Masterchef takes centre stage at Bites

A celebrity MasterChef will headline popular bespoke food festival, Bankstown Bites, in July.

Matt Sinclair, who finished runner-up in the eighth season of MasterChef Australia, is set to cook up a storm, when he takes to the main kitchen at the festival on Saturday 27 July.

Mr Sinclair praised CBCity for influencing his love for ethnic cuisines.

"It was a huge influence. Going to the food outlets and markets - it was a very real experience. There are so many authentic ethnic cuisines that you can’t get in so many other places," Mr Sinclair said.

"Mum used to do most of her grocery shopping there (Bankstown) as there were a lot of great fresh markets which she loved. I would go along with her and we’d stop for yum cha or a small Lebanese cafe and always pick up something a bit different to try at home."

Since his appearance on MasterChef, Mr Sinclair has gone on to open his own restaurant with three mates, called Sum Yung Guys, has his own Cooking show on Channel 10 called The Cooks Pantry, and was a mentor on the latest season of MasterChef.

While his career has taken him all around the world, the talented chef hails from the neighbouring Sutherland Shire.

City of Canterbury Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour welcomed Mr Sinclair’s involvement in the 15th edition of Bites.

"Our event is well and truly entrenched on any serious foodie’s calendar," he said.

"We traditionally attract more than 10,000 people each year and they travel from far and wide to experience the different tastes of the world in one place in Bankstown.

This year’s festival will also include:

Stallholders interested in featuring at Bankstown Bites are encouraged to complete an application form at cb.city/bankstownbites or email [email protected]

This year’s Bankstown Bites will be held on Saturday 27 July, at Olympic Parade, Bankstown, from 10am-5pm.