A few years ago, Melbourne’s Tasia and Gracia Seger won My Kitchen Rules. Now, they answer some quick-fire questions for us after being nominated for the Australia Indonesia Association Awards 2018 (in the Food category of course!).

Photo: Tasia and Gracia Seger

Tell us a little about your background. How did you come to apply for MKR?

We both were born in Jakarta before moving to Darwin, India and now Melbourne. Our grandma and our relatives are still living in Indonesia and we often return to Indonesia to visit them – and of course for the amazing food!

I (Tasia) completed my degree in Psychology before we entered My Kitchen Rules (MKR), while Gracia completed her Master in Biomedical Health Science. While we both took different career paths, we always had a passion for food. When we finished our studies, it was the perfect time for both of us to apply for the show. Our time being on the show and winning the competition allowed us to be even more confident that we both wanted to pursue our careers in the food industry.

What’s life like post-MKR?

Since the winning the show, we have been focusing on and pursuing opportunities in the food industry. We travel around Australia and Asia doing food demonstrations, working with food brands on recipe development and food contents, private catering, pop-up restaurants and have launched our own brand of satay sauce. We are also opening our first restaurant in Melbourne called Makan in April or May, serving Indonesian food to all.

Photo: Tasia and Gracia Seger

Why do you think you have found success in your current culinary ventures?

It has been two years since we started running our own venture and working on our brand to experience the food business. We think we are successful in our business venture due to the fact that we are sisters, hence we understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses. And also our same passion, goals and dream for food.

What do you love most about Indonesia?

Indonesia is where we are from, hence it will always be a part of us. We love its food, people and its diverse and rich culture.

Any hopes for the bilateral relationship (and food)?

We think that it will be stronger in the near future and will continue to be so. This is merely due to the fact that there is more awareness of and exposure to Indonesian food in Australia – with Indonesian festivals and the Satay Festival to name a few.

Photo: Tasia and Gracia Seger

What advice would you offer youth?

Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone, take risks and most of all enjoy both positive and negative experiences, as they will always lead towards more learning and self-development.

What would you do differently?

Apply for My Kitchen Rules sooner!

See what the MKR sisters been cooking on Instagram, Facebook and their website. Keep an eye out for more Career Champion interviews with AIA finalists in the coming weeks!