Cookbook author and former MasterChef star Brendan Pang is set to headline the cooking stage at this weekend's Channel 7 Mandurah Crab Fest. The chef, known for his Chinese-Mauritian heritage and successful Bumplings pop-up in Fremantle, will showcase dishes that highlight local seafood.
Pang, who appeared on season 10 of MasterChef at age 24 and later returned for the Back to Win series, said he is excited to connect with home cooks at the festival. 'Any event that celebrates great local seafood and brings the community together around food is something I’m drawn to,' he said.
The chef's signature dishes for the event include coconut fish curry with yoghurt flatbread, spicy prawn and crab wontons, and crispy fish burgers. 'I wanted dishes that highlight seafood in different ways,' Pang explained. 'Something comforting, something fun and shareable, and something super approachable for home cooks.'
Pang noted that crab is a popular choice for chefs due to its natural sweetness and delicacy. 'It feels special but it doesn’t need a lot of fuss,' he said. 'For home cooks, it’s also tied to experience: cracking crab, sharing seafood platters, cooking outdoors — it’s social food.'
With two younger brothers living in Mandurah, Pang feels a strong connection to the coastal city. 'It’s such a beautiful coastal spot with a relaxed vibe. I’m really looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere during the festival,' he said. Pang will appear on the cooking stage on Saturday, March 14 at 2pm and Sunday, March 15 at 1pm and 4pm.
