Who would have imagined that somebody from a Nepali background would take part in the MasterChef?
But Santosh Shah, originally from Siraha, Nepal, has entered the semifinals of MasterChef Professionals UK 2020. Also, he is the only person on the show belonging to Asian heritage.
He has put a lot of effort to win the judges’ hearts. In the quarterfinals, Santosh Shah cooked Octopus in Nepali spices for the starter. He served it with Nettle leaf and potato alongside hemp seed chutney and colocasia leaf curry.
In the main course, Shah served lamb rump, with crispy okra and mutton curry, which stunned the judges.
Santosh Shah in the MasterChef UK: The Professionals. Credit: BBC.
Who is Santosh Shah?
Shah currently works as the head chef at Cinnamon Kitchen, London. He is the first Nepali chef to represent Nepali cuisine in a major culinary show. Shah has worked under Chef Vivek Singh, CEO of five Indian restaurants in London.
He was born in Karjanha village, Siraha district. His brother inspired Santosh—who is also working as a chef. He is the youngest of 7 siblings.
Shah moved to India at 14 to earn for the family. He worked for 13 years at different restaurants in India—dedicated his 10 years in a five-star restaurant to become a chef.
The most beautiful plate of food @gracedent has ever been served on #MasterChefUK – well done Santosh! 😍
Are you a professional chef who could take on the MasterChef kitchen? Apply for the next series now! 👉 https://t.co/99BajYCJ56 pic.twitter.com/18JdJtB6Yr— MasterChef UK 🍴 (@MasterChefUK) November 19, 2020
After that, he moved to the UK and worked in Cinnamon Kitchen. Nowadays, Shah promotes Nepali food and tries to create a fusion between Western cuisine and Nepali culinary.
He thinks Indian and Chinese food is much popular than Nepali delicacy because there are few Nepali promoting their cuisine around the globe. However, Santosh Shah wants to change that. He wants people from the west to eat Nepali flavors, which are yet to be discovered.
Shah’s Journey in MasterChef UK: The Professionals
In the first test of MasterChef UK, Santosh was asked to cook a whole slice of Plaice with chicken butter sauce and garnish it with pickled radish. In the first round, the judges were impressed with his cooking skills.
For the second test, the judges gave him the task of cooking the main course and a dessert. Shah added Nepali spices in the spiced monkfish with bitter gourd chutney—traditional cuisine from Nepal’s Tarai region.
Shah readies the starter course. Credit: BBC.
He also prepared a mango kulfi and condensed milk with cardamom for the dessert. His hard work moved him into the semi-final.
For the finals, Santosh has to compete with 15 other participants.
Promoting Nepali food is his priority
Every contestant wants to win the show and earn a name and fame. But Santosh is happy taking part in the show.
In the first episode, he said, “I came here to promote Nepali cuisine; that is my priority.”
As Santosh Shah believes, Nepali food is always hidden behind the curtains. He wants other Nepali chefs to introduce new delicacies.
He is lucky to enter the semi-final round. However, people from different countries—including the judges, also want him to win the competition. We will have to wait how it goes in the semi-final.
Also, read this: Indian Comedian Bharti Singh Arrested By NCB In Drugs Case
