The heat is officially on as Justin and Will, the beloved NSW dads, clinch their spot in the MKR 2025 Grand Final, set for November 16. Their semi-final victory over fan favourites Danielle & Marko was pure kitchen theatre — equal parts sweat, humour, and a touch of “dad genius.”
As of November 10, Justin’s name is buzzing across Aussie dinner tables, with “Justin MKR 2025 Grand Final” trending as fans rally behind the easy-going dad who turned family recipes into restaurant-worthy masterpieces.
His secret weapon? Heartwarming flavours and a pinch of nostalgia — showcased perfectly in Ouma’s Seafood Hotpot, the dish that carried them to the final showdown.
With $100,000 on the line, the question remains: Can Justin and Will’s dad charm and culinary instinct outshine their final opponents? Let’s relive their MKR 2025 journey, dish-by-dish, and look ahead to the most anticipated finale of the year.
Who Is Justin? Age, Family Life & Dad-Joke Survival Kit
At 36, Justin embodies every Aussie dad’s weekend dream — juggling school drop-offs, footy, and a flair for hearty home cooking. A proud Sydney dad of two, he says his kitchen philosophy is simple: “Good food, good laughs, and clean plates.”
His easy banter and calm under pressure have made him a fan-favourite, often cracking dad jokes mid-cook that leave the judges in stitches. For Justin, family remains the foundation of every meal — especially the ones that now define his MKR legacy.
Wrap-up: Justin brings heart, humour, and homegrown flavours to MKR 2025’s biggest stage.
Justin’s MKR 2025 Journey So Far: From Instant Restaurant to Semis Glory
Ultimate Instant Restaurant Highs
Justin and Will burst onto MKR 2025 with a bang during their Instant Restaurant round, where their “Dads’ Backyard Banquet” theme scored a near-perfect 94. Their menu — sticky lamb ribs, creamy mash, and a smoky BBQ sauce — instantly put them on the map as contenders.
Semi-Final vs Danielle & Marko – Chocolate Soufflé Clutch
The semi-final episode (aired Nov 8) was an emotional rollercoaster. Danielle and Marko delivered finesse, but Justin’s boldness in serving Ouma’s Seafood Hotpot as a main course stunned the judges.
As dessert time loomed, his chocolate soufflé clutch sealed the win — perfectly risen, bittersweet, and bursting with flavour. Manu Feildel praised, “That’s how you end a semi-final — strong, sentimental, and perfectly cooked.”
Grand Final Predictions: Can the Dads Dominate?
Heading into the MKR 2025 Grand Final, Justin and Will face off against two of the most technically gifted cooks this season. But as past MKR finals have shown, authenticity often triumphs over polish.
If the dads stay true to their roots and channel their signature “family-first” approach, the trophy could very well be heading back to NSW.
Wrap-up: From backyard cook-ups to Grand Final glory, Justin’s rise has been nothing short of inspiring.
Ouma’s Seafood Hotpot Recipe: Justin’s Semis Standout MKR Dish (Step-by-Step + Video Embed Placeholder)
Justin dedicated this winning dish to his grandmother — “Ouma” — whose coastal recipes shaped his love for seafood. It’s rich, spicy, and perfect for a Sunday family feast.
Ingredients
- 500g prawns, peeled
- 300g firm white fish, cubed
- 200g calamari rings
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 400ml coconut milk
- 1 tsp paprika
- Fresh coriander, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat butter in a pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Stir in tomato paste and paprika; cook for 1 minute.
- Add seafood and cook gently for 5 minutes.
- Pour in coconut milk and simmer until thickened.
- Serve hot, garnished with coriander and crusty bread.
Wrap-up: A soul-warming recipe that sums up Justin’s MKR 2025 journey — heartfelt, flavourful, and family-inspired.
Justin & Will’s Semis Menu Breakdown – Dishes That Sealed the Spot
The duo’s semi-final menu was tight and emotional:
- Entrée: Prawn toast with chilli-lime dip
- Main: Ouma’s Seafood Hotpot
- Dessert: Chocolate Soufflé with Crème Anglaise
Judge Colin Fassnidge called it “a menu that screams heart and heritage.” As of Nov 10, social media’s flooded with recreations of their hotpot, proving its fan-favourite status.
Wrap-up: Every dish told a story — of family, friendship, and fearless flavour.
What’s Next for Justin: Pop-Up Dreams & $100K Hype (Pre-Finale November 10 Update)
With just days to go before the MKR 2025 Grand Final, Justin’s already planning a Sydney pop-up series themed around “Dad’s Dinner Table.” Fans can expect family-style feasts and dishes inspired by the show.
If he takes home the $100K prize, he says the dream is to open a community café with a “cook-with-your-kids” twist.
Wrap-up: Win or lose, Justin’s MKR 2025 journey is only just beginning.
Justin’s Top 5 Family Recipes for Busy Dads (Free Download CTA)
Looking for quick, dad-approved dinners? Justin shares his five favourite weeknight recipes — from 15-minute stir-fries to one-pan roasts — in an exclusive MKR download.
Wrap-up: Justin’s cooking mantra continues — simple food, big smiles, zero stress.
FAQs About Justin MKR 2025 Grand Finalist
Q1: Who is Justin from MKR 2025?
A: A 36-year-old Sydney dad and half of the “NSW Dads” duo competing in the MKR 2025 Grand Final.
Q2: What dish made Justin famous on MKR 2025?
A: Ouma’s Seafood Hotpot, a creamy family recipe that won the semis.
Q3: When is the MKR 2025 Grand Final?
A: The finale airs on November 16, 2025.
Q4: Who did Justin and Will beat in the semis?
A: Danielle and Marko, known for their contemporary fusion dishes.
Q5: What’s Justin’s age?
A: He’s 36 years old.

