Chef Shah is not just an inspiration, but also a notion for change. Why? In Nepal, a chef is often described as bhansey or cook, but now as Chef Shah has achieved so much, it has made people realise that a chef is also a reputed job, and that chefs too can make a difference

— Rajeev Shrestha, Executive Chef at Aloft, Thamel

KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 17

With Nepali Chef Santosh Shah inching ever closer to victory at UK's MasterChef: The Professionals on BBC One having made it to the Top 3 finalists on December 16, there has been an excitement and nervousness among his well-wishers and fans, especially here in Nepal.

Prajita Shrestha, 38, from Tinkune, who has been following the show, feels that Chef Shah will win the competition. A housewife, she likes "his innovative approach to the dishes he prepares".

Chef Shah has been recreating Nepali dishes in his unique manner on the show and this is what Shrestha likes about him. Despite cooking similar dishes at home that Chef Shah has been plating up at the show, Shrestha never had a clue that the dishes "could be fusioned".

She stated, "Hats off to his cooking skills."

An avid foodie Dibash Shakya, 26 is also praying for Chef Shah's win as he likes his cooking. The Ratopul resident shared, "The competition seems tough. I have full faith in him, yet I am still praying and showing full support for his win."

But it's not just the judges or viewers who have been blown away by Chef Shah's creativity and use of spices in the show. Equally impressed with his cooking skills and his achievements are some of the chefs from Nepal.

"It’s a proud moment for chefs like us," said Rajeev Shrestha, Executive Chef at Aloft, Thamel, who has been following the show regularly.

He said Chef Shah has been a source of inspiration for young individuals who are making their way in the hospitality industry.

"Many young chefs and interns working in the hotel sector have been affected positively by his performance. Now all of them seem interested in the kitchen rather than any other department of hospitality industry," he shared of his observance.

And Chef Shah has been a hot topic in his hotel — there's always a discussion about his cooking techniques, revealed Executive Chef Shrestha, adding that he gets goosebumps seeing the videos of the competition.

"I tend to engage deeply in his episodes as they get thrilling for me. It's not just that when Chef Shah is in the midst of preparation, but even when his time is about to be up or during the presentation, I get goosebumps."

For him Chef Shah is not just an inspiration, but also a notion for change. Why? "In Nepal, a chef is often described as bhansey or a cook, but now as Chef Shah has achieved so much, it has made people realise that a chef is also a reputed job, and that chefs too can make a difference."

Wishing him all the luck and power, Executive Chef Shrestha said, "We (all the members of Aloft Hotel) wish him all the best. And you have already won the title for us.’’

Maheshwar Shah, Senior Sous Chef at Vivanta, feels Chef Santosh "has made all Nepalis proud".

Revealing that Chef Shah and he are neighbours, he said, "Though we have not met personally, our villages lie across the Kamala River. His is in Siraha, and mine is in Dhanusha. And I know that people are so happy and proud because of him."

And he has been following all episodes of Chef Santosh and is intrigued by his cooking skills. "The way he creates fusion is amazing. His twist without losing the dish's authenticity is appreciable."

Revealing that Vivanta too has been prioritising Nepali dishes, he added, "One feels honoured to serve Nepali dishes to guests as this is what represents us. Chef Santosh is doing the same. I am hopeful that chefs in Nepal will now be more focussed on Nepali cuisine and guests too will be more interested in Nepali dishes."

For Khagendra Gaire, Executive Chef, CG Hospitality, nothing is bigger than achievements like that of Chef Santosh for any chef.

"Indian and Chinese cuisines have overshadowed Nepali cuisine for long, but with Chef Santosh's initiative in the show, it seems like Nepali cuisine has received the limelight that it deserves."

And he wishes all luck and support to Chef Santosh: "The kind of cooking that he has shown is rare and the courage to adopt Nepali cuisine as his base in the show is commendable. I wish and hope he wins.’’