance of showcasing their traditional cooking will be one of our favourite moments on MasterChef ever..#MasterChefAU
— The Cousin Couch (@thecousincouch) June 3, 2021
This back to win week feels like it was never going to end but then they vring us this and it's all worth is #MasterChefAU pic.twitter.com/fzl6hTjSth
— Mandy Cheevers (@MandyCheevers) June 3, 2021
Mel: this is hope, this is home, this is life
Andy: #MasterchefAu pic.twitter.com/VjOFNkg1aG— Hanny Bee ? (@Hanniebee852) June 3, 2021