Who is chef Rohit MasterChef: The Professionals 2024 contestant?

Ahead of MasterChef: The Professionals 2024, which airs on BBC One from Tuesday, October 29 at 8pm, we find out more about the chefs taking part.

 Introducing Rohit, sous chef at a Private Members Club in London

Sous chef Rohit, 34, was born and raised in New Delhi, India, with his mum, dad and sister. Rohit moved over to the UK 14 years ago to finish his studies in computer engineering and has lived here ever since. He works at a private members’ club in London and has a six-year-old son.

Name

Rohit

AGE

34

Where are you from/where do you live

Rohit was born and raised in New Delhi and now works in London.

CURRENT AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

After graduating from university, Rohit started working as a waiter in the Italian restaurant, Ferrari's in Bexley Village but was always desperate to get in the kitchen. He went to Westminster Kingsway College and worked in the restaurant on his days off. Since then, he has worked in other Italian restaurants, in and around London and worked in Le Caprice, Scott’s in Mayfair and a private members’ club.

WHO AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A CHEF?

“My mother and grandmother inspired me when I was a child. I grew up in a family who welcomed any number of guests to any occasion or festival was all about the food. My mother and grandmother used to prepare and cook food and I got to see the diversity and love that they brought to the table. They expressed love through food, and I saw that from a young age.”

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF COOKING AND ANY INFLUENCES ON IT?

“My cooking style ranges from classical to modern European, Italian dishes inspired by the restaurants I’ve worked in and also the dishes I grew up with back home in India. I am always more inclined to go with a ‘less is more’ approach to food.”

WHY DID YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN MASTERCHEF: THE PROFESSIONALS?

“I finally plucked up the courage to see where I stand and applied for the competition. I have been planning this for the last five or six years but kept giving up as I was too scared of it not going to plan. I’m now up for the challenge and I’m ready to give it my best.”

OUTSIDE OF COOKING WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS?

“I have a six-year-old little boy and I love spending time with him, chilling at home, exploring London and trying lots of street food anywhere can find it.”