Adam Liaw
"I think people genuinely have a pretty high skill level when it comes to cooking."
Adam Liaw is widely regarded as one of the best cooks in Australia. Some may know him from competing in – and eventually winning – the second season of MasterChef Australia, but Adam has a rich history of cooking, television presenting, and authoring his own books.
He wrote and hosted both Destination Flavour and The Cook Up with Adam Liaw, and has made a name for himself across the country for his work, sparkling personality, social media presence, and ambassador roles.
As the winner of MasterChef Australia, he was offered the chance to write his own cookbook, which led to his first release, Two Asian Kitchens. Since then, Adam has published Tonight’s Dinner, Tonight’s Dinner 2, Adam’s Big Pot, Adam Liaw’s Asian Cookery School, and 7 Days of Dinner.
Meet Adam Liaw
Adam Liaw was born in Penang, Malaysia in 1978 to a Malaysian Chinese father and a Singaporean-born English mother. At age 3, his family moved to Adelaide. After his parents divorced and his mother moved away, Adam lived with his paternal grandmother, who played a huge role in shaping his life and approach to cooking.
Adam graduated from the University of Adelaide with a double degree in Science and Law, and worked at a law firm in Adelaide. In his 20s, he moved to Japan and worked in media law, where he met his future wife, Asami.
He later transitioned into food media, building a strong social media following on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. Already a popular food personality, he auditioned for MasterChef Australia and won.
Since winning, Adam has hosted his own shows, become a UNICEF ambassador for nutrition, and started his own podcast.
What kind of books does Adam Liaw write?
Adam Liaw writes cookbooks focused on accessible home cooking, often drawing on Asian flavours and techniques alongside practical weeknight and family-friendly recipes.
Which book is best to start with if I’m new to his work?
Start with Two Asian Kitchens, his first cookbook showcasing his signature Asian-influenced approach, or Tonight’s Dinner for quick, weeknight meals.
Are Adam Liaw’s books part of a series?
Most of his books are stand-alone cookbooks, though Tonight’s Dinner has a follow-up (Tonight’s Dinner 2) continuing the same theme of practical dinners.
Does he specialise only in Asian cuisine?
While Asian cookery is a strong focus, his books also cover broader home-cooking and weeknight dinner themes blending various flavours and techniques.
Has he received notable recognition for his cooking and books?
Yes. Adam Liaw won MasterChef Australia (season 2) and has since hosted TV cooking shows, published multiple cookbooks, and established himself as a prominent food media personality.
