Suvechha Sarkar
When season 15 of Fox’s ‘Masterchef: Dynamic Duos’ first introduced Tina Duong and Aivan Tran to the viewers, very few were aware of the fact that their culinary journey would be highlighted by resilience and rich heritage. From their first appearance, they turned simple ingredients into incredibly delicious plates, proving that one’s roots play an equally important role alongside innovation. Although the kitchen’s pressure sometimes tested their nerves, their determination never wavered. What impressed the judges more wasn’t just their bold flavors but also the impressive bond between an aunt and a niece.
Tina and Aivan Turned Setbacks Into Stepping Stones to Success
In terms of their relationship, Tina Duong and Aivan Tran are originally aunt and niece. From the moment they stepped into the kitchen, it was clear that their incredible flavors and strong bond truly set them apart. One of their biggest goals during the competition was to showcase their Vietnamese roots and provide the judges with an authentic taste of steamed sea bass. Ultimately, those factors helped them earn praise from the panel and the white aprons. While preparing the Dinner Party Dish, their Bún Thịt Nướng stood out, landing them in the top three positions. That early momentum carried forward during the first Mystery Box Challenge, when the duo prepared Korean-style barbecue short rib. Tina and Aivan’s streak continued in episode 5, where they played a significant role in their team’s win.
The biggest test came during the tricky Recipe Telephone Challenge. Although several competitors stumbled, Tina and Aivan showed resilience and presented a lobster and garlic pasta. It once again earned them a spot in the top three dishes. However, they soon faced a big roadblock while preparing macarons. That part proved nearly disastrous, pushing them to the bottom two. They narrowly escaped elimination and bounced back during the Backyard Barbecue Challenge, eventually assisting their team to gain victory. Things took a turn when the Wall was put up between them, which led to miscommunication and again pushed them close to elimination. By episode 15, Aivan and Tina bravely faced the Semifinal. Ultimately, their minute attention to detail served as an advantage to secure a spot in the Final.
While Tina Has Returned to Her Culinary Roots, Aivan Works as a Realtor Today
For Tina Duong and Aivan Tran, food has always been more than sustenance. It was a bridge to their roots in Vietnam and kept their family traditions alive. Their earliest inspiration came from Tina’s mother — Aivan’s grandmother — who always cooked with care. She often hosted lively family-style dinners that brought everyone together. In 1975, Tina’s mother eventually immigrated to California with her, Aivan’s mother, and her uncle. Tina initially thrived in her career as a fishing boat owner in Palm Valley, California, but her love for home-style Vietnamese meals never faded. As of writing, she has retired but has devoted herself entirely to creating dishes that carry the warmth of her heritage.
On the other hand, Aivan has created a completely different professional trajectory. After earning an Associate’s degree in Fashion and Apparel Design from Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in 2011, she served as a designer in Los Angeles, California. Since she wanted a change in her career, she secured a Real Estate Broker/Agent Certificate in 2018. In June of the same year, Aivan joined Snowshoe Realty Inc. as a Broker Associate. She moved on from that role in January 2020 and became a Realtor at EXP Realty, LLC in the following June. While Tina maintains a modest online presence on Instagram, Aivan has been gradually growing her fanbase. On the platform, they share glimpses of their journey on the show. Besides that, their content also revolves around proudly sharing the delicious dishes they cook at home.
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Tina and Aivan’s Life Revolves Largely Around Their Family
After the whirlwind of the show, Tina and Aivan have settled back into their lives, which are deeply grounded in their loved ones. In June 2018, the former shared a glimpse into her weekends when her home was transformed into a gathering place for her family members. The residence filled up with the aroma of Tina’s freshly prepared brunch. Although she prefers to keep her personal life away from the spotlight, she occasionally lets her passion shine through. For instance, in August 2025, Tina prepared shrimp and octopus for her friends, mainly focusing on serving Mediterranean-inspired small bites and fresh local seafood on the table.
It also highlights that friends are a significant part of Tina’s life. Her niece, Aivan, currently resides in Colorado and has a vibrant lifestyle that reflects her love for self-expression and adventures. She is quite cautious about taking care of herself, which is evident from the fact that she maintains a strict skincare routine and usually does her own nails. Aivan frequently grows her own vegetables and forages for mushrooms and wild strawberries whenever she gets the chance. She maintains a deep bond with her parents and always grabs the opportunity to express her love and gratitude towards them. When Aivan needs respite from her busy life, it leads her to participate in activities like hiking, fishing, and exploring the beautiful mountains of Colorado.
Aivan’s time in nature always becomes the backdrop for her happiest memories. Aside from that, she loves posing before the camera and flaunting her glamorous fashion choices. In her leisure time, the competitor loves spending time with her friends, whether it’s going to a bowling alley or kayaking across sparkling waters. Moreover, Aivan finds peace in swimming in the ocean alongside the turtles. Tina and her niece share a very close relationship. They had admitted on the show that the competition had brought them closer. In the end, family, passion, and the pursuit of joy are some of the things that they strive for in their lives.
