MasterChef India Winners List From Season 1 to 8

MasterChef India is the Indian adaptation of the globally acclaimed cooking reality show MasterChef. Since its inception in 2010, the series has provided a platform for amateur chefs from across the nation to showcase their culinary prowess. Contestants undergo a series of challenges, including mystery box tasks, team events, and pressure tests, all designed to test their skills, creativity, and resilience in the kitchen. The show has been instrumental in bringing diverse regional flavors to the forefront, celebrating India’s rich culinary heritage.

Table of MasterChef India Winners Across Seasons

Season 1 – Pankaj Bhadouria

• Duration: October 16, 2010 – December 25, 2010
• Winner: Pankaj Bhadouria
• Runner-up: Jayanandan Bhaskar
• Host: Akshay Kumar
• Judges: Kunal Kapur, Ajay Chopra

The inaugural season of MasterChef India premiered on October 16, 2010, with Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar as the host. The judging panel comprised renowned chefs Kunal Kapur and Ajay Chopra. Pankaj Bhadouria, a former schoolteacher from Lucknow, emerged as the winner, impressing the judges with her innovative dishes and mastery over traditional Indian flavors. Her victory opened new avenues in the culinary world, leading her to author cookbooks and host television cooking shows.

Season 2 – Shipra Khanna

• Duration: October 22, 2011 – January 1, 2012
• Winner: Shipra Khanna
• Runner-up: Salma Shazia Fathima
• Host: Vikas Khanna
• Judges: Kunal Kapur, Ajay Chopra

The second season saw Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna joining as the host, alongside judges Kunal Kapur and Ajay Chopra. Shipra Khanna from Shimla clinched the title, showcasing her expertise in blending global cuisines with Indian elements. Post her win, Shipra became a celebrated chef, authoring cookbooks and hosting international cooking shows, thereby promoting Indian cuisine on a global platform.

Season 3 – Ripudaman Handa

• Duration: March 11, 2013 – June 9, 2013
• Winner: Ripudaman Handa
• Runner-up: Navneet Rastogi
• Host: Sanjeev Kapoor
• Judges: Vikas Khanna, Kunal Kapur

Season 3 introduced celebrated chef Sanjeev Kapoor as the host, with Vikas Khanna and Kunal Kapur returning as judges. Ripudaman Handa, a professional dancer from Delhi, won the season, becoming the first male contestant to do so. His journey from a dancer to a chef inspired many, and he later ventured into television, hosting cooking shows and participating in dance reality shows.

Season 4 – Nikita Gandhi

• Duration: January 26, 2015 – April 12, 2015
• Winner: Nikita Gandhi
• Runner-up: Neha Deepak Shah
• Host: Ranveer Brar
• Judges: Sanjeev Kapoor, Vikas Khanna

The fourth season was notable for its all-vegetarian format, a first in the history of MasterChef globally. Chef Ranveer Brar joined as a judge alongside Sanjeev Kapoor and Vikas Khanna. Nikita Gandhi, an NRI from Abu Dhabi, emerged victorious, impressing the judges with her contemporary take on traditional vegetarian dishes. Post her win, Nikita continued her culinary journey by launching a food blog and conducting cooking workshops.

Season 5 – Kirti Bhoutika

• Duration: October 1, 2016 – December 25, 2016
• Winner: Kirti Bhoutika
• Runner-up: Ashima Arora
• Host: Kunal Kapur
• Judges: Vikas Khanna, Zorawar Kalra

Season 5 saw the return of Kunal Kapur as a host, with Vikas Khanna and restaurateur Zorawar Kalra on the judging panel. Kirti Bhoutika, a 20-year-old from Kolkata, became the youngest winner of the series. Her expertise in baking and patisserie stood out, leading her to establish her own dessert studio, SugarPlum Cakery, in Kolkata.

Season 6 – Abinas Nayak

• Duration: December 7, 2019 – March 1, 2020
• Winner: Abinas Nayak
• Runner-up: Oindrila Bala
• Host: Vikas Khanna
• Judges: Ranveer Brar, Vineet Bhatia

The sixth season featured Vikas Khanna as the host, with Ranveer Brar and Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia as judges. Abinas Nayak, an engineer from Odisha, won the title, impressing with his innovative fusion dishes that combined traditional Odia cuisine with modern techniques.

Season 7 – Nayanjyoti Saikia

• Duration: January 2, 2023 – March 31, 2023
• Winner: Nayanjyoti Saikia
• Runner-up: Santa Sharma
• Host: Vikas Khanna
• Judges: Ranveer Brar, Garima Arora

Season 7 of MasterChef India introduced some unique culinary challenges, showcasing regional ingredients and techniques. Hosted by Vikas Khanna, with judges Ranveer Brar and Garima Arora, this season brought new perspectives to Indian cuisine. Nayanjyoti Saikia, a home cook from Assam, clinched the title with his creative approach to Assamese flavors and techniques. Runner-up Santa Sharma also impressed the judges with her innovative dishes. Nayanjyoti’s journey from a small village in Assam to the MasterChef kitchen was inspiring, highlighting the diversity of India’s culinary talent.

Season 8 – Mohammed Aashiq

• Duration: August 2023 – November 2023
• Winner: Mohammed Aashiq
• Runner-up: Priya Mitra
• Host: Ranveer Brar
• Judges: Vikas Khanna, Pooja Dhingra

In Season 8, MasterChef India focused on sustainability and innovative cooking techniques, encouraging contestants to minimize food waste and emphasize local ingredients. This season was hosted by Ranveer Brar, with Vikas Khanna and renowned pastry chef Pooja Dhingra joining the judging panel. Mohammed Aashiq emerged as the winner, celebrated for his fusion dishes that combined traditional South Indian flavors with global influences. Runner-up Priya Mitra was also a fan favorite for her expertise in desserts and presentation skills. Aashiq’s win underscored his commitment to culinary excellence and creativity.

MasterChef India has provided an invaluable platform for home cooks across the country, celebrating India’s culinary diversity. With each season, the show continues to inspire food enthusiasts, foster innovation in the kitchen, and promote Indian flavors on a global stage. As the series evolves, it remains a source of pride and inspiration for Indian home cooks and aspiring chefs alike.