Mark Olive, one of Australia’s top Indigenous chef’s, believes while shows like Masterchef and My Kitchen Rules have widened the eyes (and appetites) of home cooks they’ve also ramped up the scandals between contestants.

“It’s changed way we look at food which is great … everybody’s a critic now,” he said.

“[But] they get people on these days that it’s not about the food it’s more about the drama and the food gets lost in the whole thing.”

In the current season of My Kitchen Rules Wollongong duo Mell and Cyn were portrayed as the bitchy villains of the competition, though the pair said it was “a load of bull”.

Olive is proud to appear on a new reality cooking show beginning Monday, The Chef’s Line on SBS, which he says celebrates cultural diversity, heritage and history with its people and cuisine.

Contestants have to plate up against top chefs and impress Olive and two other judges, executive chef Dan Hong and food writer Melissa Leong.

A different restaurant – and traditional cuisine – is showcased each week, shining a light on the multicultural appeal of our country’s diverse food culture.

“It’s really about the passionate home cooks against professional chefs, can passion beat professional,” Olive said.

Meanwhile, he said Wollongong has always embraced multicultural cuisine and continues to boast a thriving foodie scene.

“When I was doing apprenticeship here, I think Wollongong would have been one of first places to have a Vietnamese restaurant, we’ve always had a diversity in our food since the late ‘70s,” Olive said.

“The food scene down here is really interesting … just look around in the suburbs too.

“I mean, Shellharbour Village has some great little cafes that are always packed on a Sunday morning and you’ve got all these little areas that are popping up - in Gwynnewille, in Corrimal. 

“It’s getting out there supporting those cafe’s as well.”

The Chef’s Line premiers Monday, running 6pm weeknights on SBS.