Masterchef: Cardiff's Larkin Cen, Dale Williams bid for final Two amateur chefs from Cardiff are hoping for culinary glory after making it to the last four of the MasterChef contest on BBC One. Larkin Cen admitted he rarely cooked before the contest but his background as the son of Chinese takeaway owners meant he was always interested. Dale Williams, also 28, said he could not be a professional chef but would like to work in the restaurant trade. The semi-final will be shown on Wednesday night. Mr Cen's grandfather, who emigrated from China to the UK, set up the Man Sang takeaway in Cardiff in 1982. My parents, however, tried to keep me away from cooking so that I could focus on my studies. I can understand this, because my parents know how hard catering is End Quote Larkin Cen MasterChef contestant Mr Cen, a solicitor, said: "My mother is a very good cook. I would say a complete natural at it. I can understand this, because my parents know how hard catering is, and they didn't want that life for my brother and myself. I remember the first time I ever cooked as a youngster, it was a ramen, but I used frankfurters as the meat as they were the only things in the fridge - absolutely delicious. Cooking wasn't something nurtured in me, but I always seemed to gravitate towards it. He has said that before MasterChef he had hardly ever cooked, and his family and friends had quite a surprise when they saw him on the show. Flavours, textures and skill I have many ideas cooking wise, but I do struggle to balance it with my working hours. In fact, I hardly ever cook," he added. I knew I had a passion for cooking from a very early age. Instead of studying or revising for exams, I would much rather watch cooking programmes every day back to back for hours on end. I taught myself how to cook via the TV. I almost quit law school in my second year, as I wanted to become a chef. Mr Cen would like to see the perception of Chinese food change, adding: "I just wish people could experience more of it, because the flavours, textures and skill of dishes really need to be showcased." I'm big on self-development and I thought 'I wonder if I'm actually any good?' End Quote Dale Williams Contestant Mr Williams, who currently works as a recruitment consultant has said he would like to get into food production or the restaurant trade, but admits he could not handle working as a chef for 15 hours a day. "Cooking doesn't run in the family professionally," he said. My mum is the inspiration behind home cooked family food and this has turned into my sisters and I being keen cooks. Discovering my passion for cooking has been a gradual process, mainly gained from sharing and spending quality time with family and friends in the home from a young age. I entered the competition to test myself. Family and friends encouraged me too and a big factor was that if I actually did well, I might be able to introduce food into my life on a more regular basis in a commercial or business sense. The two will compete alongside finance worker and DJ Natalie Coleman, 29, and housewife Saira Hamilton, 38. Three will be chosen to go through to the final on Friday. MasterChef: The Semi-Finals is on BBC One at 20:00 BST on Wednesday.