Lyndey Milan OAM
Lyndey’s dedication to connecting people is driven by her belief that food, wine and culture are powerful tools for creating meaningful connections. Delivering her engaging events, television shows, industry consulting, impactful advocacy work and proud work in Regional Australia, Lyndey’s ultimate goal is for people to experience connection, nourishment, and inspiration through the universality of food.
As one of Australia’s most trusted and respected food and wine icons, Lyndey was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her “services to hospitality, particularly to the food and wine industry, and to the community”. With over four decades of experience, expertise and education, Lyndey is an accomplished author, award-winning celebrity chef, multimedia presenter, host, judge, EmCee, speaker, honoured industry leader, advocate, ambassador and in-demand consultant.
Awards
Lyndey Milan is a true trailblazer in the Australian food and wine industry. Her career has been nothing short of impressive with recognition and awards spanning the globe and across multi-mediums showcasing her impact and honouring her service.
- Women Chiefs of Enterprises International Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 (Australia)
- Lifetime Achievement Award from Restaurant & Caterers’ Association 2022
- Legend of the Vine - Wine Communicators Australia (2019)
- Best Food TV Show for "Lyndey Milan’s Taste of Australia." - Gourmand World Awards (2015)
- Best TV Chef Cookbook - Gourmand World Cookbook Awards (2014)
- Frankfurt Book Fair -Best of the Best for the last 20 years, 3rd place
- Recipient of the Order Of Australia - Awarded an OAM in the Australia Day Honours List for service to hospitality, the food and wine industry and the community.(2014)
- Vittoria Legend Award (2012) - At the Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Food Guide Awards
- Excellence in Variety/Entertainment for "for Lyndey Milan’s Taste of Ireland" - Festival Asia, Japan (2012)
- Finalist in The Telstra Business Women’s Awards NSW (2011)
- Best Food & Wine Writing for "Balance, Matching Food and Wine, What Works and Why" - Australian Food Media Awards (2006)
- Best Overall Contribution to the Food Media - Australian Food Media Awards – (2008 and 1999)
- Best Radio Food segment - Australian Food Media Awards (2008)
- ABPA Award for Best Design for "Real Food For Fast People"
“It’s my life’s work to connect, support and inspire people, industry professionals and producers to ‘connect at the table’ by creating innovative culinary and cultural experiences that inform, entertain and nourish deeper connections.”
TV Presenter
Embark on a journey through Lyndey Milan’s illustrious television career, showcasing her captivating culinary creations and memorable appearances that have made her a beloved icon in the food and wine world.
The following have been shown globally by terrestrial and non-terrestrial broadcasters, airlines, and trainlines. View TV appearances
- Best Food TV series in the Gourmand World Awards (2016)
- UK’s Saturday Kitchen, later shown in Australia (2015 and 2016)
- NBC Today Show - During the Sydney Olympics (2000)
- Rick Stein’s Seafood Odyssey (1999)
- Co-host of Fresh with The Australian Women’s Weekly on the Nine Network Australia (2000 - 2008)
- Regular appearances on Australia's SBS Food (Channel 33)
- Mornings with Kerri-Anne 2004 - 2011, thereafter Mornings until 2014
- Anthony Bourdain, A Cook’s tour (2002)
- Lyndey Milan’s Summer Baking Secrets 6 episodes, achieved excellent ratings on Channel 7. Then aired twice on LifeStyle FOOD.
- Lyndey Milan’s Taste of Australia. Best Food TV Show in Gourmand World Awards 2015.
- Lyndey & Herbie’s Moveable Feast 7TWO (Feb 2015) and The Living Channel, New Zealand (2014).
- Lyndey Milan’s Baking Secrets – LifeStyle FOOD (2014).
- Lyndey Milan’s Taste of Ireland – 7TWO & LifeStyle FOOD (2012).
- Lyndey’s Cracking Christmas – LifeStyle FOOD (2012-2014).
- Lyndey & Blair’s Taste of Greece – Living Channel NZ, 7TWO, SBS & LifeStyle FOOD.
- Inside Lyndey’s Kitchen – 2-5 minute “how to’s” sold in Australia, New Zealand and USA.
Appearances
Author
Lyndey Milan’s Taste of Australia won Best TV Chef Cookbook in the World at the 2015 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards and in the Best of the Best for the last 20 years at the Frankfurt Book Fair, won third overall.
Other books include Lyndey & Blair’s Taste of Greece, Lyndey Milan, the Best Collection, Just Add Spice (co-authored with Ian Hemphill) and Balance, Matching Food and Wine, What Works and Why (with Colin Corney) which won Best Food and Wine Writing at the 2008 Australian Food Media Awards.
