NSW, 31, Research Project Officer

A latecomer to the kitchen, Dan Dumbrell started cooking with gusto only eight years ago when he moved out of home. What started out as a basic means to feed himself, soon became a much loved hobby and after building his skills, the kitchen is now Dan’s ultimate happy place.

Growing up in Sydney’s south west with a mix of Chinese and Australian heritage, Dan cooks many Chinese dishes inspired by his mum’s Guangzhou background, but loves putting his own spin on things by melding east with west.

This passion for fusion is where Dan sees his future, hoping to launch a food truck based in the Southern Highlands of NSW. Dan’s simple goal is to spread joy in life in whatever way he can, be it big or small.

Learning to cook from YouTube videos and gleaning techniques from all over the world, Dan is open to criticism and a quick learner. He looks up to both local and international chefs, citing Kylie Kwong, Frank Shek, Josh Niland and David Chang among his sources of inspiration.

Dan achieved his PhD in Health Information in Social Media in 2018, and works for the University of NSW Ageing Futures Institute, coordinating projects and providing research opportunities for researchers in ageing.

Passionate about food, Dan acknowledges his style is constantly evolving. An adventurous eater who trusts his palate, Dan cooks every day and absorbs knowledge from the people around him.

Celebrating his marriage to Scottish husband Paul in 2020, learning about each other’s cultures has paved the way for much culinary exploration. Along with Paul and their two toy poodles Bella and Harry, Dan’s other biggest fans are his mum and sister Eva who will both be cheering him on.

Happiest when cooking and feeding people, Dan knows he’ll need to be careful not to overstretch himself and work clean to keep a clear head. Outside the kitchen, Dan enjoys the gym, gardening, catching up with friends and hanging out with his dogs at the park.