MasterChef Champion Diana Chan Set to Shine at Mandurah Crab Fest 2026
Former MasterChef Australia winner Diana Chan has been confirmed as a headline culinary attraction for the upcoming Mandurah Crab Fest 2026, where she will host multiple live cooking demonstrations on the festival's main stage. The self-taught chef, who captured the nation's attention by winning the ninth season of the popular cooking competition in 2017, will bring her unique Malaysian-inspired seafood creations to Western Australia's premier crab celebration.
A Culinary Journey from Malaysia to Mandurah
Born in Malaysia and having moved to Australia at age 18, Chan expressed genuine excitement about her first visit to Mandurah, noting that the festival atmosphere perfectly aligns with her culinary philosophy. "I've heard such wonderful things about Mandurah and honestly, who doesn't love the atmosphere of a festival?" she remarked. "There's something special about bringing the community together over food. I'm really looking forward to soaking it all in."
Chan's background in Baba Nyonya cuisine from Penang heavily influences her approach to cooking, where food represents cultural identity and family tradition. "Food in our culture is everything," she explained. "I care deeply about balance, about honouring tradition while still cooking with confidence and personality. My food is always rooted in heritage, but it evolves with my experiences."
Flavor-Driven Seafood Showcase
The chef plans to prepare three signature dishes during her festival appearances:
- Black pepper crab - A spicy, aromatic dish featuring bold pepper flavors
- Crab rasam - A traditional South Indian-inspired soup with crab
- Exmouth steamed prawns with glass noodles - A delicate dish highlighting Western Australian seafood
Chan emphasized that her menu celebrates the natural sweetness of crab while incorporating the bold flavors of Chinese and Southern Indian culinary traditions. "Crab has this natural sweetness that's hard to beat," she said. "It's luxurious without being heavy, and it carries bold flavors beautifully. Yes, it can be a bit of hard work when cracking shells and picking meat, but that's part of the joy."
From Television Champion to Culinary Entrepreneur
Since her MasterChef victory, Chan has established herself as a multifaceted culinary professional, working as a menu designer, product creator, restaurateur, and content creator. Her appreciation for Western Australian produce developed after moving to Australia, where she was "blown away by the fresh produce available."
The invitation to participate in Crab Fest represents a perfect convergence of her culinary passions. "Being invited to celebrate such an iconic WA ingredient in WA itself was a no-brainer," Chan stated. "For chefs, it's exciting to work with because it feels special and celebratory. For consumers, it's worth every bit of effort. When you finally get that perfect bite, sweet and succulent, you're reminded why it's such a beloved ingredient."
Festival Schedule and Community Celebration
Diana Chan will appear on the Crab Fest cooking stage during the following times:
- Saturday, March 14 - 12:00 PM demonstration
- Sunday, March 15 - 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM demonstrations
Her participation underscores the festival's commitment to showcasing both local talent and nationally recognized culinary figures, while celebrating Western Australia's exceptional seafood resources through innovative cooking demonstrations that bridge cultural traditions with contemporary Australian dining experiences.
