Ever had a moment staring at something totally bizarre that changed your entire life? Sofia Levin did—at 19, face-to-face with a decapitated goat in Morocco.
That wild encounter sparked the journey of Australia’s most relatable MasterChef Australia judge, who’s now 35 and crushing it in the food journalism world.
Quick Bio/Wiki About Sofia Levin
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Sofia Levin |
| Age | 35 years old (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | September 8, 1989 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Ethnicity | Jewish-Australian |
| Current Role | MasterChef Australia judge (2024-2025) |
| Education | Psychology & Journalism, Monash University |
| Net Worth | $1-2 million USD (estimated) |
| Relationship Status | Private (divorced from Matt John) |
| Famous For | #EatCuriously Movement, The Seasoned Traveller |
Look, I’ve been covering celebrity news for over 15 years, and Sofia’s story genuinely stands out. She’s not your typical TV personality—there’s real substance behind that warm smile you see on screen.
Who is Sofia Levin? Early Life and Background
Growing up in Melbourne, Sofia Levin was practically destined for a career celebrating cultural diversity.
Her Jewish-Australian heritage shaped her worldview in ways that would later define her entire approach to food criticism.
Her family wasn’t your average household either. Her father Greg worked as an aerial photographer, capturing Australia from breathtaking perspectives, while her mother Abby expressed creativity through swing dancing.
With brothers Lucas and Max completing the picture, Sofia grew up in an environment that celebrated artistic expression and cultural curiosity.
Melbourne’s incredibly diverse food scene became Sofia’s playground. You know how some cities just get food right?
Melbourne is definitely one of them, with its Greek, Italian, Vietnamese, and Indian influences creating this amazing multicultural cuisine landscape that taught Sofia early on that food is basically a universal language.
The Life-Changing Moroccan Moment
Here’s where Sofia’s story gets really interesting. At just 19 years old, during a trip to a bustling Moroccan night market, she found herself staring into the eyes of a decapitated goat.
Instead of being grossed out (like most of us would be!), she had this incredible epiphany about becoming a food and travel writer.
That moment—which she calls her “career-defining moment“—ignited a passion for exploring cultures through their culinary traditions.
It’s honestly so fascinating when you think about how one random encounter can completely redirect someone’s entire life path.
Sofia Levin’s Nationality and Cultural Identity
Sofia Levin is proudly Australian, born and raised in Melbourne, Victoria. But here’s what makes her perspective so unique—her Jewish-Australian background gives her this deep understanding of how food connects to cultural identity, tradition, and community.
Melbourne’s reputation as one of the world’s most multicultural cities provided the perfect backdrop for Sofia’s culinary education.
The city’s famous food scene taught her that cuisine isn’t just about taste—it’s about stories, traditions, and the connections that bind communities together.
This philosophy would later become the foundation of her #EatCuriously philosophy.
Sofia Levin’s Career Journey: From Student to MasterChef Judge
Sofia’s path from university student to MasterChef Australia judge wasn’t exactly linear, but man, it’s impressive.
Her strategic approach to building expertise in both food journalism and cultural storytelling set her apart from typical food critics.
The combination of her psychology background and journalism training created this unique perspective that would eventually catch the attention of Network 10 executives looking for fresh talent.
Early Career and Education (2008-2014)
Sofia studied both psychology and journalism at Monash University in Melbourne—a combination that would prove invaluable later.
While most journalism students focus purely on writing techniques, Sofia’s psychology background gave her insights into human behavior and cultural dynamics that you just can’t teach.
She started writing food and travel reviews while still a student, getting published before she even graduated.
Her first professional role was as a reviewer for the Good Food Guide, launching what would become a 15-year journey in food journalism.
Journalism Career Highlights
Sofia’s contributed to some seriously prestigious publications, and I mean the kind that make other food journalists jealous:
- The Guardian – International food and travel features
- Lonely Planet – Travel and cultural dining guides
- National Geographic – Cultural food stories
- Good Food – Restaurant reviews and food trends
- SBS Food – Multicultural cuisine features
- Broadsheet – Melbourne food scene coverage
- The Age – Food criticism and cultural pieces
- Delicious Magazine – Recipe development and food styling
Each publication added another layer to her expertise, building the credibility that would eventually land her the MasterChef gig.
The Seasoned Traveller Launch (2020-2021)
In 2020, Sofia launched The Seasoned Traveller, her digital platform that serves as a “virtual passport for food lovers worldwide.”
The timing was actually perfect—with travel restrictions keeping everyone home, people were craving cultural experiences through food.
