Who is chef I-Lin MasterChef: The Professionals 2023 contestant?

Ahead of MasterChef: The Professionals 2023, which airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from Monday 23 October, we find out more about the chefs taking part.

Introducing I-Lin, Chef de Partie, Holborn Dining Room London.

Twenty-nine year-old Chef de Partie I-Lin grew up in Tainan, the city with the earliest cultural roots in Taiwan. I-Lin moved to the UK in 2017 to study cookery and work in London restaurants. She lives in central London with a friend.

Name

I-Lin

AGE

29

Where are you from/where do you live

Central London, originally from Taiwan.

CURRENT AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

I-Lin studied for an undergraduate degree in Medicine and Cancer Research in Taiwan, and found her passion in cooking and baking during short courses alongside study.

In 2017, I-Lin moved to London to study at Le Cordon Bleu with three diplomas - Cuisine, Pâtisserie, and Boulangerie. She also completed Masters degree in Clinical Nutrition at University College London in 2022.

During these years, she worked at various restaurants including Michelin-starred restaurant Boury in Belgium and fine dining Restaurant Orchid蘭in Taipei. She now works at Holborn Dining Room (The Pie Room) in London.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO COOKING AND WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT IT?

“Before I majored in medical research (cancer and gene research), and during that time, I watched lots of episodes of MasterChef and was totally fascinated! I learned from my mom and from books and videos. I then went on to attend Le Cordon Bleu in London to learn more professionally. “My mother is good at cooking and loves sharing delicious food with our friends, which inspired me a lot. I’m happiest when cooking and baking good food and sharing it with the people around me.”

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF COOKING AND ANY INFLUENCES ON IT?

“I love making dough and cooking. Handmade pasta, dumplings, British Pies, bread, and noodles are my favourite things to make. I love trying different ingredients with different combinations because I find exploring textures and flavour exciting. My training is in French techniques but undoubtedly my Taiwanese heritage influences my dishes too.”

WHY DID YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN MASTERCHEF: THE PROFESSIONALS?

“I haven’t had years and years of experience, but I was encouraged by my head chef to apply, so I want to give it a try and grow during this journey. Since living in the UK and being surrounded by the food culture here, I’ve wanted to introduce Taiwanese culture paired with the techniques of Western cuisine to the world. MasterChef: The Professionals is the perfect competition to do this.”

OUTSIDE OF COOKING WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS?

“I play the marimba and drum! And I love photography especially for food. I write articles to talk about and introduce dishes, restaurants, history behind the food I cook on my Facebook and Instagram.”