The 35-year-old Sofia Levin uses her voice with a remarkable precision and purpose, standing at the fascinating intersection of culture, food, and discourse. She started her career at the age of 19, and it reads like a well-layered tasting menu: globally inspired, intellectually rich, and, when necessary, surprisingly spicy. At a time when many food journalists are just starting out, Levin had already established himself as a well-known critic in magazines like The Guardian, Lonely Planet, and National Geographic, skillfully fusing journalism and psychology.
She turned her insatiable curiosity into a storytelling platform by starting The Seasoned Traveller, inspiring Australians and others to #EatCuriously. This was a way of thinking, not just a brand motto. Levin did more than just showcase dishes. She provided underrepresented communities and cuisines a place at the table, shared stories, and shed light on cultures. Her culinary compass has since evolved from that philosophy, which is based on empathy and an adventurous spirit.
Levin’s path has brought her to MasterChef Australia, arguably one of the most prestigious culinary entertainment stages in recent years. She replaced Melissa Leong in 2024, joining returning judge Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, and Jean-Christophe Novelli on an interestingly diverse panel of judges. The “Eurocentric middle-aged men” paradigm that has long characterized televised food critique was significantly broken by this. When discussing this change, Levin was remarkably explicit, saying that it’s past time for these panels to represent the real faces of food culture, which are typically women in many nations.
Sofia Levin – Personal and Professional Details
| Full Name | Sofia Levin |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 8, 1989 |
| Age (2025) | 35 years |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Profession | Food Journalist, Critic, TV Host, Blogger |
| Known For | MasterChef Australia Judge (2024–present) |
| Residence | Melbourne, Victoria |
| Website | www.seasonedtraveller.com |
| Partner (Rumored) | Will Dyer (Wine Importer) |
| Previous Partner | Matt John (Restaurateur) |
| Reference | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sofia_Levin |
Her ideas highlight a particularly striking contrast: while male chefs disproportionately hold high-end kitchens and international renown, women are the ones running street food stalls, family kitchens, and maintaining culinary traditions in many international communities. By elevating voices like Levin’s, MasterChef Australia re-centers who is recognized for culinary excellence while also modernizing its cast.
Levin has done a remarkable job of bringing cultural nuances and real emotional intelligence to the judging table during the 2025 season. Fans have praised her poise and empathy, which are traits that are frequently lacking in high-stakes reality TV. Despite being firm and professional, her criticisms are delivered in a way that feels uplifting rather than demeaning. She is a prime example of the culture’s shift toward constructive criticism, which prioritizes education over embarrassment.
The timing of this evolution couldn’t be more ideal. Judges like Levin are promoting a new standard in cooking shows that continue to combine education and entertainment, where technique is not as important as storytelling. Contestants from multicultural backgrounds have benefited greatly from her presence, as they frequently find a judge who genuinely understands the history of the spice blend. She is unique because she recognizes the connection between identity and food, which makes her a cultural translator as well as a critic.
Levin had already changed the definition of success in contemporary food media by the time he was 35. She boldly experimented with new foods while her peers followed well-trod paths, frequently putting herself in awkward and occasionally dangerous situations. She is extremely versatile, whether she is tasting grilled octopus in Greece or street samosas in Mumbai, thanks to her openness and dedication to integrity. She interprets the meaning of food, not just reporting on it.
Curiosity has also been raised about Levin’s private life. Previously engaged to Epic Pizza star Matt John, their brief romance featured happy Instagram photos and references to pre-wedding festivities in Lombok. However, Matt stopped posting on her social media accounts by 2019, and Sofia stopped wearing her engagement ring in 2021. Rumors of a romance with Will Dyer, a wine importer from La Carta Wines, have surfaced more recently; this could be a sign of a partnership as deliciously matched as wine and food.
Levin’s ability to combine her personal and professional values is what makes her so innovative. She has expanded her role beyond criticism as a spokesperson for cultural inclusivity and an ambassador for groups like MND VIC. She actively promotes stories that might otherwise be lost in translation and actively shapes food narratives instead. She’s helping to redesign the menu in addition to sitting at the table.
Although gender representation in food media has significantly improved over the last ten years, obstacles still exist. Levin’s position on MasterChef is a real-life example of the change that is gradually occurring. Her path is similar to that of women like Melissa Leong in Australia and Tiffany Derry in the US, who are both breaking old industry conventions and establishing their own niches.
Utilizing her dual training in journalism and psychology, Levin analyzes more than just flavor profiles. She exposes prejudice, decodes behavior, and highlights the ways that food can unite and divide people. Her influence endures well beyond a single TV season thanks to the emotional literacy she incorporates into her articles and critiques.
Sofia responded to the pandemic with remarkable agility, providing virtual newsletters and cooking narratives that allowed readers to escape cultural confinement while food tourism was suspended and kitchens were closed. Her voice turned into a source of solace, intrigue, and virtual company. Her journey is not only incredibly resilient but also inspirational for aspiring authors and foodies, demonstrating that genuineness can still find a place in the crowded media landscape.
Sofia Levin’s role is set to grow in the upcoming years. Her storytelling skills will probably become even more important as streaming services increase their investments in culturally rich culinary content and international travel picks up steam. Discussions about giving her a stand-alone series are already brewing; it might focus on underrepresented food communities on different continents.
