Northern Territory Season 13 @minoli.desilva

It’s third time lucky for petite powerhouse Minoli De Silva, taking her place in this season’s Top 24 and this time, intent on making it all the way to Finals Week.

The fourth contestant eliminated last season (Season 13), Minoli later won her apron back in the second chance cook, cooking her way to 10th place. But she’s back with a mission, having used her time since her departure to host pop up restaurants and run cooking classes back home in Darwin. With top restaurant experience now under her belt, she’s one to watch for the Favourites.

Minoli was six when her family moved to Melbourne from Sri Lanka, but she never lost her zest for the fragrance and flavours of her homeland. Routinely presenting Sri Lankan dishes which wowed the judges last season, fans can expect more of the same from Minoli, as she presents her deeply rich, aromatic and tasty treats.

Originally from Melbourne, Minoli graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from RMIT University. She went on to travel the world and work around Australia before settling in Darwin in 2018, working as an engineering portfolio manager delivering projects across the NT Defence Estates.

She quickly fell in love with Darwin as the produce reminded her of strolling the busy markets in Sri Lanka with her grandmother. It reignited her passion for Sri Lankan cuisine and its history, which led to the pivot in her career straight into the world of food.

With food idols including Charmaine Solomon, Yotam Ottolenghi and Eyal Shani, Minoli admits there remains only one chef she could watch over and over again, her Amma (mum), who taught Minoli to trust her palate and always focus on flavour.