Should I Watch It? Khanh Ong’s Wild Food, the new cooking show everyone is talking about.

Have you ever swam with sharks? Dived for abalone? Gone spear-fishing in one of the most beautiful spots Australia has to offer?

These are all once-in-a-lifetime experiences that many of us haven't had the chance to do – but would love to watch on TV. 

For Khanh Ong, his passion for wild food and unique experiences runs deep. And, lucky for us, we get to experience it now in the comfort of our homes, thanks to SBS Food's new show Khanh Ong's Wild Food. 

Khanh said to Mamamia that it feels like "a dream come true" because his passion has always been travelling, meeting new people and learning about food. So, the opportunity to do all of that and film it was right up Khanh's alley.

With an infectious smile, down-to-earth nature and wicked sense of humour, Khanh's new show is sure to be a hit with viewers.

What is Khanh Ong's Wild Food about?

It's adventure, travel, food and some good ol' charisma all wrapped up into one seriously brilliant show.

From the rugged West Coast of Tasmania to the remote billabongs of Arnhem Land, Khang Ong's Wild Food is an exciting series on SBS Food that combines wild food, thrill-seeking experiences and a hint of glamour. 

This new show follows the one and only Khanh exploring what Australia has to offer, from different foods, cultures, new tastes, and unique techniques. There's some pretty incredible guests on the show as well, who have their own stories, tips and tricks to share. 

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Come for the...

FOOD. There is nothing more soothing than watching a very talented cook create something that looks absolutely mouth-watering, yet also achievable for any home cook to make. And, it's all set in the most spectacular backdrop, with heart-racing adventure and travel too!

From watching the show, it's clear Australia is home to such a diverse range of ingredients. So, seeing Australia at its finest – people, culture, food and all, is super satisfying. 

Stay for the...

Laughs, charisma and down-to-earth charm. 

Anyone who has seen Khanh on TV knows he is a gem with a good sense of humour. But, there's some serious heart in Khanh Ong's Wild Food as well. 

Khanh said that his core love of food comes from special childhood memories of being in the kitchen with his family – that's something so many of us can relate to.

"As refugees, my parents worked really hard and after work the main time I would spend with them was when they were preparing dinner. I would sit on my kitchen counter, picking herbs or rolling spring rolls. There's a lot of comfort and nostalgia in those memories. Now as an adult, I feed people all the time – because sharing food is a way of sharing love."

What it was actually like to film.

Given adventure is part of the parcel of Khanh Ong's Wild Food, you best believe it was at times a fever dream to film!

"It was extra hilarious because I'm scared of everything. But, I learned a lot in the deep end. I went diving for abalone which is something I never thought I would ever do in my life. I also went spear-fishing and diving with sharks," Khanh recounted.

"I would never have tried these things otherwise. It feels like I'm learning along the way with everyone at home. I'm not a professional in the slightest either, so it was hilarious for me of all people to be doing it."

There's a lot of work that goes into the series too. 

What constitutes a 40-minute episode takes the team three to four days to film. And when asked what audiences at home might not know about the behind-the-scenes of filming a TV show, Khanh immediately knew his answer.

"Things always go wrong. There was one cooking segment outside where it immediately began to bucket down with torrential rain. I knew it was going to be a good dish though so we just kept filming despite it. We ended up losing camera equipment in the process!" Khanh said, saying the crew camaraderie shines on screen too.

But, it's those relatable funny moments that Khanh said he loves most about the show because it gives it warmth.

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The heart behind Khanh Ong's Wild Food.

"Being a part of my first Welcome to Country was really life-changing, and getting to see Far North Queensland and Arnhem Land was surreal. I mean, I learned how to cook a mud crab with an Indigenous Elder – that's the coolest thing ever," Khanh said.

Image: Supplied. 

"Just walking through the mangroves, being taught the signs and embracing that hunter/gatherer lifestyle, were real pinch-me moments."

As a viewer, it's amazing to see how to cook with native ingredients at home – lemon myrtle, quandongs, finger limes and more. 

"It's really opened my eyes up to what we have here in our own backyard," Khanh said. "Along with those watching, I'm also learning how to cook these ingredients, and then get to put my own spin on it. It's like multiple cultures meshing together."

As for how Khanh describes the show in a few words?

"Exciting. Raw. Not too serious. Growing up, I rarely saw cooking adventures on TV, so to be able to cook some interesting things, meet some cool people and see the best parts of Australia – it's incredible."

Stream Khanh Ong's Wild Food for free on SBS On Demand or watch on SBS Food on Sundays 8:30pm, starts 30 April.  

Feature Image: Supplied/Instagram/@khanhong

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