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.
- 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
🌶️☀️ Bring a little Mexican sunshine to your table!
My Baked Huevos Rancheros is the perfect recipe for a lazy breakfast, long lunch or easy dinner with friends. Think smoky flavours, rich tomatoes, creamy avocado and perfectly baked eggs, all the things I love in a dish!
It’s colourful, comforting and full of flavour. 🌮
Comment “OLA” and I’ll send you the recipe!
#LyndeyMilan #HuevosRancheros #BrunchInspiration #MexicanFlavours #HomeCooking
Vale extraordinary human @matthewjukes . How grateful I am that Margaret Lehmann rang me in 1999 to tell me she had two young Wine writers at her table in the Barossa Valley. They wanted to know about matching wine with Asian food so she rang me and asked me to look after you. When you came to Sydney, we did a fun round of various restaurants to taste the food and see the wine lists. You and I have been friends ever since. You were impressive then and only to become much more so in your incredible knowledge and positivity about Wine. What you have done for Australian Wine with 100 Best Australian wines which was all your initiative you put on at your own expense and toured in the UK and abroad. The Australian wine industry is much poorer without you supporting it. I’m so grateful we had a wonderful lunch in London a couple of weeks ago. As we always did every year when I was there. Then you were absolutely magnificent as international guest judge at Sydney Royal Wine show. The only person to have been invited twice and this year was 20 years since your first such judging. You were as always fun, knowledgeable, inspirational, professional and encouraging of all.
My heart goes out to Amelia and your four children. Much as we are all sad and reeling from this news, the reality of it for your family is devastating. Only the good die young. Oh how I will miss you, the sound of your voice and the glint in your eye. RIP mighty Matthew.
It was a pleasure to spend two days judging the @melbourne.royal Branded Meat and Charcuterie Competitions.
In Sydney I am on the management side so it’s fun to be able to judge with some interesting chefs, butchers and other industry experts. Most importantly, the event shines a well-deserved spotlight on the quality, dedication and innovation of Australian producers.
Behind every Melbourne Royal medal is a producer or craftsperson whose skill, passion and dedication have been recognised by their peers. When you see that medal on branded meat or smallgoods, you can trust you`re choosing a product of outstanding quality. 🥩🏆
#MelbourneRoyal #MelbourneRoyalCharcuterieCompetition #Charcuterie #AustralianFood #FoodIndustry #AustralianProducers #SupportLocal #FoodExcellence #RoyalShow #LyndeyMilan #AFA
🇪🇸 NEW FOR 2027 | Spain`s Basque Country & La Rioja
I`m delighted to announce my newest culinary journey through one of Europe`s most exciting food and wine destinations. As always with a bilingual tour manager & expert guides in each place.
Join me from 19–29 May 2027 as we explore the spectacular Basque Country and La Rioja, a region renowned for its world-class cuisine, exceptional wines and rich cultural heritage.
Together we`ll wander the vibrant streets of San Sebastián and Bilbao, discover the rolling vineyards of La Rioja, enjoy private winery visits, learn the secrets of Basque cooking in a hands-on cooking class, visit an artisan cheese maker and olive oil producer and share unforgettable meals celebrating the very best of Spanish gastronomy.
With boutique accommodation, private transport throughout and thoughtfully curated experiences, every detail has been carefully designed so you can simply relax, indulge and savour this remarkable region.
If you`ve always dreamed of experiencing authentic Spain through its food, wine and traditions, I`d love for you to join me.
📍19–29 May 2027
11 Days | Basque Country & La Rioja
Visit my website to explore the full itinerary and secure your place. Proudly in partnership with @experiencebiznaga.