She is also a key contributor to:
- Selector magazine, a bi-monthly publication for food and wine enthusiasts.
- Delicious Magazine and delicious.com.au.
- Signature Luxury Travel & Style
Business
Lyndey is based in Sydney, but regularly spends her time in London in Singapore, running a consultancy business which includes curating menus, public speaking, appearances such as the Sydney Royal Easter Show, cooking classes, recipe development, food and wine appreciation classes and advising food and wine clients – in fact anything to do with food, wine, agriculture, travel and lifestyle.
She is co-Founder and Patron of Tasting Success, a mentoring program for female chefs running since 2007, and was a founding Board member of Women in Hospitality, a not-for-profit organisation that supports and fosters career development of women in the hospitality industry.
She judges for many industry organisations and works voluntarily for various charities including the Leukaemia Foundation and Cure Cancer. She was also a judge and is now an ambassador and judge for the prestigious global Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year competition.
Lyndey was also Creative Director of Flame Media from 2010 to 2022, an international TV Production and Distribution Company with offices around the world and Flame Studio in Sydney.
In 2021 she completed her thesis to be awarded a Diplome d’Universite du Gout, de la Gastronomie et des Arts de la Table (University of Reims, Champagne-Ardenne).
Her unflagging energy saw her as first female Vice-President of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW.
She has been Chair of the Sydney Royal Wine Show, Cheese and Dairy Produce show and Fine Food shows which she founded in 1997, which judge thousands of Australian products in categories including aquaculture, branded beef, branded lamb, professional bakery, coffee, beer, pasta and noodle, specialty foods, olive oil, small goods and charcuterie.
Traveller
A deep held love for food and wine has made Lyndey an inveterate traveller for both work and pleasure and she has been to all seven continents on earth.
She is a popular tour host for many cruises to the Mediterranean, as an enrichment speaker for Silverseas and P&O cruises. Her next adventures are repeats of her successful Morocco and Puglia culinary trips in 2024.
Her friendly personality makes her the ideal person to lead a tour and she takes special pride in seeking out special food and wine experiences for her guests.
I had the pleasure of working with Lyndey on two exclusive events hosted by Oceania Cruises for Australian media and travel partners. Lyndey and Chef, Peter Consitis curated an engaging cooking demonstration for guests, themed around our new ship, Vista’s explorations to the Greek Isles, accompanied by delectable tasting plates. Lyndey is a consummate professional with an innate knack at creatively storytelling any culinary experience for your audience. She is a dream to work with, and takes care of every last detail, from event conception through to delivery. I look forward to working closely with her again in the very near future!
Jodie Hart
PR & Partnerships Manager Asia Pacific
Oceania Cruises
Lyndey is a skilled and engaging presenter with the ability to relate to both the young and old, and the rural and not so rural members in her audience.
It was a privilege to work with Lyndey. Her participation in the Bellingen Show has led to new friendships and enduring connections. We would highly recommend any organisation that is looking to work with a professional Celebrity Chef to engage Lyndey – she will not disappoint you.
Gillian Anderson
Vice President
Bellinger River Agricultural Society Inc
Lyndey Milan OAM is a passionate and fantastic speaker. Lyndey is engaging and genuinely interested in learning about the local produce in the Shoalhaven. She strongly advocates for supporting local producers so they can deliver the best freshly grown produce that supplies the restaurants and cafes in the region.
Her keynote presentation received glowing feedback and we thank Lyndey for contributing to the success of this event.
Regional Culinary Tourism Presentation, Shoalhaven
Lyndey’s unwavering dedication and remarkable contributions have left an indelible mark on the RAS.
As the master of ceremonies, at various events held by the RAS, Lyndey has not only entertained but educated many in such a positive way, creating an unforgettable experience. Her dedication has not only elevated the quality of our events but has also enhanced our ability to support and promote Australian producers on a broader scale.
Lyndey is an inspiration for Australian women in business, exemplifying leadership, resilience, and success
Brock Gilmour
Chief Executive
Royal Agricultural Society of NSW
Lyndey’s infectious enthusiasm for good food and quality ingredients infused every word of her presentation, leaving a lasting impression. Hosting such a distinguished speaker at our event was an honor, and her expertise will undoubtedly guide our industry toward innovation and sustainability.
Her articulate delivery captivated industry professionals, from growers to chefs, with practical recipe insights and unparalleled understanding of olive oil.
Olive Exposium Keynote
Lyndey delivered above and beyond our expectations.
