Bundaberg-born chef Harry Butterfield will return to the region to share his love of fresh, local produce as guest chef for this year’s Taste Bundaberg Festival.
A passionate seafood lover, Harry rose to prominence in MasterChef Australia series 16 where he impressed as the show’s resident seafood guru and made it through to the final four.
Following an ocean-to-plate journey, Harry regularly shares his impressive cooking skills and love of food with his followers on social media.
We asked Harry what he was looking forward to at this year’s Taste Bundaberg Festival.
How long have you been coming to Taste Bundaberg Festival?
Last year was actually my first time coming to the Taste Bundaberg Festival, and I was cooking on stage which is still pretty wild to think about.
I’m originally from Bundaberg but moved to Brisbane when I was in primary school.
I’ve still got a lot of family and friends here, so I know how big the festival is in everyone’s calendar.
As a seafood lover and absolute foodie, getting the chance to cook and celebrate in my hometown, surrounded by some of the best produce in Australia, meant a lot.
What are you looking forward to at this year’s Festival?
I’m so bloody excited. I had the best time last year, and this year I’m around for even longer.
It kicks off with the Graze & Gather event – a scenic location, grazing table to get the taste buds going, and a few bevvies to get everyone in the festive mood. What’s not to love?
Then on Saturday I’ll be back on the Cooking Stage at the Taste Bundaberg Market.
That was honestly one of the highlights of my year in 2024, but what I really loved was wandering around after my segment, chatting to people, and sampling all the amazing food, products, and produce.
The atmosphere was unreal, and the air was full of delicious smells.
On Sunday, I can’t wait for the Tide and Taste Wharf Event.
Grunske’s is such an epic spot, and in my opinion, there’s no better way to spend a Sunday than eating seafood by the water.
I’m also keen to catch up with my Nan and Pop (Jan and Ivan Rojahn) and have a meal together at Water Street Kitchen.
What is your favourite dish to cook at this time of year?
This time of year, it’s still pretty chilly but the mornings are getting lighter, so I’m spending more time out surfing and fishing.
There’s nothing better than getting home from the water and lighting a fire or cooking over the coals.
This winter I’ve been using my hibachi or fire pit a lot and keeping things really simple.
Whole fish over the coals, scallops on the hibachi with a big hit of butter, or even just a nice cut of meat cooked over the open flame.
It’s warming, filling and always a good one to share around or entertain with.
Why do you love to cook with fresh produce like that grown in the Bundaberg Region?
Bundy has the best produce from the land to the sea.
Whether it’s a zucchini grown in the rich red soil, a prawn or muddie pulled from the Burnett, or something tasty and red pulled off one of the reefs a few miles off Neilson Park.
My cooking style borrows from European techniques and sometimes Asian flavours, but at the end of the day, it’s all about letting the ingredients shine.
The quality and freshness of the produce up here is next level, and that’s what makes it perfect to cook with.
What do you love about the Bundaberg Region?
Bundy is one of those unique places where country lifestyle and values meet the coastline.
On top of incredible local produce and laidback lifestyle you’ve got access to world-class beaches, islands, fishing and reef right on your doorstep.
Then in town there’s this growing food, drink and arts scene that’s genuinely exciting.
New restaurants and cafes, breweries, distilleries, local makers doing creative stuff.
There’s a real pride in what people are producing up here, and it’s only getting better.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Just a huge thank you to the team at Bundaberg Regional Council for getting me back again this year.
Taste Bundaberg Festival is such an epic event – truly one of the best food festivals in the country – and I am so stoked to be a part of it for a second year running.
See Harry at the market
Harry will appear at the Taste Bundaberg Market cooking stage at Alexandra Park West on Saturday 6 September.
See the festival program for more information.
The Taste Bundaberg Festival is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
