Melissa Leong Facts: Things to Know About the Food Writer

Melissa Leong is an Australian food writer, television host, food critic, and radio broadcaster. Although her career spans many areas, she is probably best known as a former MasterChef Australia and MasterChef Australia Junior presenter. While Leong is relatively well known, there are many things that people may not know about her. So, what are some interesting facts about Melissa Leong? Here are some fun Melissa Leong facts you might like to know.

Melissa Leong Facts: Her Early and Personal Life

Where Was Melissa Leong Born?

Melissa Leong was born in Sydney, Australia, in 1982. She is of Singaporean heritage, as her parents emigrated to Australia from Singapore before Leong was born.

Where Does Melissa Leong Live?

Leong is a resident of Melbourne. In 2022, the food critic spent $2.5 million on a new home. According to the Daily Mail, her home is a renovated terrace in an inner-city suburb.

Is Melissa Leong Married?

Melissa Leong was married to Joe Jones from 2017 to 2020. Jones owns the Melbourne cocktail bar Roneo Lane and is both a chef and bartender. The former couple have remained friends since their split, and the decision to separate was mutual. They announced their split on social media, saying they both realized it was time to move on and asking for privacy from the press.

Does Melissa Leong Have Children?

Melissa Leong does not have any children.

Facts About Melissa Leong: Her Career

For Which Publications Does Melissa Leong Write?

Melissa Leong is a freelance food writer, so she is not tied to any specific publication. However, she has written pieces or series for publications including Escape, Stellar, and Delicious.

When Did Melissa Leong First Appear on Television?

Leong appeared on television for the first time in 2017 when she co-hosted The Chef’s Line with Mark Olive and Dan Hong. She returned to the series the following year.

Does Melissa Leong Host MasterChef Australia?

After original MasterChef judges George Calombaris, Matt Preston, and Gary Mehigan left the series in 2018, Melissa Leong became one of the new judges for 2019. Her co-judges for the series were Andy Allen and Jock Zonfrillo. Following Zonfrillo’s sudden and unexpected death in 2023, changes were made. Melissa Leong is no longer part of the line-up, with only Andy Allen remaining. The three new judges are Poh Ling Yeow, Jean-Christophe Novelli, and Sofia Levin.

What Is She Doing Now?

Melissa Leong is one of the presenters of the MasterChef spinoff series Dessert Masters, alongside pastry chef Amaury Guichon. She continues to write for various publications.

Other Melissa Leong Facts

What Is Melissa Leong’s Net Worth?

The exact figure of Melissa Leong’s net worth is unknown, and estimates differ significantly. While some sources say Melissa Leong has a net worth of $800,000, others put the figure closer to $2 million.

She Has Some Health Problems

Although Melissa Leong looks a picture of health on our screens, people sometimes have disabilities or illnesses that are not immediately obvious. Not only has Leong suffered from depression and anxiety, but she also has an autoimmune condition. The latter has caused both insomnia and hair loss in the past.

What Are Melissa Leong’s Favourite Foods?

Melissa Leong has diverse culinary tastes. Her experiences of growing up in an Australian household, having a Singaporean heritage, and travelling the world throughout her career means she has had opportunities to sample multiple cuisines and try many unusual dishes. Just some of the foods she loves include the Vietnamese dish Banh Mi, Japanese Sushi, and Louisianan fried chicken, says Escape. 

We hope you enjoyed reading our Melissa Leong facts!