Ruth for MasterChef 2025 Heat 2 / BBC
Age: 38
Occupation: Nurse
From: Wigan via Philippines and Australia
How would you describe your style of cooking?
“I think my exposure to different cuisines has made me even more adventurous with food. I love Indian and South East Asian food, Mexican, American, Spanish and of course championing flavours from my own country, the Philippines. Filipino cuisine is very much influenced by Spanish flavours. I don’t cook so much English food as I find it a little bit bland. Although I love a good fish and chips – you can’t go wrong with that.
“I’m a person who finds joy in cooking naturally and goes by feeling rather than by strict recipes. I love experimenting with different flavours and ingredients that are available to me. I trust my instincts and let creativity guide me in the kitchen. For me, cooking is a personal expression, not a science. It’s about using all my senses, always tasting, adjusting and enjoying the whole process.”
What is your favourite ingredient to cook with and why?
“Soy sauce is such a great ingredient – a little bit goes a long way.”
Why did you enter MasterChef this year?
“I decided to enter the competition because I love cooking. I’ve been watching MasterChef since I lived in Australia and I’ve always wondered if I might be good enough to be a chef. I feel like I’ve got a lot I can share with the world about my cooking and the flavour that comes from my heritage and culture. I also wanted to showcase more Filipino cuisine – there is so much to discover. I am a feeder, as my friends and family always say – the kitchen is my paradise.”
MasterChef returns Wednesday at 8pm on BBC One.
