Kirti Bhoutika is a dessert fanatic herself, she wanted to bake the best cakes for Kolkata. She entered the MasterChef India competition just after finishing college and with a little positive approach and a whole lot of passion for cooking, she became the youngest MasterChef India Winner in December 2016. Since then, she has been traveling and exploring the world to get back the best desserts for Kolkata.
Sugarplum Cakery is the brainchild of Kirti Bhoutika started in 2015, when she was in her college.
Check out Kirti Bhoutika in conversation with WF President, Ms. Namita Nayyar on shooting, her love for cooking, doing reality shows & future plans!
Ms. Namita Nayyar
You emerged as the winner of Master Chef India Season 5 in a heart throbbing season finale. Share the series of events that led to your participation in MasterChef?
Ms. Kirti Bhoutika
I participated in Masterchef because my parents really wanted me to try this. I always thought these reality shows were made up and not very authentic. When i cleared the first few rounds, I was very happy and then thought that this is it. I had no contacts in this industry but Masterechef proved that you need only talent and a zeal for winning to go ahead in life.
As the show proceeded, all I knew was that I had to learn and widen my knowledge. Masterchef changed my life not (only) because I won the show but mainly because I learnt so much on the way. Met the best chefs, worked at great restaurants and challenged myself. It truly turned me from a homechef to a chef.
FULL INTERVIEW ON NEXT PAGE!
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President womenfitness.org and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2021 Women Fitness Org
Ms. Namita Nayyar
The passion for cooking & trying innovative recipes, was it instilled in childhood? Whom would you credit for the same?
Ms. Kirti Bhoutika
I started baking when I was in school. I baked cakes for all school functions and started a home bakery too. The happiness that I derived out of baking a good cake was unmatched. My mother was the one who stayed with me all the time, pushed me to try new things and reach new heights. She woke up early and stayed up late nights for me when I had orders to deliver. I am what I am because of her.
Ms. Namita Nayyar
You started off as a Chef from at an early age of 18 years and owned a small home bakery, Sugar Plum Cakery. Being a multitasker – baker, a tutor, trained dancer and a painter. Define Kirti Bhoutika, in three words.
Ms. Kirti Bhoutika
Always learning & growing.
Ms. Namita Nayyar
You were the youngest female contestant on the show to win the title. It takes real guts to compete at a national level. The fact that kept you strong & rolling all through? Share a memorable incident from the competition that stays close to your heart till date?
Ms. Kirti Bhoutika
I always thought that I will not make it through. There were more experienced contenders and I always felt slightly like an underdog. However, when I won the show, I realized that nothing is impossible and that I am enough. I took one step at a time, concentrating on doing well at one challenge at a time.
The one memory that will always be so close to me is when I won the Masterchef apron on my second try. The first try was a fail and I called my mother and told her I didn’t make it. She was very disappointed. A surprise second-round happened and I won it for her. That meant everything for me (and her).
Ms. Namita Nayyar
Sugarplum Cakery is your brainchild that started in 2015. According to your top 5 must-try recipes or foods.
Ms. Kirti Bhoutika
Top 5 things that you should try from Sugarplum cakery-
- Signature chocolate truffle
- Nutty salted caramel
- Cheesecakes
- Tart cakes
- Double chocolate cookies
Ms. Namita Nayyar
How do you manage to stay fit and avoid weight gain being a chef made around food? Share the diet pattern you follow. Foods you try to include in your diet & 5 foods you avoid? For you, an ideal breakfast would be.
Ms. Kirti Bhoutika
Eat nutritious food, control portion size, and keep your body active.
5 food to avoid-
- processed and packaged food
- white bread
- canned juices
- deep fried oily food
- excessive white sugar
5 foods to include in your diet-
- milk products
- nuts and seeds
- resh seasonal fruits and vegetables
- whole grains
- pulses and daal
Ideal meal would be a good share of proteins, good fats, vegetables and fruits, and whole grains.
Ms. Namita Nayyar
Exercise & fitness routine you follow to stay fit, healthy & prevent weight gain?
Ms. Kirti Bhoutika
Working out at least 4 days a week. Also, trying to take the stairs and walking whenever possible to keep my body moving
Ms. Namita Nayyar
5 tips for people from the food industry or females who would like to compete in competitions like MasterChef?
Ms. Kirti Bhoutika
- Do not participate to win. Participate to excel and learn.
- Pre-plan what you might want to make in the next challenge
- keep up with trends and new ingredients
- Include different textures on the plate.
- Improvise and innovate with textures and flavors.
Ms. Namita Nayyar
You did a sit-down dinner for the Embassy of Italy in India in 2017. In January 2018, you were chosen to cook the dessert for the dinner hosted by PM Narendra Modi for delegates from all around the world at Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum. What was your experience like? Share two memorable moments?
Ms. Kirti Bhoutika
It was a great experience and also a great confidence booster. It showed me that passion and hard work can get you anywhere. In both the experiences, what was most memorable was the fact that I got to curate the dessert right from start till the end myself without any help. I worked in different kitchens with different teams of chefs, in a city completely out of my comfort zone. The dessert was very appreciated by the chefs and guests and that made my day.
Ms. Namita Nayyar
You run a food show, ‘Food Fiesta’ on the food channel, FoodXP. What is the experience like? Tips for enjoying desserts with ingredients that are healthy and filled with nourishment?
Ms. Kirti Bhoutika
Cooking for the camera and cooking at home are two completely different experiences. It is not as fun as it looks like when you are cooking for the camera. `It takes a lot of effort to make food look camera friendly. But i enjoy the process. To make regular desserts healthy-
- switch butter and oil with healthy fats like EV olive oil or virgin coconut oil.
- switch refined flour with whole wheat flour, nut flour, or whole-grain flour.
- switch white sugar with jaggery, organic honey, fruits, or dates.
Ms. Namita Nayyar
Your future plans & projects?
Ms.Kirti Bhoutika
Currently, I am concentrating on taking my bakery to new heights. My new show ‘ITS SUMMER’ is also live on foodxp. Also, creating more social media content for my channels in on the books.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Message for WF followers & your fans on healthy cooking & nutrition?
Ms. Kirti Bhoutika:
Keep it simple and less time consuming. Use local and everyday ingredients and make interesting food. That is the only way for making healthy eating sustainable.
Know More About Kirti Bhoutika
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President womenfitness.org and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2021 Women Fitness Org