The website and newsletter showcase her #EatCuriously philosophy and have become cornerstones of her personal brand, generating revenue through premium subscriptions, brand partnerships, and travel consultancy.
Sofia Levin MasterChef Australia Judge: Complete Timeline
The MasterChef Australia appointment represents a huge milestone in Australian television.
Sofia brings this global food perspective and cultural curiosity to mainstream audiences, which honestly was exactly what the show needed.
Her judging style emphasizes understanding the cultural stories behind dishes, not just technical skill—a refreshing change from purely technique-focused critiques.
2024: The Big Break
In October 2023, Network 10 announced that Sofia would be joining MasterChef Australia as a judge from 2024, replacing Melissa Leong.
She joined fellow newcomers Poh Ling Yeow and Jean-Christophe Novelli, alongside returning judge Andy Allen.
The appointment was significant because it brought serious food journalism credentials to the judging panel.
Sofia wasn’t just another celebrity chef—she was a respected cultural food stories expert with genuine expertise.
2025: Second Season Success
Sofia returned for her second season in 2025, with MasterChef Australia series 17 premiering on April 28, 2025.
This season features a “Back to Win” concept with 24 former contestants returning for another chance at the title.
What I love about Sofia’s judging approach is how she connects technical cooking skills with cultural storytelling. She’s not just asking “Does this taste good?” but “What story is this dish telling?”
Sofia Levin Husband: Marriage, Relationships, and Family
Sofia’s approach to privacy is refreshingly honest. After her divorce, she’s chosen to keep her personal relationships more private, focusing on career growth and personal development instead of public romantic narratives.
This balance between public career success and private personal boundaries shows real maturity in handling celebrity status.
Previous Marriage to Matt John
Sofia was previously married to Matt John, owner of Epic Pizza in Melbourne. Their love story had some genuinely romantic moments—he proposed atop the Pyramid of the Sun during a trip to Mexico in May 2016.
The couple married in a beautiful ceremony in Lombok, Indonesia, in 2017. Their relationship seemed to blend their shared love of food and travel, but like many relationships in the public eye, it eventually ended in divorce.
Current Relationship Status (2025)
Sofia’s current relationship status remains private, though recent social media activity has led to some speculation. After her divorce from Matt John, she’s chosen to keep personal relationships away from public scrutiny.
Honestly, I respect this approach. Too many celebrities feel pressured to share every aspect of their personal lives, and Sofia’s boundaries show real wisdom about maintaining authenticity while protecting privacy.
Does Sofia Levin Have Children?
Sofia Levin does not have any children as of 2025. She’s never publicly discussed having children from her previous marriage or current relationships, and there’s no evidence on her social media suggesting she has children.
Family Tragedy and Resilience
In July 2024, Sofia faced devastating personal loss when her father Greg passed away after battling motor neuron disease.
Her heartfelt public tribute demonstrated both her close family bonds and her ability to connect with audiences on a deeply human level.
The strength she showed during this difficult time really highlighted the resilience that’s carried her through personal challenges while maintaining her professional commitments.
Sofia Levin’s Net Worth: 2025 Financial Breakdown
While Sofia’s exact net worth hasn’t been publicly disclosed, industry analysis suggests her wealth comes from multiple smart income streams.
Based on my experience covering celebrity finances, her diversified approach is pretty impressive.
Estimated Net Worth: $1-2 Million USD (2025)
Here’s how Sofia likely builds her estimated $1-2 million net worth:
Primary Income Sources:
- MasterChef Australia Judge Salary: $200,000-$400,000 annually
- Food journalism: $50,000-$100,000 annually
- The Seasoned Traveller: Premium subscriptions and partnerships
- Word Salad Copywriting: Corporate copywriting services
- Television appearances and guest media appearances
- Brand partnerships and food endorsements
- Speaking engagements at industry conferences
The diversification shows real business savvy. Instead of relying solely on her MasterChef salary, she’s built multiple revenue streams that reinforce each other.
Sofia Levin’s Business Ventures and Entrepreneurship
Sofia’s entrepreneurial approach goes way beyond just being a TV personality. She’s built a legitimate business empire around her expertise in food journalism and cultural storytelling.
The Seasoned Traveller – Revenue Streams
The Seasoned Traveller generates revenue through several smart channels:
- Premium newsletter subscriptions
- Brand partnerships with travel and food companies
- Sponsored content creation
- Custom travel and food consultancy
The platform has built a significant international following, establishing Sofia as a thought leader in culinary tourism.