#LyndeyMilan #Spain2027 #BasqueCountry #LaRioja #FoodAndWineTour #CulinaryTravel #SpanishCuisine #WineLovers #TravelWithLyndey #biznaga #SmallGroupTravel #GourmetTravel #SanSebastian #Bilbao #LaRiojaWines
🍷✨ A wonderful evening shared around the table…
One of my highlights when visiting Melbourne is to catch up with the wonderful Stephanie Alexander. There’s something special about sitting down with someone who shares your love of food, seasonal produce, stories and history. Stephanie of course has inspired generations, educating with her amazing SAKGF and also the 30th anniversary release of her Cook’s Companion. I was so happy to have interviewed her for my story in Selector magazine.
From the kitchen to the table, we both believe food is about more than just what’s on the plate, it’s about curiosity, generosity and the joy of sharing a meal. The whole experience came together @roma.melbourne. Great service, wonderful food and perfect wine advice. A very special evening with a very special chef. ❤️
#LyndeyMilan #StephanieAlexander #AustralianFood #ChefsOfAustralia #FoodStories #GoodFoodGoodFriends #romamelbourne
🥘✨ Slow cooking at its best…
There’s something special about a dish that fills the kitchen with incredible aromas and rewards you with melt-in-your-mouth flavour.
Beef Cheeks in Baharat Spice with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Soft Polenta from my book Just Add Spice with @herbiesspices is the ultimate winter comfort food, tender, slow-cooked beef, warming Middle Eastern spices, creamy polenta and beautifully caramelised Brussels sprouts. Best of all you can make it in advance.
Perfect for a cosy night in or a long lunch shared around the table.
Comment "Beef" and I’ll send you the recipe!
#LyndeyMilan #WinterCooking #SlowCooking #ComfortFood #BeefCheeks #SeasonalCooking #herbiespices
🇲🇦 MOROCCO 2026 | A Journey of Flavours, Culture & Discovery
There are places that stay with you long after you return home and Morocco is one of them.
Join me from 13–24 October 2026 as we journey through a land of ancient medinas, vibrant markets, fragrant spices and breathtaking landscapes, uncovering the incredible food, culture and traditions that make Morocco so captivating.
From the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen and the timeless beauty of Fes to the energy of Marrakech, we’ll discover the heart of Morocco through its cuisine, its people and its stories. We’ll cook together in authentic Moroccan kitchens, share unforgettable meals, explore historic wonders, visit local artisans and experience the magic of the Atlas Mountains and Agafay Desert, including a spectacular dinner beneath the stars.
Every detail has been thoughtfully curated, from beautiful boutique riads and hotels to expert local guides and unique experiences that reveal the true spirit of this extraordinary country.
This is more than a journey through Morocco it is an opportunity to slow down, savour new flavours, embrace a different way of life and create memories that will last a lifetime.
📍Morocco Cultural & Culinary Adventure
13–24 October 2026
12 #smallgrouptravel
@bypriorarrangement
#LyndeyMilan #Morocco2026 #TravelWithLyndey #MoroccanCuisine #CulinaryTravel #LuxuryTravel #CulturalTravel #Marrakech #Chefchaouen #Fes #FoodLovers #SmallGroupTravel
Can you believe it`s been almost 20 years since I travelled around Australia with The Australian Women`s Weekly Road Train?
I`d fly in for a few days at a time to present cooking demonstrations, while an amazing full-time crew kept the Road Train rolling. There was our driver and his wife, who also presented for the dairy industry, a hair and makeup artist looking after both us and members of the public, financial advice from the Commonwealth Bank, breast cancer information sessions and so much more. It was a wonderful initiative that brought education, inspiration and a real sense of community to towns across Australia.
We kicked it all off with the Today Show at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and here`s a photo with the wonderful James Blundell. Looking back, it was one of those fun experiences you always remember.
Did the Road Train ever visit your town? I`d love to hear your memories! 🚛❤️
#ThrowbackThursday #TBT #AustralianWomensWeekly #RoadTrain #TamworthCountryMusicFestival #JamesBlundell #AustralianFood #CookingDemonstration #Memories #LyndeyMilan #CookingWithLyndey
Few desserts are as irresistible as breaking into a warm chocolate pudding to reveal a perfectly soft, molten centre. Add a gentle hint of chilli and a splash of vincotto, and you`ve created a dessert that`s rich, elegant and just a little unexpected.
