Bendigo boy Ben Bolton, 10, named an Albury restaurant as his inspiration for his bao buns recipe in Tuesday night's episode.

"Last year we went to Albury and we went out for dinner," Ben told the judges.

"We had bao buns and it was so good."

Ben's father Mark Bolton confirmed to The Border Mail it was Hapi that the family visited over a year ago.

"We love Albury," he said.

Hapi owner Matt Carrington was chuffed when told by The Border Mail it was his eatery Ben was referring to.

His team had told him about the reference to Albury in the episode.

"I've caught up with it and the team is across how popular this kid is," he said.

"I think that's just great, if we've somehow inspired that.

"He's got a personality to remember, but it was a year ago. We'd love him to come back ... we'd probably offer him a job."

Mr Carrington said there was a place for Ben on the wall of Hapi when he could one day return to Albury.

The eatery can usually seat 70 people but is restricted to 25 and can't welcome regional Victorians outside the border zone.

"It's certainly been an interesting year," he said.

"We haven't been the worst-hit by any means, we're very lucky to have a loyal customer base.

"A lot of other people out there are in a tougher situation.

"We're really stoked to be back open and hopefully Covid will stay away."

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Hapi specialises in dumplings and bao, which stems back to an ancient Cantonese recipe once eaten by royals only.

Ben described them as steamed buns with pork and pickled vegetables inside.

"The first time I ate them was in Albury and I've been developing my recipe ever since I ate them," he said.

"My recipe definitely has changed a lot."