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
Have you tried Jerusalem artichokes? 🌿
Despite their name, they’re not related to globe artichokes at all, they’re part of the sunflower family and are also known as sunchokes. Look a little like ginger, but they have crisp, white flesh with a sweet, nutty flavour.
They’re a source of potassium, vitamin C, fibre and folate, including inulin, a soluble fibre that can support healthy gut bacteria.
How to use them: Roast whole, fry in butter and olive oil, blend into soup, bake with white sauce and breadcrumbs, or boil and mash.
Tip: Once peeled, they discolour quickly, so place them in water with lemon juice or vinegar.
And one warning… don’t eat too many at once! Their high inulin content can cause a little wind trouble. 😄
For more seasonal ingredients, recipes and cooking tips, sign up for my newsletter — link in bio and comment "artichokes" and I will send you the recipe!
#JerusalemArtichokes #Sunchokes #SeasonalProduce #SeasonalCooking #FreshProduce #HealthyEating #GutHealth #CookingTips #IngredientSpotlight #AustralianProduce #HomeCooking #LyndeyMilan #LyndeyMilanRecipes #RecipeInspiration #EatSeasonal
This dish takes me straight back to Margaret River, where I first created it surrounded by the most beautiful local produce. 🍃
I love how quickly it comes together, perfectly cooked pork with a little richness, balanced by a bright, quick pickle and a fresh salad of asparagus and broad beans. When these vegetables are in season, they really shine, tender, vibrant and full of flavour.
It’s the kind of meal I turn to when I want something simple but special… fresh, seasonal, and made for sharing.
#LyndeyMilan #SeasonalCooking #AutumnProduce #Asparagus #BroadBeans #AustralianFood #SimpleCooking #CookingWithLyndey
🇪🇸 Spain, but make it delicious.
Join me in May 2027 for 11 unforgettable days through the Basque Country and La Rioja, two of Spain’s most celebrated regions for food, wine and culinary tradition.
From the pintxos bars of San Sebastián to the vineyards of La Rioja, this is a journey designed around incredible food, incredible characters, exceptional wine and authentic local experiences.
🍷 Taste your way through two Rioja wineries
🧀 Get hands-on at a traditional cheese-making workshop
🫒 Discover the world of Spanish olive oil
🍎 Enjoy a lively evening at a traditional Basque cider house
🐟 Head to coastal Getaria for a Txakoli winery visit and seafood lunch
👩🍳 Get hands-on in a private cooking class in San Sebastián
🏛️ Explore Bilbao’s iconic Guggenheim Museum
🥂 Enjoy special welcome and farewell dinners with wine
And, of course, there’s time to explore San Sebastián, Bilbao and the beautiful landscapes of La Rioja along the way.
19–29 May 2027 | 11 days / 10 nights
Boutique accommodation, private transport, local guides and a delicious itinerary are all included.
Come hungry. Leave with some very good memories. 🇪🇸🍷
#LyndeyMilan #Spain #BasqueCountry #LaRioja #SanSebastian #Bilbao #FoodAndWine #CulinaryTravel #SpainTravel #WineTravel #FoodLovers #biznaga
Being on a retreat and digital detox, I missed the incredible Claudia Roden‘s birthday last Tuesday. 90 years wise. I first became aware of her work and her books when I moved to London in 1977. She was the first person to open my eyes to Middle Eastern cuisine. Her knowledge and inspiration was unforgettable. Imagine my absolute honour to meet her when we were on the same trip in Morocco in 1994 for 10 glorious days. Elegant, charming, knowledgeable and very easy to talk to..Every time I make Middle Eastern orange and olive oil cake, she is in my kitchen beside me. I was overjoyed to reconnect with her at the UK Guild Writers Awards in London in June. So humbling and so grateful. Happy Birthday. #claudiaroden #middleeasterncookery #legend #foodwriter #grateful
I’ve been up at Gwinganna Retreat & Spa and it is amazing. 🌿
It was my first visit and I loved it. A few days of a very different rhythm: no alcohol, gluten and dairy free food and rising with the sun and heading to bed not too long after sunset.
As I am was there for a four day retreat we are allowed coffee in the morning which I was not expecting - but not with milk. There’s something wonderfully simple about it. No rushing, no late nights, just good food, fresh air, movement and time to slow down.
However there is a lot to do: Qijong, then a hard or moderate walk or perhaps pilates or mobility before breakfast. After breakfast a choice of Ying or Yang (harder) classes, then morning tea. A lecture, perhaps on sleep, nutrition or brain health and then lunch. Afternoons are for spa treatments and hopefully some rest. I threw myself into it whole-heartedly and really enjoyed it. The days ended up being very busy but never rushed.
I was sorry to leave and certainly will incorporate some of the learnings into to my daily life. ☕️😉 @gwinganna
#Gwinganna #GwingannaRetreat #WellnessRetreat #GoldCoast #Wellbeing #SlowDown #Retreat #LyndeyMilan #gwingannaretreatandspa
Crisp, colourful and packed with flavour, these Prawn Tostadas with Chipotle Mayo are the perfect way to bring a little taste of Mexico to your table. Sweet prawns, smoky chipotle, charred corn, creamy avocado and a squeeze of fresh lime come together on a crunchy tostada for a delicious canape, easy entrée, lunch or entertaining favourite. Pair with a chilled Riesling or Semillon and enjoy! 🌮🍤
Comment ‘Prawn” and I’ll send you the recipe!
