Natalie Tran Interview: Rice Cookers, Birds, and Bake Off Secrets 2026

Natalie Tran, beloved comedian and host of The Great Australian Bake Off, opens up in this exclusive interview about her unconventional dating habits, her staunch rice cooker advocacy, and her unexpected run-ins with neighborhood birds. With her signature wit, Tran reveals what it's really like on set, why she thinks rice cookers should be mandatory, and how she once accidentally intervened in a bird gang war.

Natalie Tran on The Great Australian Bake Off

When asked how much cake she actually gets to eat during filming, Tran laughs. "We are told to leave the cakes alone until after the judging has happened. It doesn’t always happen that way, but they don’t cap how much cake we eat after that." She explains that the bakers often make extra treats for the hosts, leaving them on the side of the bench like "trash birds" swooping in for leftovers.

Behind the Scenes: The Cake Strategy

Tran shares that sometimes the crew has to remind them not to eat the cakes before judging. "Sometimes we are told, 'Hey, I know you want to eat that, but don’t!' But the bakers know so they make us little extras." It's a sweet arrangement that keeps the hosts happy and the show running smoothly.

The Rice Cooker Debate

Tran remains adamant about her previous statement that it should be illegal not to own a rice cooker. "Yes, 100%. Jail time. No questions asked," she insists. She's baffled by people who cook rice in a saucepan, calling it mind-blowing. When the interviewer admits to not owning a rice cooker, Tran reacts with pained silence before exclaiming, "But your life could be so much easier. I don’t understand why you live like that."

Why Rice Cookers Are Essential

For Tran, the rice cooker is a non-negotiable kitchen appliance. She argues that it simplifies cooking, saves time, and produces perfect rice every time. Her passionate advocacy has sparked a lively debate among her fans, many of whom have taken her advice to heart.

Natalie Tran's Bird Encounter

When asked about her least favorite bird, Tran tells a hilarious story about a specific bird in her neighborhood. "I walked around the corner and I saw it standing on top of a magpie and it was screaming at the magpie and all these birds were around it." She ran up to intervene, shouting "Oi!" before realizing she had no idea what the bird conflict was about.

Why Birds Remember Everything

Tran explains that she's cautious around birds because "they remember things." After her intervention, the bird looked up at her, and she immediately regretted getting involved. "I had to pretend I was doing something else and walked past them going 'Oi, oi oi,' hoping that the bird would go, 'Oh, that’s just a weird lady.'"

Key Takeaways from Natalie Tran's Interview

• Bake Off hosts get plenty of cake, but only after judging—unless they sneak extras.
• Tran believes rice cookers should be mandatory kitchen appliances.
• She's not scared of birds, but she respects their memory and potential for revenge.
• Her dating advice includes making a PDF of activities for a first date.

FAQ