Callum Hann vs Laura Sharrad: The Masterchef Finalists’ Favourite Adelaide Spots Go Head-to-Head

Tonight, one of Adelaide’s most beloved local chefs will take home the coveted Masterchef gold trophy.

Callum Hann and Laura Sharrad have a lot in common. They’re both South Australian, they’re both competing in their third season of the Channel 10 cooking competition, they’ve both previously placed second in the comp, and they both run two local Adelaide restaurants each.

Before they go head-to-head in the grand finale of Masterchef: Back To Win, here’s how their favourite local venues stack up.

Your go-to for a quick takeaway:

Laura Sharrad: Mandoo; a small, hole-in-the-wall family-run business. It’s been in Adelaide for about 15 years now, and the father hand-rolls every single mandu every day, fills them by hand, and then steams or fries them. It’s a gem on Bank Street that cannot be missed. No bookings, walk-in only, until 3pm – that’s when the place closes so the family can sit down and have lunch together, before the dinner rush.

Callum Hann: My wife Crystal and I are obsessed with Real Falafel in the Adelaide Central Market. It’s the place I take people to convert them if they’re not falafel lovers. They’re crisp on the outside and so full of fresh herbs that they’re bright green in the middle. A handful of these with some hummus and pickles and you’ve got yourself a great snack or a quick dinner. My kids love them too, so I know they’re a winner!

While we’re in the market, we usually grab half a dozen oysters from Angelakis or Fair Seafood – they’re freshly shucked and hard to beat. Oysters are actually in season right now, despite most people wanting to eat them in summer.

The best long lunch spot:

LS: Lost Phoenix Farm. It’s a bit of a trek down south but worth it even just for the day, or you can book a night away along the Fleurieu Coast. Will Doak and the team there are absolutely smashing it. It’s our favourite place to unwind and relax, especially on a summer’s weekend. The food looks simple yet is refined, ballsy and absolutely punching with flavour. The cotoletta visits me in my dreams on regular occasions. Add a few limoncello spritzes in the sun and your afternoon is sorted.

CH: I’ve been a fan of Kane Pollard’s food for a long time. If you haven’t been to Ondeen yet, it’s worth a drive to the Adelaide Hills to check it out. The food is stunning and it’s in a relaxed setting, so my kids love coming along too.

Who does the best baked goods or sweet treats in town:

LS: Emma Shearer at The Lost Loaf. Her sourdough loaves are some of the best I’ve ever had. On the weekends they have fresh sandwiches that are to die for. At Christmas, the fruit mince pies are a must. Her plain croissant? Pure perfection.

CH: Without being too biased, when I need a sweet baked treat, it’s hard to go past Poh Ling Yeow’s Jamface at the Adelaide Showgrounds Farmers’ Market. Poh and her team are so good at their craft. My kids would recommend the snail cookies!

For bread, I usually grab a loaf from Basket Range Baker while we’re there, as they do a wonderful job. During the week, I think Emma Shearer and her team at The Lost Loaf do the best sourdough in the state. Emma made the bread for our wedding. Bread is very important in our household, so I think that says a fair bit!

@laurasharrad
@callums_kitchen

Masterchef Australia: Back to Win airs on 10 and 10 Play.