Anna Haugh: The MasterChef Star Revolutionizing Modern Irish Cuisine

From Winner’s Circle to Judge’s Panel: Anna Haugh’s MasterChef Evolution

Anna Haugh won MasterChef: The Professionals in 2018, a victory that launched her into the culinary spotlight. Seven years later, she returned to the show as a judge for the 2026 season, helping to crown Jhane as the new champion. Haugh’s experience as a former contestant gives her a rare perspective — she knows the pressure of the kitchen battle and the weight of the judges’ expectations.

“After seven weeks of competition the winner of MasterChef 2026 has been crowned. Jhane, 29, from North London triumphed in the final showdown by impressing the judges with her bold flavours.”

As a judge, Haugh brought technical precision and an empathetic eye. The final demanded nine perfect dishes in three hours — a challenge she faced herself years ago. Her ability to evaluate both execution and progression made her a formidable addition to the panel, alongside Grace.

• Won MasterChef: The Professionals in 2018, earning her first major industry credential.
• Joined the judging panel for MasterChef 2026, scrutinizing finalists like Jhane, Kristen, and Matt.
• Leveraged her contestant background to identify technical finesse and creative risk-taking.

Reinventing the Irish Pantry: How Haugh Transforms Classic Dishes for Modern Palates

At her London restaurant Myrtle, Haugh reimagines traditional Irish fare with global techniques and premium local ingredients. The restaurant earned a Michelin star for its inventive approach — think boxty recreated as delicate gnocchi, smoked haddock chowder elevated with citrus and herbs, and lamb paired with seaweed for an umami punch. Her 2022 cookbook, Modern Irish, codifies this philosophy: respect tradition, but never be bound by it.

“Haugh emphasizes premium Irish ingredients and global techniques, earning a Michelin star for her inventive approach.”

Her cooking strips away the clichés of corned beef and soda bread. Instead, she highlights the natural bounty of Ireland — Atlantic seafood, grass-fed meat, and wild foraged plants — then applies French and Asian techniques to create dishes that feel both familiar and revelatory.

• Signature dish: Glazed lamb with seaweed and fermented honey.
• Dessert: Irish whiskey-soaked brioche with smoked cream.
• Cookbook features 80 recipes organized by season.

Building a Culinary Empire: From TV Fame to Restaurant Success

Myrtle opened in 2019 and quickly became a destination for modern Irish cuisine, winning critical acclaim and a devoted following. Beyond MasterChef, Haugh appears on The Great British Menu and Saturday Kitchen, where her warm but authoritative presence expands her reach. She is a vocal advocate for Irish food producers, sourcing directly from farms and fisheries, and she uses her platform to promote Ireland’s culinary identity on the global stage.

Her strategy mirrors the brand-building playbook seen in other industries — she has cultivated a personal brand that extends beyond the kitchen. Much like Wrexham A.F.C. built a global football brand through social media, Haugh uses television, cookbooks, and public appearances to turn her craft into a lasting enterprise.

• Myrtle earned a Michelin star within two years of opening.
• Appeared as a guest judge on Great British Menu in 2023 and 2024.
• Supports Irish food networks like Bord Bia and the Irish Food Board.

Key Takeaways

• Anna Haugh’s trajectory from MasterChef champion to judge demonstrates her lasting influence in the industry.
• She modernizes Irish cuisine without losing its soul, making it accessible and exciting for a global audience.
• Her restaurant Myrtle and cookbook have cemented her as a leader in the new wave of Irish cooking.
• As a judge on MasterChef 2026, she helped crown Jhane, whose bold flavors echoed her own culinary values.
• Haugh’s success proves that a strong culinary identity and TV savvy can build a lasting career.