Perfect for entertaining, these Warm Chocolate Chilli Soft-Centred Puddings can even be prepared ahead of time, making them an effortless finale to your next dinner party. Serve with vanilla ice cream or crème fraîche and enjoy with a glass of sparkling Shiraz for the perfect match.
Comment “Chilli” and I’ll send you the recipe
#LyndeyMilan #ChocolateDessert #DinnerPartyDessert #ChocolateLovers #HomeCooking #RecipeInspiration #EasyEntertaining #MoltenChocolate #AustralianFood #SweetTreat
Two hundred years of the Sydney Royal deserves more than a celebration, it deserves a conversation.
On 31 July, I`ll be joining an outstanding line-up of judges and wine professionals at Sydney Royal 200: The Wine Show Conversation, exploring the past, present and future of Australian wine shows, and the vital role they`ve played in shaping our wine industry.
Former Chairs of Judges Iain Riggs, Sam Connew @stargazerwine, PJ Charteris and current Chair Mike De Iuliis, international judge Matthew Jukes @matthewjukes plus an exceptional panel of industry experts, will delve into how wines are judged, what makes a great wine show and why these competitions continue to matter.
Whether you`re in the wine trade, a marketer, sommelier, aspiring judge, producer, or simply someone who enjoys discovering great Australian wine, this promises to be a fascinating day. There`ll be lively discussion, plenty of insight, and the opportunity to taste an outstanding line-up of trophy-winning wines.
Only 200 tickets are available, so don`t leave it too long. I`d love to see you there as we celebrate this remarkable milestone in Australian agriculture and wine.
🍷 Friday 31 July 2026.
Book tickets here https://www.universe.com/events/sydney-royal-200-the-wine-show-conversation-tickets-5RTPKL 🍇✨
#SydneyRoyalWineShow #AustralianWine #WineJudging #WineLovers #AustralianWinemakers #WineCountry #LyndeyMilan
🇫🇷 And that’s a wrap on an unforgettable French immersion experience!
After two somewhat challenging weeks of learning, exploring and embracing everyday life in France, it’s time to say au revoir to my French school and the incredible people who made it so special. And to the 38’C heat.
Studying French in the heart of France has been an interesting experience, from mastering new tenses and improving my confidence in speaking, to discovering the culture, food and traditions that make this area so interesting.
Thanks to my colleagues from around the world as well as my teacher @kee_cim and the school for the patience, encouragement and laughter along the way. Learning a language is about so much more than words; it’s about opening the door to a deeper understanding of a place and its people. The locals were all under strict instructions to only speak French to us!
Merci for the memories… À bientôt! 🇫🇷✨
#FrenchImmersion #LearningFrench #FranceTravel #FrenchCulture #Sancerre #TravelWithLyndey #LyndeyMilan
Spending Bastille Day in France was a truly special experience.
In the beautiful hilltop town of Sancerre, we joined locals at the town`s war memorial to honour those who served their country. It was a moving reminder that, even in the smallest communities, these traditions are deeply valued and proudly upheld.
After the ceremony, the Mayor warmly invited everyone to the Mairie for a Bastille Day reception. It was such a generous welcome, with locals gathering over glasses of Sancerre white, rosé and red, alongside delicious Crottin de Chavignol, freshly baked gougères and a classic potato tart.
I cheekily asked the mayor for a photo. He was keen to practice his English but the minute the director of my language school approached we had to revert to French!
I love these unexpected moments, sharing local traditions, food and conversation - one of the joys of travelling.
🇫🇷🥂
#BastilleDay #Sancerre #LoireValley #France #FrenchWine #FrenchCheese #CrottinDeChavignol #Gougeres #FrenchCuisine #FoodAndTravel #WineLovers #CulinaryTravel #TravelFrance #VisitFrance #LyndeyMilan #TravelWithLyndey