#LyndeyMilan #PrawnTostadas #SeafoodRecipes #MexicanInspired #EasyEntertaining #AustralianSeafood #HomeCooking #RecipeOfTheDay #FoodInspiration #Chipotle #WeekendCooking
🫒 Celebrating Australia’s best olive oils!
I am very proud that it was Royal Agricultural Society NSW @ras_nsw that we inaugurated the judging of Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Australia in 1998. It is always in my heart and I am delighted to be Steward-in-Chief supervising the competition and I now donate a trophy to celebrate the very best of this Australian prouct.
From aroma and flavour to balance and finish, there’s so much to discover in a great extra virgin olive oil and olives. It’s wonderful the quality continuing to shine. We also judge other culinary oils and olives.
Next time you’re buying oil, make sure it is Australian and look out for Sydney Royal medals. They are your guarantee of excellence . 🇦🇺🫒
#LyndeyMilan #OliveOil #AustralianOliveOil #OliveOilCompetition #AustralianProduce #ExtraVirginOliveOil #EVOO
🍝 It’s Pasta Judging Day at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show!
I’m delighted to once again be involved in celebrating the quality, skill and innovation of Australia’s pasta producers as they put their products to the test.
From fresh and dried pasta to filled pasta, gnocchi and gluten-free varieties, every entry is judged by an expert panel on appearance, texture, flavour and overall quality.
It’s always a fascinating day and a wonderful opportunity to recognise the producers helping to showcase the very best of Australian-made pasta.
Good luck to all the entrants. Here are the results! https://bit.ly/3UTFNkq 🇦🇺🍝
#SydneyRoyalFineFoodShow #PastaCompetition #AustralianProduce #FineFood #LyndeyMilan #RoyalAgriculturalSocietyNSW #CookingWithLyndey
🍋✨ The perfect winter tray bake…
I love recipes that bring everyone together with minimal fuss and this Chicken, Chorizo & Lemon Tray Bake is exactly that.
Juicy chicken, smoky chorizo, golden potatoes, sweet carrots, Brussels sprouts, fresh herbs and a burst of lemon all come together in one beautiful dish. It’s simple, full of flavour and the kind of comforting meal I love on a cooler evening.
Just pop everything in the oven, pour a glass of wine and let the aromas fill the kitchen. ❤️
Comment "Chicken" and I’ll send you the recipe!
#LyndeyMilan #ChickenTrayBake #WinterCooking #EasyEntertaining #HomeCooking #SeasonalRecipes #CookingWithLyndey
What a weekend of ideas, debate and conversation at the Festival of Dangerous Ideas.
One of the things I love most about FODI is its willingness to ask difficult questions and encourage us to look beyond our own assumptions. You may not agree with every speaker or every point of view, and that is, of course, part of the point.
The Festival brings together thinkers, writers, artists and audiences willing to engage with ideas that challenge, provoke and sometimes make us uncomfortable.
For me, this year was particularly special with the second John Caldon Provocation. To see John’s legacy honoured as part of a festival that celebrates curiosity, robust discussion and courageous thinking was both emotional and immensely rewarding.
John never shied away from questioning the accepted view or encouraging a lively debate. I think he would have thoroughly enjoyed the conversations, disagreements and ideas sparked throughout the Festival.
Thank you to everyone involved in creating another thought-provoking Festival of Dangerous Ideas, and to everyone who came ready to listen, question and think differently.
Because sometimes the ideas that challenge us the most are the ones worth talking about. 💭✨
@timminchin
salman.rushdie
@danielleharvey
#LyndeyMilan #FestivalOfDangerousIdeas #FODI #JohnCaldonProvocation #Ideas #ThinkDifferently #timminchin #salmonrushdie #danielleharvey #johncaldon
Friday was a particularly special occasion as we celebrated the 200th Sydney Royal Wine Show, an extraordinary milestone with such a long and important place in Australian wine history.
It is always special to celebrate with winemakers, judges, industry friends and wine lovers to celebrate the quality, diversity and character of Australian wine.
It was also a poignant afternoon for me as we remembered my dear friend and international wine judge Matthew Jukes, who sadly passed away from a heart attack just one week after judging at this year’s Show.
Matthew was a great supporter of Australian wine and a much-loved member of the international wine community. I was honoured to speak about him at the lunch and to remember the passion, knowledge and generosity he brought to the wine world.
Moreover, the Wine Committee Chair, @angus.barnes announced that we had decided to name the international judges trophy “The Matthew Jukes Memorial International Judge Trophy.”
Here’s to 200 years of history, and to the growers, winemakers, judges and extraordinary people who continue to shape the future of Australian wine. 🍷
@ras_nsw @mastermindconsulting @sevans150
#sydneyroyal #royalagriculturalsocietyofnsw #lyndeymilan #matthewjukes #angusbarnes #200thsydneyroyalwineshow
v🎶✨ A different side of me…
I’m thrilled to be part of the Festival of Dangerous Ideas this year, in a different way, with music.
While many know me through my love of food, wine and bringing people together around the table, singing has always been a wonderful creative outlet and a way to share stories in a different form.
My wonderful choir With One Voice Australia @withonevoiceaus from Chatswood, singing together is always so inspiring and uplifting, especially with our fab leader @elizabethlecoanet. If you are at this incredible festival on Sunday morning, you are in for a treat. ✨
#LyndeyMilan #FODI #FestivalOfDangerousIdeas #LiveMusic #Creativity #FoodWineAndMusic #FODI #WithOneVoiceAustralia #WithOneVoiceChatswood