Word Salad Copywriting – B2B Food Branding
Her copywriting business serves corporate clients, leveraging her journalism background and food expertise to create compelling marketing content for restaurants, food brands, and travel companies.
This B2B approach is brilliant because it provides steady income while building relationships with industry players.
Collaborations and Creative Projects
Sofia has partnered on various projects, including designing custom chef’s knives with Cut Throat Knives and participating in Tourism Australia campaigns. These collaborations show how she strategically aligns with brands that match her personal values and expertise.
The #EatCuriously Philosophy: Sofia’s Cultural Impact
Here’s what sets Sofia apart from other food critics—her #EatCuriously movement goes far beyond trying new foods. It’s about using cuisine as a lens to understand different cultures and break down barriers.
The philosophy encourages people to:
- Embrace unfamiliar ingredients and cooking methods
- Ask questions about food’s cultural and historical significance
- Respect culinary traditions and their origins
- Share food experiences to build community
- View every meal as an opportunity for cultural learning
Honestly, if you’re still reading, you’re my kind of person—someone who gets that food is never just about taste.
This approach has resonated globally, establishing Sofia as a thought leader in culinary tourism and cultural understanding through food.
Sofia Levin’s Social Media Presence and Public Image
Sofia maintains an active and engaging presence across platforms, particularly Instagram (@sofiaklevin), where she shares food adventures, travel experiences, and behind-the-scenes MasterChef content.
Her social media strategy focuses on authentic storytelling, cultural education, and inspiring others to explore diverse cuisines.
Unlike many food influencers who just post pretty pictures, Sofia provides real context and cultural insights.
She’s represented by One Management for media appearances and partnerships, showing she’s serious about building her personal brand strategically.
Awards, Recognition, and Industry Impact
While specific awards aren’t widely publicized, Sofia’s industry recognition includes several significant achievements:
- Selection as MasterChef Australia judge at age 35
- Regular contributions to Australia’s most prestigious food publications
- Building significant international following for The Seasoned Traveller
- Establishing herself as go-to expert for food and travel media
- Speaking engagements at major food and travel conferences
Her influence in shaping how Australians think about multicultural cuisine and cultural food stories continues growing.
Interesting Facts
- Sofia’s psychology degree significantly influences her approach to food criticism and understanding cultural dynamics
- The Moroccan market career epiphany happened when she was just 19 years old—younger than most people when they figure out their life direction
- Melbourne’s multicultural environment directly shaped her palate and cultural curiosity from childhood
- Her #EatCuriously movement originated from personal travel experiences rather than marketing strategy
- Her father Greg’s work as an aerial photographer influenced her perspective on seeing familiar things from new angles
- She approaches food journalism with a travel-first mindset, always seeking the cultural story behind dishes
- Sofia’s Jewish-Australian heritage gives her unique insights into how food preserves cultural identity across generations
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FAQs
How old is Sofia Levin in 2025?
Sofia is 35 years old, born September 8, 1989.
Is Sofia Levin married in 2025?
No, she’s divorced from Matt John and keeps her current relationships private.
What’s Sofia Levin’s estimated net worth?
Industry estimates suggest $1-2 million from TV, journalism, and business ventures.
What does #EatCuriously mean?
It’s Sofia’s philosophy of using food to understand different cultures and break barriers.
How did Sofia become a MasterChef judge?
Her 15-year food journalism career and cultural food expertise led to her 2024 appointment.
Does Sofia Levin have cooking training?
She’s primarily a food critic and journalist, not a trained chef.
What’s The Seasoned Traveller?
Sofia’s digital platform and newsletter focusing on culinary travel experiences.
Final Words
Sofia’s journey from that pivotal Morocco moment to MasterChef success proves that following your passion—even when it starts with something as random as a goat’s head—can lead to incredible places.
Her commitment to cultural understanding through food, combined with authentic storytelling ability, positions her as one of Australia’s most important food media personalities.
Plot twist: I’m actually writing this from the future where Sofia’s influence on Australian food culture has grown even more significant.
What’s next for her? Keep watching—something tells me this is just the beginning of her impact on how we think about food, culture, and connection.
Know someone who needs this? Send it to them—Sofia’s story is genuinely inspiring for anyone navigating career changes or cultural curiosity.
Welcome to CelebReporting! I’m Sophia, a celebrity news expert with over 15 years of experience in entertainment journalism. I dive deep into celebrity bios, net worth, age, relationships, marriages, and more. My goal is to deliver accurate, engaging stories fans can trust. Let’s explore fame together!
