Sumeet Saigal, an Indian-origin contestant on MasterChef Australia, garnered widespread attention after she wowed the judges of the popular reality show by presenting her homemade pani puri on one of the episodes.
Culinary Feat
Saigal undertook the challenging task of crafting the beloved Indian street food entirely from scratch, from preparing the puri dough to deep-frying them, making the potato filling, and concocting the spicy-tangy water.
Recognition from Celebrity Chef
Celebrity British chef Jamie Oliver, one of the judges on the show, paid homage to Saigal’s Bengaluru roots after tasting her pani puri. His quip, “You’re from Bangalore? That dish was bangs galore too,” reflected his appreciation for her culinary skills and hometown connection. Incidentally, Oliver recently opened a restaurant in Bengaluru.
Social Media Buzz
Saigal’s feat quickly gained traction on social media platforms, with users celebrating her achievement and Oliver’s witty remark about Bengaluru.
Personal Connection to Pani Puri
For Saigal, the challenge lay in perfecting the puri, with each one needing to puff up consistently. Her fond memories of enjoying pani puri during her school days in Bengaluru added a personal touch to her culinary journey on the show.
Culinary Adventures on MasterChef
Saigal’s culinary prowess extended beyond pani puri, as she also prepared three different versions of Butter Chicken on another episode, receiving mixed reviews from the judges. Earlier, she impressed with her creation of cashew cream in curry sauce.
Judging Panel
While Oliver served as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia 2024, the main judges for Season 16 include Andy Allen, Sofia Levin, Jean-Christophe Novelli, and Poh Ling Yeow.
