My Family Feast
| Company type | Television program |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television, Culinary |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Founder | Sean Connolly |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
Key people | Sean Connolly (host) |
| Products | Television cooking series |
| Website | www |
My Family Feast is an Australian television program hosted by chef Sean Connolly. Debuting on SBS in 2009, the series showcases the culinary heritage and cultural experiences of migrant communities in Australia. Blending cultural exploration with cooking tutorials, Connolly visits various families to discover recipes and cooking methods preserved through generations.
Host
Sean Connolly, originally from the United Kingdom, began his culinary training as an apprentice at the Pennine Hilton, located in Ainley Top, Huddersfield. After gaining experience in multiple UK kitchens, he traveled to Australia in 1988 on a working holiday, drawn by the country's fresh produce and vibrant food culture. He served in several sous chef positions before securing the role of head chef at Sydney’s Astral restaurant in 1995. In 2008, Connolly earned the title of Sydney Morning Herald 'Chef of the Year' and launched his second dining establishment, Sean's Kitchen.
Season 1
- S1, Ep1 Congolese
Connolly joins the Kisimba family for a backyard gathering in Sydney, featuring authentic dishes sourced from their African vegetable garden.
- S1, Ep2 Italian
Antonio Pacialeo demonstrates traditional Italian tomato sauce recipes and shares family traditions such as playing the card game Briscola.
- S1, Ep3 Chinese
During Ching Ming, an annual festival honoring ancestors, Eileen and Newman Yip welcome Connolly into their home.
- S1, Ep4 Mandaean Iraqi
The Abboud Al-Suhairy family, Iraqi refugees, introduce Connolly to their customary recipes during a special family meal.
- S1, Ep5 Vietnamese
The Le family marks the Vietnamese Moon Festival with a feast featuring traditional dishes.
- S1, Ep6 Cuban
Connolly meets the "Cubanadas," a collective of Cuban women preparing celebratory dishes for Margarita San Jose’s 70th birthday.
- S1, Ep7 Burmese Kachin
A Burmese Kachin immigrant group invites Connolly to participate in a traditional ceremony followed by a communal feast.
Season 2
- S2, Ep1 Afghan
Dr. Rahman Shinwari and Dr. Arian prepare for Eid al-Adha alongside Connolly, sharing Pashtun culinary customs.
- S2, Ep2 Indian
Connolly attends the wedding celebration of Bengali bride Shrabastee and Punjabi groom Ankit, featuring an elaborate vegetarian banquet.
- S2, Ep3 Greek
On St. George's Day, George Gavalas honors his Kalymnos and Lesbos roots with family recipes including octopus barbecue and spanakopita.
- S2, Ep4 Argentina
Connolly visits Graciela Yoia at her flamenco dance school based in Sydney.
- S2, Ep5 Serbia
Stana and Micho Kolundzija celebrate Stana’s 66th birthday with Connolly in Sydney’s Mascot suburb.
- S2, Ep6 Balinese
Connolly explores Sydney’s Balinese community at Sydney University where they preserve their gamelan musical tradition.
Awards
- Winner of Best Television Series for My Family Feast at the Australian Food Media Awards 2010.
- Recipient of Best Television Series for Food and Wine Culture at the World Food & Wine Television Festival 2010.
- Awarded Best In World Cookbook for Celebrity Chef: English category for My Family Feast by Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2011.