Chef Nayanjyoti Saikya on food, music, and cultural connections
In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, Chef Nayanjyoti Saikya delved into his culinary philosophy, his transition from engineering to the world of gourmet cuisine and his passion for showcasing Northeastern Indian flavors. His journey from MasterChef India champion to an industry trailblazer has been marked by a deep commitment to storytelling through food
Tejal Sinha
From sketching engineering diagrams to plating up gourmet masterpieces, Chef Nayanjyoti Saikya’s journey is a feast of passion, creativity, and unexpected twists. Hailing from Assam, his love for cooking started in childhood, but it was his victory in MasterChef India Season 7 that turned his culinary dreams into reality. Today, he’s not just a chef—he’s a storyteller, weaving flavors and culture into every dish. As he takes the spotlight at Zomaland’s Table for Everyone, Chef Nayan isn’t just serving food—he’s serving experiences, proving that the best recipes come from following one’s heart.
Saikya’s love for food started at a young age, growing up in a joint family where cooking was an everyday affair. He recalls, “I was barely eight or nine years old when I first became fascinated by cooking. My mother and aunts would prepare the same dish, yet each version tasted different. That intrigued me. It made me realise that food is an art and every cook has their own signature style.”
Despite this deep-rooted interest, he initially pursued engineering and even worked for a company for three months. However, during the COVID-19 lockdown, his passion for food reignited. He began experimenting with flavours, innovating new dishes, and eventually received an invitation to participate in MasterChef India.
Competing in MasterChef India Season 7 was a turning point for Saikya. While initially nervous about how he would perform, stepping into the MasterChef kitchen felt surreal. “When I met the chefs for the first time, I felt like my life had come full circle. I had no complaints. That’s when my journey truly began,” he shares.
Winning the competition opened up new opportunities—brand collaborations, television appearances and a growing fanbase. However, the journey was not without its challenges. A few months ago, he opened his own restaurant, only to face unexpected hurdles. “It was tough, but we didn’t give up. We recently re-opened the restaurant, and it’s doing great. I couldn’t be happier,” he says.
Saikya’s time on MasterChef India changed his perspective on food. Initially drawn to European and Asian cuisines, he soon realised the lack of representation of Northeastern Indian food. This realisation turned into a mission. “Our ingredients and flavors deserve recognition. Many parts of India—and even the world—are unaware of the richness of Northeastern cuisine. I want to change that.”
He now actively incorporates Northeastern elements into global dishes. At Zomaland’s Table for Everyone, one of his featured creations is Pani Pitha served in a taco format—an innovative blend of Assamese tradition with international appeal. For Saikya, food is more than sustenance—it’s a means of storytelling and connection. Inspired by the film The Hundred-Foot Journey, he believes in the power of food to evoke memories. “Whenever I meet someone, I connect with them through food. Their culinary inspirations, the stories behind their dishes—it all fascinates me. Cooking is my love language and sharing food is my way of expressing care.”
The Table for Everyone event aligns perfectly with this belief, focusing on meaningful conversations over great food. “I want attendees to experience the effort and thought behind each dish. I hope they leave with a deeper appreciation for the flavours and the cultural stories embedded in the food.” At Zomaland, Saikya is hosting a live cooking demo and masterclass, blending the magic of cooking with electrifying DJ beats. He shares, “Today, I’m making a unique vegetarian burger infused with special herbs. I used to be shy about cooking in front of an audience, but now I enjoy explaining the process and watching people react to my creations.”
Music plays an essential role in his cooking process. “When I’m baking, I prefer soft lo-fi music. When I’m grilling or barbecuing, I love country music. The right atmosphere enhances the entire culinary experience.”
The Magic of Sharing Zone at the event embodies the joy of sharing food and stories. For Saikya, this philosophy is deeply personal. “I travel solo a lot, and food has always been my way of connecting with strangers. Whether it’s cooking during a camping trip or buying ingredients from a local market, I love sharing stories through food.”
For the event, he has carefully curated a menu that reflects his Assamese roots while celebrating Kolkata’s rich culinary heritage. “Initially, I wanted to include more European and Pan-Asian dishes, but the other chefs encouraged me to focus on regional flavors. We’re incorporating ingredients like kasundi (Bengali mustard sauce) and prawns in a curry inspired by local flavors.” One of the highlights of Saikya’s menu at Table for Everyone is his prawn curry cooked with coconut and pineapple—a dish close to his heart. “A similar dish won me the MasterChef title. It represents my journey and the fusion of different Indian flavors. I want attendees to experience the same emotions I felt when I created it.”
As someone who constantly pushes creative boundaries, Saikya believes in making food an experience. “Most people enjoy trying new flavors, but they may not always realise the effort behind each dish. Today, I’m bringing together elements from South India, North India, and the Northeast, all on one plate. I want people to remember these flavors long after the event is over.”
With Zomaland’s Table for Everyone, Saikya hopes to create not just a culinary experience but lasting memories. “Food can tell a story, and I want my dishes to leave an impression—something people will cherish and talk about for years to come.”
