Vietnamese women to win 3rd season of “Master Chef” in the US

The renowned blind Vietnamese chef Christine Ha made headlines by winning first place on the reality cooking competition "MasterChef" during its third season finale. In doing so, she became the first Vietnamese competitor and the first blind contestant to earn the coveted "MasterChef" title, along with a prize of $250,000 and a contract to publish a cookbook.

In the final competition, Christine Ha and her rival, Josh Marks from Mississippi, were challenged to prepare a three-course meal in just two hours. While Josh chose to showcase three Western dishes featuring high-value ingredients such as lobster, lamb, and seasonal vegetables, Christine Ha wowed the judges with her Asian-inspired dishes, including a papaya salad, rice with Vietnamese roasted pork, mushrooms, and an omelet, finished off with a coconut-lemon ice cream accompanied by ginger cookies. Christine described her menu as "a symphony of flavors," which resonated with the judges, who commended her for its nutritional balance and meticulous execution.

Christine Ha is a graduate of the University of Houston and is also an influential food blogger in the U.S. She lost her vision ten years ago due to a rare condition, yet this life change did not deter her passion for cooking. Instead, she has honed her ability to "see" through her other senses, allowing her to navigate the kitchen with minimal assistance.

Vietnamese cuisine is increasingly recognized as a significant attraction in Vietnam's tourism, particularly for Western travelers, due to its unique flavors and variety. Experiencing authentic Vietnamese food in the United States can be delightful, but travelers should be aware that nothing compares to tasting these dishes in their country of origin for a true cultural experience.