Lyndey took the time to visit Streaky Bay to meet the growers, artisan fishers and local businesses to scope the produce and to design the menu. She also worked brilliantly with our local chefs and hospitality staff to ensure the event was on point and showcased our local produce in the best possible manner.
Needles to say the event was a great success!
Tasting Australia Event
Oh what a night! 40 hours travelling from Marrakech got me back in time for annual @goodfoodau awards. Full of friendship, support and fun. I’ve been reviewing since 1987. Such a privilege to be a part of this industry. New & old, side-by-side. Great food & @nswwine . Feel the love.
Fes is a feast for the senses! 🇲🇦✨
I love how travel opens the door to a whole new world of flavours, traditions and stories, and Fes is one of those places that truly brings Moroccan culture to life.
From wandering the fascinating alleyways, dodging motor bikes in the ancient medina to discovering the aromas and spices of traditional Moroccan cuisine, there’s alwyas more to explore. And of course, a Moroccan cooking class, beginning with shopping in the souk, learning more about the ingredients, techniques and traditions that make this cuisine so special. Even better when it was all in our beautiful riad which we had exclusively for our fun group.🍋🌿
For me, food is one of the best ways to understand a culture, and I love sharing it with my groups in whatever country and culture we are visiting.
#TravelWithLyndey #Morocco2026 #FesMorocco #CulinaryTravel #MoroccanCuisine #FoodAndTravel #LyndeyMilan #bypriorarrangement
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about making pasta from scratch. 🇮🇹🍝
It’s simple, hands-on and far easier than you might think. My Basic Pasta Dough is a great recipe to have up your sleeve, whether you’re making silky ribbons, filled pasta or your favourite shape.
Making fres pasta is very satisfying, especially when it ends up on the table with a delicious sauce and good company.
Roll up your sleeves and give it a go!
Comment “Pasta” and I’ll send you the link.
#LyndeyMilan #CookingWithLyndey #TravelWithLyndey #FreshPasta #HomemadePasta #PastaFromScratch #ItalianFood #ItalianCooking #HomeCooking #PastaLovers #Foodie
The first two days in Morocco were all about colour, culture, history and, of course, wonderful food. And in Tangier, an historically international city 🇲🇦✨
Then we had a fascinating dive to Chefchaouen, the famous Blue City, where wandering the beautiful blue-washed streets was every bit as magical as I imagined. 💙
Chefchaouen had a different rhythm. Gentle, relaxed and so different. The unique blue comes from a combination of lime, as a protective coating for so many thins, with a touch of indigo to alleviate any strak whiteness. A wonderfu tour from Aladdin, who was born there. So many discoveries.
Next stop: Fes, with a different rhythm again.
#LyndeyMilan #TravelWithLyndey #Morocco #MoroccoTravel #Chefchaouen #BlueCity #Fes #MoroccanFood #MoroccanCuisine #CulinaryTravel #FoodTravel #Morocco2026 #bypriorarrangement
Tangier was the start of my Moroccan adventure 🇲🇦✨
Close to the confluence of the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean, it is hilly with a different vibe from other parts. A strong Spanish influence, a fascinating history, vibrant streets and incredible food. As always I love the contrast between the old and new, and of course, discovering different Moroccan flavours and traditions along the way.
The best way to discover a destination through its food, especially as it reveals history and we’re only just getting started!
Next stop: Chefchaouen, before we continue on to Fes and Marrakech. I can’t wait to share more of this incredible journey with you.
#LyndeyMilan #TravelWithLyndey #Morocco #MoroccoTravel #MoroccanFood #MoroccanCuisine #Tangier #CulinaryTravel #FoodTravel #Chefchaouen #Morocco2026
🥃 How is whisky actually made?
I went behind the scenes at Lark Distillery in Tasmania with Master Distiller Chris Thomson to find out, from peat-smoking the grain and fermentation right through to tasting the spirit.
And here’s the part that surprised me: you essentially make beer before you make whisky.
🎥 I’ve put the full video on YouTube, where Chris takes us through the process from the very beginning. https://youtu.be/0-kbBVwFg7U
#LarkDistillery #TasmanianWhisky #WhiskyMaking #AustralianWhisky #TasmanianWhiskyTrail #WhiskyLovers #LyndeyMilan #BehindTheScenes @larkdistillery
🍷 Celebrating Australia’s wine lists
There’s so much more to a great wine list than choosing a bottle.
Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards recognise the sommeliers, restaurateurs and hospitality teams who put the time, knowledge and commitment into creating wine lists that add another dimension to the dining experience.
