Natalie Tran on Cake, Rice Cookers, and Bird Feuds 2026

Natalie Tran, the beloved comedian and Great Australian Bake Off host, reveals the delicious truth about cake consumption on set, her unwavering stance on rice cookers, and a bizarre bird encounter. In this exclusive interview, she shares personal anecdotes that fans won't want to miss.

How Much Cake Do Hosts Really Eat on Bake Off?

When asked about the endless supply of baked goods during filming, Tran laughs and admits, "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 describes the bakers as generous souls who create extra treats for the hosts, calling them "little birds in the wild."

"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," she explains. "They put cut-offs on the side of the bench, and we go past and swipe them." It's a playful behind-the-scenes look at the show's sweet perks.

The Rice Cooker Law: A Serious Debate

In a previous Guardian interview, Tran famously suggested that it should be illegal not to own a rice cooker. She doubles down on that statement: "Yes, 100%. Jail time. No questions asked." She expresses disbelief at those who cook rice in a saucepan, saying, "I’ve watched a lot of people make it in a saucepan and it blows my mind."

However, the interviewer confesses to not owning a rice cooker, prompting a pained silence from Tran. "But your life could be so much easier. I don’t understand why you live like that," she says, half-joking. She even claims to have submitted names of commenters who disagreed to a nearby court—a classic Tran blend of humor and hyperbole.

Why Rice Cookers Are a Game-Changer

• Effortless cooking: Set it and forget it—perfect rice every time.
• Time-saving: Frees up stove space and attention for other dishes.
• Versatility: Great for steaming veggies, making porridge, or even baking cake.

Bird Gang Wars: A Neighborhood Encounter

Tran also shares a peculiar story about her least favorite bird, which she describes as a specific bird in her neighborhood. "I’m not scared of birds the way some people are, but I am really cautious around them because they remember things," she says. She recounts witnessing this bird standing on top of a magpie, screaming, with other birds gathered around.

"I ran up and was like ‘Oi!’ I don’t know why—like, why get involved in bird gang wars?" she admits. The bird looked at her, and she realized it would remember her, so she pretended to be doing something else, walking past while going "Oi, oi oi" to blend in. It's a hilarious and relatable moment for anyone who's ever anthropomorphized wildlife.

Comparison: Rice Cooker vs. Saucepan

Key Takeaways from Natalie Tran's Interview

• Bake Off hosts enjoy unlimited cake after judging—bakers make extras.
• Tran is a fierce advocate for rice cookers, calling saucepan rice cooking a crime.
• She has a humorous fear of a specific bird that remembers faces.
• Her comedy often blends absurdity with everyday observations.

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