Assamese home cook Nayanjyoti Saikia crowned champion of MasterChef India Season 7, inspiring culinary dreams nationwide

Renowned chef Vikas Khanna discovered Saikia on Instagram and invited him to participate in the prestigious cooking competition, reported The Meghalayan.

Saikia's journey, from a hidden kitchen in his bedroom to culinary stardom, has inspired many. Growing up in a large family, he developed a passion for cooking by observing the women preparing meals at home.

Despite being an engineer, Saikia pursued his culinary dreams alongside his studies, cooking meals for himself during his college years.

Not only a talented chef, but Saikia is also known for his skills as a kitchen gardener. The pandemic-induced lockdown prompted him to start his own kitchen garden, cultivating herbs and vegetables that were not easily accessible locally.

Saikia's unique approach to cooking, incorporating flavors from the North East region, added a distinct touch to his dishes. Despite initial concerns about how these strong flavors would be received by the judges, he gained confidence and began using North East ingredients in various cuisines.

Reflecting on his journey, Saikia encourages young aspiring chefs to explore and learn constantly. He emphasizes the importance of reading about food pairings and developing a unique culinary identity, rather than merely following recipes.

Saikia's triumph on MasterChef India Season 7 has not only brought him personal success but also paved the way for other aspiring chefs from the North East to showcase their talents on a global platform.