Srinagar girl Dr. Rukhsar finishes second Runner up at MasterChef India
Srinagar’s own Dr. Rukhsar Saeed, a food technologist, achieved the notable feat of securing the second runner-up position in the latest installment of MasterChef India, becoming the first participant from Kashmir in the renowned culinary competition. The season’s grand finale, aired on Friday, crowned Mohammad Ashiq of Mangalore as the winner.
Dr. Rukhsar, hailed from Pampore, bagged a prize of Rs 5 lakh for her impressive performance and contribution to the show. Not only did she earn praise from the judges for her culinary skills, but she also stood out by bringing Kashmiri cuisines to the forefront of this prominent platform.
Among the twelve passionate chefs initially in the competition, Dr. Rukhsar, along with Nambie Marak, Mohammed Ashiq, and Suraj Thapa, successfully made it to the grand finale. During the challenging audition process held in June, she showcased exceptional skills and determination, ultimately reaching the final stages.
Dr. Rukhsar, on a mission to introduce the world to the unique flavors of Kashmiri cuisine, learned a ‘lost Kashmiri dish’ from her mother, who inherited it from her grandmother. In the culmination of the season, she presented a Brotherhood Platter, blending flavors from both Muslim and Kashmiri Pandit traditions, featuring Wazwan delicacies like Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, and Bata Haakh. This culinary masterpiece symbolized the rich tapestry that unites diverse communities.
Beyond her MasterChef success, Dr. Rukhsar Saeed is making waves in the culinary world, being the founder of the valley’s first ‘Frozen Food’ venture.
