After two brilliant seasons, food writer Sofia Levin is returning as judge in the 2026 season of MasterChef Australia.
Joining her on the panel for the program’s 18th season is Andy Allen, Poh Ling-Yeow and multi-Michelin star winner Jean-Christophe Novelli.
Despite her skills and experience tasting some of the most elaborate dishes across the globe, viewers were initially skeptical of Sofia’s place on MasterChef.
“People say, ‘Oh, well, get in the kitchen and then you can tell us [your opinion]’,” Sofia told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“And to that I say, ‘Do film critics also produce? Do music reviewers also play an instrument themselves?’ It’s a different skill. There are very, very few chefs who can write like I write. It’s a different but inextricably linked skill. I also don’t think any of them have eaten as much as I’ve eaten.”
With MasterChef Australia returning to our screens on April 19, 2026, we are delving into Sofia Levin’s life away from the reality show.
Who is Sofia Levin?
Sofia is a food and travel journalist born in Melbourne.
Before her career directed her towards MasterChef, she was known for her blog The Seasoned Traveller. Letting her curiosity for food take the lead, her blog featured viral feeds, and an ‘eatinerary.’
She also has more than 15 years experience in the industry, with commentary featuring in The Guardian, Lonely Planet, National Geographic and SBS Food.
Is Sofia Levin in a relationship?
In a rare confession about her personal life, Sofia has confirmed she is happily engaged.
While she is yet to confirm the identity of her partner, the 36-year-old has revealed some information.
“I reconnected with someone from school,” she said in an interview with TV WEEK. “We hadn’t really seen each other much for about 20 years. That was over a year ago now, which is wonderful. We’re engaged, which is not a secret.”
However, she isn’t in a mad scramble to plan a wedding with MasterChef keeping her booked and busy at the moment.
“I don’t think it’ll happen anytime in the next 12 months,” she added. “There’s just too much going on. And you know, it’s nice to be engaged. You don’t get to be engaged forever, so might as well lean in.”
What happened to Sofia Levin’s father?
Sofia’s dad, Greg is a doctor and co-owner in an East Melbourne fertility control clinic. In 2022, he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
In wake of this news, Sofia began working with fundraising events. Her first was a gallery exhibition of his photographs.
Sadly, Greg passed away in 2024, as her first season of MasterChef was airing.
“You read about motor neurone disease, you hear someone who’s got it, I get the emails, all of that,” Sofia told SMH.
“But I feel simultaneously deeply affected by it but also disconnected to it. I don’t know if it’s just an automatic compartmentalisation, so I can get along with day-to-day life.”
