Tokupu Sumi won this year's 9th Edition of the Naga Chef Let's Get Cooking title on December 9.
Morung Express News
Kohima | December 9
30 year old self taught cook, Tokupu Sumi won this year's 9th Edition of the Naga Chef Let's Get Cooking title on December 9. He was declared winner of this year's culinary competition after a grand finale held at the amphitheatre, Heritage Village, Kisama and walked home with a cash prize of Rupees two lakh and gift hampers.
Tokupa, a budding entrepreneur who hails from Kohima while speaking to The Morung Express said he started his own restaurant in Kohima at the Made in Nagaland, Secretariat road, Kohima by the name ‘Ancestral Cuisine.’
Out of his sheer interest for cooking, his participation at the competition not only won him a prestigious title of the Naga Chef but he expresses happiness for the rich experiences he gained throughout the competition.
For him, one of the biggest takeaways is the hands on learning he acquired on cooking, especially from the Masterclasses that were held for the participants by renowned chefs.
During the final round, the finalists were made to cook three sets of dishes.
He said, in the starter, he gave the judges a beef innards cuisine; smoked pork as main course and seasonal fruits with pancake for desserts all in the Naga style.
The two other finalists were Keneilhoubei-ü Lense and Kazusangba Jamir.
One of the original judges of MasterChef Australia Chef Gary Mehigan who attended the cooking competition as guest judge yesterday also gave away the prizes and thanked the organizers and participants for giving him the opportunity to try authentic Naga cuisines and new ingredients.
A total number of 7 participants earlier competed for the title of Naga Chef Season 9. The participants were judged based on Cooking Skills, Childhood Memories, Innovation Round, Just Desserts and My Naga Thali. Round winners also won gift hampers.
