‘MasterChef: Global Gauntlet’ Contestant Jaime Tan Dishes on Streaming, Going Viral and More

Jaime Tan is making waves as a contestant on MasterChef: Global Gauntlet Season 16, airing now on FOX. The Gordon Ramsay-led cooking competition features Joe Bastianich and Tiffany Derry helping the celebrity chef pick the best culinary artists from four teams — divided into “The Americas,” “Asia Pacific,” “Europe” and “Africa” — before crowning one champion.

Though Tan, who can be found on Instagram at @iGumdrop, is staying mum on how the rest of the season unfolds, she shared some tidbits exclusively with In Touch. Read on for more with the Malaysian-born creator.

Q: You started as a gamer and streamer. How did that evolve into becoming one of MasterChef’s buzziest new faces?

A: I actually grew up obsessed with both computers and food. My dad gave me a used computer when I was four and I was obsessed with editing and digital creation. Culinary school felt out of reach, so I turned to gaming and started streaming at 19, when there were very few women in the space. Streaming helped me come out of my shell, find my voice, and build a community, which later made it feel possible to pivot into food content and take a risk on showing people what I could do in the kitchen.

Q: What was the moment you realized, “Okay, food is actually my future now”?

A: I was raised in a household where love was expressed through food. My dad worked graveyard shifts and still made sure there was something he cooked waiting for me, which is where I learned that food can say the things we don’t always have words for. When one of my cooking videos went viral, it was like the internet was mirroring that back to me and saying, “This is you, this is your lane.” That first viral video gave me the courage to fully lean into food and accept that this wasn’t just a side passion, but that it was my path.

Q: MasterChef: Global Gauntlet is basically a culinary world cup. What did stepping into that kitchen mean to you?

A: Competing on FOX’s MasterChef was a lifelong dream. I never felt like I had any sort of major accomplishments in my life, so it was always hard for me to mark success. Going into the MasterChef kitchen really healed a lot of that part for me. I felt like I was 15 again, except this time I could connect and socialize with everyone. The whole experience gave me a new sense of confidence, but it also humbled me and reminded me how much there is to learn when you’re cooking next to so many talented people.

Q: Your cooking is rooted in Malaysian flavors and something you call “Agak-Agak.” What does that actually look like in your kitchen?

A: “Agak-Agak” is a Malaysian phrase that basically means to estimate, so there’s no strict measuring – you taste and adjust as you go. It really defines the way that I cook which is always from the heart. I love taking the flavors I grew up with and presenting them in a more elevated way, but without losing the soul and comfort they came from. Whether it’s satay or a curry, I want people to feel like they’re being invited into my memories, not just eating a pretty plate for Instagram.

Q: You’ve talked about wanting to inspire young Asian women. What do you hope they see when they watch you online or on MasterChef?

A: Growing up in a culture as an Asian woman, I was taught to be reserved, quiet, proper, and never to go against the grain. I hope to empower other young Asian women to be confident and even a little flirty because these things are not taboo, and it’s okay to express yourself. More than anything, I want people to feel confident in expressing themselves fully—whether that’s through food, content, or something completely different.

Q: What’s next for you — more TV, a restaurant or are we getting the Jaime food truck of our dreams?

A: My dream is to bring elevated Malaysian food to more people in the U.S., whether that’s through a pop-up, a food truck, or eventually a restaurant. I also really want to explore food and travel media, because there are so many Malaysian stories and flavors that deserve a spotlight. On a personal level, I’d love to bring my parents to California and help my dad realize his own culinary dreams as well as inspiring other Asian creators and aspiring chefs.