Now in its 33rd year, the awards celebrate wine lists across restaurants, hotels, pubs, clubs and wine bars, from carefully curated smaller lists to cellars with extraordinary depth.
A few weeks ago the 2026 awards were announced on Monday 28 September at NSW Parliament House. It is always great to catch up with industry friends, but a couple of shout outs. It was wonderful to see my old friend, now Emeritus Chair of these awards after 33 years (23 as Chair) and that the Best Listing of WA wines will now be known as The Peter Forrestal Award. Also important to remember the late Fiona Macdonald with Best Wine Bar List named after her and let’s here it for Infinity by Mark Best for taking out The Tony Hitchin Award for Australia’s Best New Wine List and - drum roll - Best Listing of Australian Wines.🥂 Thanks for flying the flag 🇦🇺with an all Australian list.
#WineListOfTheYear #AustralianWine #AustralianWineIndustry #Sommeliers #WineLists #LyndeyMilan #AustralianHospitality #AustraliasWineListofYearAwards @auswinelistoftheyear
A little taste of Basque Country 🇪🇸
I’ve put my own twist on the famous Basque cheesecake, adding gentle spice for extra warmth and flavour. Creamy in the centre, golden on top and wonderfully moist inside, this cheesecake is made for sharing.
And if you love the food, wine and culture of northern Spain, join me in May 2027 for my 11-day culinary journey through Spain’s Basque Country and La Rioja. 🇪🇸🍷
From San Sebastián and Bilbao to cooking classes, cider houses, Txakoli and Rioja wineries, cheese-making and plenty of wonderful food along the way.
19–29 May 2027 | 11 days / 10 nights
Comment “Cheesecake” and I’ll send you the recipe.
#LyndeyMilan #TravelWithLyndey #BasqueCountry #BasqueCheesecake #Spain #SpanishFood #FoodTravel #CulinaryTravel #LaRioja #SanSebastian #FoodieTravel #SpainTravel
A fabulous late lunch (don’t try and get an Uber from Melbourne Airport) at the new @cote.basque.restaurant with my ‘twin’ @giovannadabaco . Sensational anchovies and the best sea urchin ever. So good we ordered them both twice. Not that the crab Bartlett wasn’t amazing too. Thanks for fitting us in @chef_andrewmcconnell
Fire, food and an unforgettable afternoon. 🔥
One of the highlights of the Horizontal Festival was an industry lunch cooked by Francis Mallmann and his team from his restaurants around the world. He is known as “the godfather of open-fire cooking”.
The set up was incredible and to see with his cooking dome, a custom, towering metal structure used to suspend produce, whole chickens, and cuts of meat over slow-burning flames. Vegetables were cooked in the coals and potatoes on the plancha.
It was a relaxed afternoon of slow food, conversation, catching up with old friends and colleagues and inspiration: a reminder of just how much there is to learn when you step outside your own kitchen and experience how other chefs cook.
A very memorable festival experience. 🔥 thank you Horizontal Festival @horizontalfestival and Francis Mallmann @francis_mallmann56
#HorizontalFestival #FrancisMallmann #LyndeyMilan #FoodFestival #CookingOverFire #FoodAndTravel #ArgentinianFood
A lovely piece of news to share. ✨
Some WCEI members will be in Prague with our global organisation Les Femmes Chefs D`Enterprises Mondiales (FCEM) as my nomination for Entrepreneur of the Year goes forward.
It’s a wonderful honour to have my work recognised in this way, particularly alongside women from around the world who are doing such interesting and entrepreneurial things in business.
I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed from afar as I will be working at the Horizontal Festival this weekend. Whatever the outcome I relish the opportunity to celebrate the nomination with the amazing WCEI community.
#EntrepreneurOfTheYear #WCEI #WomenInBusiness #LyndeyMilan #WomenEntrepreneurs #BusinessWomen
See you at Horizontal Festival! 🎉
I am in the Southern Highlands for the second annual Horizontal Festival from 1 - 5 October, where I am MCing the Maldon Salt Culinary Stage over the long weekend.
Forget the rain, there’s a lot happening across the festival, ad I am right in the middle of the food action, introducing chefs, chatting to them, giving cooking demonstrations of my own and soaking up all the flavour and energy of the Culinary Stage.
Plus come and see my “10 Producer Picks” - outstanding NSW food producers.
If you’re heading along, come and say hello!
@chefmattmoran @marketbest @horizontalfestival
#HorizontalFestival #MaldonSalt #CulinaryStage #LyndeyMilan #FoodFestival #AustralianFood #CookingWithLyndey #mattmoran #marketbest #horizontalfestival
