Event: First NZ MasterChef in town

Brett McGregor will talk at the Tauranga Yacht Club on November 15. Photo/supplied

Fresh from his Taste of a Traveller adventures, Brett McGregor - New Zealand's original MasterChef - is in Tauranga to share his love for travel and favourite Asian-inspired recipes from his new cookbook, Chop Chop. indulge caught up with him before the event, which will raise funds for Waipuna Hospice.

What is your favourite place to visit? This is just too hard to answer definitively. I love to travel and see beauty in many of the world's destinations. We are truly blessed to live in such a diverse environment in New Zealand, so coming home is always fantastic. I think having one favourite place to visit is a little strange considering how much is out there. So for me it is simply the journey of discovery.

And your favourite cuisine? This is easy. My food world changed when I was travelling throughout Asia and the beautiful people of Thailand have taught me so much about taste, texture and balance. So it has to be South East Asian - Thai.

What are the main differences between the way Kiwis cook and the way people cook in other countries you have visited?
I think Kiwis are taking their favourite flavours, mixing things up and trying adventurous ways of cooking from around the world to create a cuisine that is reminiscent of others, but refreshingly new. Other countries you travel often do not have the amazing selection of restaurants and quality ingredients so closely grouped and easy to find. We are lucky to have some of the most talented people cooking top quality nosh. When it comes to differences, Kiwis are keen to give everything a go, so there is a huge diversity and openness for trying new techniques and tastes, and an innovative attitude to Kiwis' cooking.

How has the way we cook at home changed in the last decade?
I believe many Kiwi families are becoming increasingly busy. A lot are looking for convenience and taking what many believe to be the hassle out of everyday cooking. This has led to a barrage of quick fixes and the drive-through experience, but has not done the general health of New Zealanders any good.

Life has changed so much since you won the original MasterChef NZ. What are three of the best things to happen, and three that aren't so positive?
Three best things...
1. Writing three cookbooks, one of which has been turned into a TV series for TVNZ.
2. Travelling and meeting brilliant chefs from all over the world to ensure I am learning from the best to produce food and recipes that people love.
3. Knowing that when you do what you love, you won't work a day in your life...I am following my bliss.

Things that aren't so hot...
1. Seeing my image being used for the gain of others.
2. Being away from home for extended periods.
3. Watching what is happening with New Zealand's eating habits.

What are five of your favourite Asian recipe ingredients?
This is always a very hard question to answer. There are so many things I love about the flavours of Asia, but I guess without some, such as fish sauce, oyster or soy sauce, lime, chilli, sugar, things are never quite the same.

Brett McGregor. Photo/supplied

What is your go-to comfort meal?
I love to slow cook so, for me, the ultimate comfort meal would have to be a classic slow-cooked good old Kiwi roast shared with family and friends...

If you were a super-hero, what would your powers be?
If I were a super-hero I would have "green fingers" - the ability to manipulate any plant's growth, taste etc. That way my powers would change with the seasons...

What car did you learn to drive in?
I learnt to drive in a white Ford Escort manual van, but it did not take long for me to buy my first car. At 17 I was driving Vauxhall Victor Super 101 - 1960s - and I loved it!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years' time?
I hope to see Jack completing his studies, Tracey on my arm and us both with smiles on our faces. Life, for us, is about creating memories and I would love this to continue for many, many years to come.