Celebrity Chef Sarah Todd: From Fashion to MasterChef Stardom

A model-turned-chef, Sarah Todd has captivated the world with her culinary artistry and love for Indian flavors. From MasterChef Australia to running high-end restaurants, here’s a look into her incredible journey.

From Runways to Kitchens

Hailing from Australia, Sarah Todd was discovered as a fashion model at the age of 18, working with luxury brands like Gucci and Hugo Boss. While traveling across the world, she fell in love with diverse food cultures, which sparked her passion for cooking.

A defining moment in her life came after the birth of her son, Phoenix. Reflecting on her career, she realized she wanted to pursue something truly fulfilling. That’s when she decided to enroll in Le Cordon Bleu, one of the most prestigious culinary schools, setting the stage for a dramatic career shift.

The MasterChef Australia Breakthrough

In 2014, Sarah competed in MasterChef Australia Season 6, which proved to be a life-changing experience. She recalls, “It was one of the most difficult yet rewarding moments of my life. It gave me the confidence I needed to pursue cooking as a career.”

During the show, Sarah became widely recognized in India for her take on classic Indian dishes like fish curry, roti, pickle, and Aloo Gobi. Her authentic approach gained her 50,000 Indian followers in just a week!

Deep Connection with Indian Cuisine

Sarah’s love for Indian food was heavily influenced by her Punjabi mother-in-law. She recalls watching her cook with pure instinct, without measurements—just experience and passion. Inspired by this, Sarah took detailed notes, fascinated by the rich flavors and techniques.

Learning from the Best

Sarah has honed her skills under renowned Michelin-starred chefs like Neil Borthwick and Angela Hartnett. She admired Hartnett’s success in a male-dominated industry and took inspiration from her journey.

Food: A Universal Language

One of Sarah’s most powerful realizations came while staying with a local family in Germany. Despite the language barrier, sharing a meal made her feel connected. “Food is a universal language. We shared a moment without speaking,” she recalls.

Building a Culinary Empire

Today, Sarah Todd is a successful restaurateur. She owns Antares Restaurant & Beach Club in Goa and leads The Wine Rack in Mumbai, where she challenges the notion that Indian food doesn’t pair well with wine.

Her collaboration with Gurgaon’s The Wine Company further showcases her innovative approach to food and beverage pairing.