Life & Legacy
Born in Tinsukia district, Assam, Nayanjyoti Saikia grew up in a family closely associated with the tea industry. From an early age, he developed an interest in food, local ingredients, and regional flavours. His curiosity for cooking gradually evolved into a passion as he began experimenting with recipes using ingredients available in his hometown. Despite having no formal culinary education, he learned cooking through books, online resources, continuous practice, and personal creativity.
Nayanjyoti completed his early education at Sumarjyoti Vidyalaya and Gyan Vigyan Academy in Dibrugarh. He later pursued engineering at Girijananda Chowdhury Institute of Management and Technology. During his college years, hostel life became a turning point in his culinary journey. Dissatisfied with regular hostel meals, he started preparing food for himself, which helped him discover his passion for cooking. Over time, he experimented with different cuisines while adding his own creative touch to every dish.
After completing his engineering degree, Nayanjyoti returned to Assam and became involved in his family's tea garden business. Alongside his professional responsibilities, he continued improving his cooking skills and regularly shared photographs and videos of his dishes on social media. His unique food presentations and innovative use of Assamese ingredients attracted a growing online audience. His dedication was recognised when he won the Northeast Cooking Championship in 2020, giving him greater confidence to pursue cooking professionally.
A major breakthrough came in 2023 when renowned chef Vikas Khanna noticed Nayanjyoti's culinary creations on Instagram. After visiting his home in Assam, he encouraged him to participate in MasterChef India Season 7. Throughout the competition, Nayanjyoti consistently impressed judges Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar, and Garima Arora with his technical skills, creativity, and ability to showcase authentic Assamese cuisine with global influences. His outstanding performances earned him the MasterChef India Season 7 title, along with the Golden Chef's Coat, the MasterChef Trophy, and a cash prize of ₹25 lakh.
Following his victory, Nayanjyoti became one of the leading ambassadors of Assamese cuisine. His recipes introduced millions of viewers to the unique flavours, indigenous ingredients, and food traditions of Northeast India. His success encouraged many young chefs from the region to pursue careers in professional cooking and hospitality.
In 2024, Nayanjyoti fulfilled another dream by opening his restaurant, Roohani, in Guwahati. The restaurant combines traditional Assamese flavours with contemporary cooking techniques, reflecting his vision of presenting regional cuisine in a modern and creative way. Through Roohani, he continues to promote local ingredients, sustainable cooking, and culinary innovation while supporting Assam's growing food tourism.
Today, Nayanjyoti Saikia is recognised not only as a MasterChef champion but also as a culinary entrepreneur, food innovator, and youth icon. His inspiring journey demonstrates that passion, perseverance, and continuous learning can transform a self-taught home cook into one of India's most respected young chefs.
Early Life
- Born in Tinsukia, Assam.
- Grew up in a family associated with the tea industry.
- Developed an interest in cooking from a young age.
- Learned cooking through self-practice and experimentation with local ingredients.
Education
- Schooling - Sumarjyoti Vidyalaya
- Schooling - Gyan Vigyan Academy, Dibrugarh
- Engineering - Girijananda Chowdhury Institute of Management and Technology
Career
- Self-taught Home Cook
- MasterChef India Season 7 Winner (2023)
- Professional Chef
- Culinary Entrepreneur
- Restaurant Owner
- Food Content Creator
Major Achievements
- First contestant from Assam to win MasterChef India.
- Winner of MasterChef India Season 7 (2023).
- Recipient of the Golden Chef's Coat and MasterChef Trophy.
- Winner of the Northeast Cooking Championship (2020).
- Successfully introduced Assamese cuisine to a national audience.
- Founder of the restaurant Roohani in Guwahati.
- Recognised as one of Assam's leading young culinary personalities.
Awards and Recognition
- MasterChef India Season 7 Winner (2023)
- Golden Chef's Coat
- MasterChef Trophy
- Cash Prize of ₹25 lakh
- Northeast Cooking Championship Winner (2020)
Restaurant
- Founder and Chef of Roohani, Guwahati.
- Promotes Assamese and Northeastern cuisine with modern culinary techniques.
Positions Held
- Professional Chef
- Culinary Entrepreneur
- Restaurant Owner
- MasterChef India Winner
- Brand Collaborator and Culinary Ambassador
FAQs about Nayanjyoti Saikia
