MasterChef India Season 7, which aired from January 2 to April 8, 2023, marked a significant return after a three-year hiatus, bringing together culinary enthusiasts from across the nation to showcase their gastronomic talents. This season was notable for its diverse contestants, innovative challenges, and the introduction of a new judge, adding a fresh dynamic to the show.
Winner of MasterChef India Season 7 (2023): Nayanjyoti Saikia
Emerging as the winner of MasterChef India 2023 Season 7 was Nayanjyoti Saikia, a 26-year-old home cook from Tinsukia, Assam. His journey on the show was marked by innovative dishes that skillfully blended traditional Assamese flavors with contemporary techniques. Nayanjyoti’s calm demeanor and consistent performances endeared him to both the judges and the audience. Post his victory, he expressed a desire to open a restaurant showcasing Northeast cuisine, aiming to bring the lesser-known flavors of the region to a broader audience.
Runner-Up of MasterChef India Season 7 : Santa Sarmah
The runner-up position was secured by Santa Sarmah, also from Assam. Her culinary skills and unique approach to cooking earned her accolades throughout the competition. Santa’s dedication and passion for the culinary arts were evident in her diverse range of dishes, making her a formidable contender in the competition.
Second Runner-Up: Suvarna Bagul
Suvarna Bagul from Maharashtra claimed the second runner-up spot, showcasing her passion for cooking and a deep understanding of flavors.
Prize Money
As the winner, Nayanjyoti Saikia received a cash prize of ₹25 lakh, along with the prestigious MasterChef trophy. Santa Sarmah, the first runner-up, was awarded ₹5 lakh, as was Suvarna Bagul, the second runner-up.
Hosts and Judges
The seventh season featured a distinguished panel of judges:
- Vikas Khanna: An internationally acclaimed Michelin-starred chef, recognized for his expertise in Indian gastronomy.
- Ranveer Brar: A celebrated chef and television personality, bringing a fresh perspective to the judging panel.
- Garima Arora: The first Indian woman to earn a Michelin star, she replaced Vineet Bhatia, adding a new dimension to the judging panel with her global culinary experience.
This trio provided contestants with invaluable guidance and critiques throughout the competition.
Top Contestants
The top contestants of MasterChef India Season 7 included:
- Nayanjyoti Saikia (Winner) – Assam
- Santa Sarmah (First Runner-Up) – Assam
- Suvarna Bagul (Second Runner-Up) – Maharashtra
- Aruna Vijay – Tamil Nadu
- Kamaldeep Kaur – Punjab
- Gurkirat Singh Grover – Punjab
- Priyanka Biswas – West Bengal
- Sachin Khatwani – Lucknow
- Nazia Sultana – Guwahati
- Deepa Chauhan – Bangalore
- Priya Vijan – Bangalore
- Avinash Patnaik – Odisha
- Megha Lohia – Kolkata
- Yashu Verma – Jammu
- Purnima TBA – TBA
- Sachin TBA – TBA
Each contestant brought their unique culinary backgrounds and styles to the competition, contributing to a season rich in diversity and flavor.
Impact and Legacy
MasterChef India Season 7 not only captivated audiences with its engaging format but also set the stage for future culinary talents in the country. Nayanjyoti Saikia’s victory opened new avenues in the culinary world, leading him to author cookbooks and host television cooking shows.
The show’s success paved the way for subsequent seasons, each bringing fresh talent and diverse culinary perspectives to the forefront.
The seventh season of MasterChef India remains a landmark in Indian reality television, celebrating the rich culinary heritage of the nation and inspiring countless home cooks to pursue their culinary dreams.
