A Leicester based GP is hoping to impress with her delicious fusion dishes on this year’s series of MasterChef.
Dinta Thakkar is hoping to set up her own food business that promotes her heritage and health benefits, if she succeeds on the popular cooking show. She is hoping to impress with her Indian fusion food, which has influence from other cuisines around the world.
“I have a deep appreciation for the rich and diverse flavours of Indian cuisine, and I often incorporate traditional Indian spices and cooking techniques into my dishes. I love experimenting with different ingredients and flavour combinations to create unique and exciting fusion dishes,” she said.
“My mum has been my biggest cooking inspiration so far. I was brought up eating some of the best Indian dishes she learnt to make herself and from other inspirational cooks in our family. Learning trusted and delicious family generational recipes is something I pride myself in knowing.”
Dinta, is the county’s second representative in this year’s 20th series of MasterChef and is hoping to fare better than Hinckley’s Chaz Barnes who was eliminated in his first episode last week.
Asked about her reasons for entering the MasterChef kitchen, the 35-year-old said she was hungry to show off her culinary talents.
“Cooking is my greatest passion and I hope to inspire others with my unique recipes and innovative dishes, spread the joy of cooking and encourage creativity in the kitchen,” she added.
“I’d also like to refine my culinary skills and learn from experienced chefs. MasterChef is a great opportunity to receive feedback from industry experts, meet fellow passionate cooks, elevate your abilities and broaden your culinary knowledge.”
Dinta, who grew up in Kenya, is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Leicester’s Eddie Scott, who won the show in 2022 with his delicious fusion dishes. He has gone on to release a book and opened his own restaurant.
“I am incredibly passionate about the culinary world, and I would like to set up a food-related business in the future – sharing my love for cooking, my Indian heritage, and my medical knowledge with the world,” said Dinta.
“My food dream is to teach and inspire people to creative delectable dishes at home incorporating the rich essence of Indian heritage and promoting health-conscious cooking using my medical expertise – be that through cookbooks or even a TV show.
“I would like to leave a lasting impact on the culinary landscape and bring joy and nourishment to people who embrace the flavours and creativity from my own kitchen.”
Dinta’s MasterChef debut airs at 8pm tomorrow (Thursday, April 18) on BBC One.
