Chef Ajay Chopra: Taking India’s flavours to the world, one dish at a time!

Chef Ajay Chopra isn’t just a master of flavours — he’s a storyteller, weaving India’s rich culinary heritage into every dish he creates. With an infectious passion for food and a flair for innovation, he has redefined the way the world experiences Indian cuisine. As one of the pioneering hosts of MasterChef India Season 1 and 2, he has transformed public perceptions of cooking from a mere domestic chore to a celebrated art form.

The journey: From roots to recognition

Ajay Chopra’s love for cooking was sparked at an early age, inspired by the rich and diverse flavours of Indian home cooking. Born into a vibrant Punjabi family in Lucknow, Chef Chopra's early years were a tapestry of rich flavours and diverse culinary traditions. This upbringing ignited his fervour for food, leading him to the esteemed Oberoi Centre for Learning and Development, where he graduated as a gold medalist.

His illustrious career spans leadership roles in premier establishments like The Oberoi Group, JW Marriott Mumbai, and London’s acclaimed Mint Leaf restaurant. In 2015, channeling his extensive expertise, he founded Zion Hospitality, a consultancy dedicated to revolutionizing dining experiences across hotels, restaurants and cafes.

Catching up with the digital trend

Beyond the confines of traditional kitchens, Chef Chopra has embraced the digital age with gusto. His YouTube venture, The Big Daddy Chef, launched in 2018, offers a treasure trove of accessible recipes that inspire families to embark on joyful culinary adventures together. His philosophy highlights on demystifying gourmet cooking, proving that delectable dishes are within everyone’s reach.

Cooking with purpose

In 2023, Chopra got the opportunity to prepare desserts for world leaders and their wives who attended the 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi. Overseeing the dessert menu, he curated a line that showcased the best Indian flavours and culinary innovation. He whipped up healthy and tasty Lemon Mille-Feuille for dessert. Thekua, a popular traditional dish from the Indian states of Bihar and Jharkhand, was given a healthy twist with the use of finger millet, also known as Ragi. The thekua inspired cookies were layered with lemon curd (which is basically shrikhand from Gujarat) and sweetened with some millet khichdi and fruits.

Signature style

His culinary philosophy revolves around using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients while incorporating cutting-edge techniques from international cuisines.

His approach to plating and presentation transforms familiar dishes into artistic expressions, ensuring that every meal is not just delicious but also visually captivating. Throughout his career, Chef Ajay Chopra has been celebrated for his ability to simplify complex recipes, making gourmet cooking accessible to home cooks.

In his debut cookbook, The Big Daddy Chef, Chef Ajay Chopra embarks on a mission to transform kitchens into arenas of joy and togetherness, urging fathers to don the chef’s hat. Embracing the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) spirit, this cookbook demystifies complex dishes, offering well-structured, quick-fix recipes that make culinary adventures accessible and enjoyable.

Some of his standout creations include:

Chur Chur Naan Board - A complete meal comprising Dal Makhni, Butter Chicken, and Chole, paired with Delhi's iconic Chur Chur Naan, served with salad and papad.

Kathal Ki Sabzi - The preparation involves cooking jackfruit pieces with aromatic spices, onions, tomatoes and herbs, resulting in a flavourful and hearty curry.

Surti Locho: Crafted primarily from a fermented batter of chana dal (split chickpeas) and urad dal (split black gram), Surti Locho is steamed until it achieves a soft, pudding-like consistency. It's traditionally served hot, adorned with toppings such as sev, finely chopped onions and fresh coriander.

Preserving authenticity while innovating

Chef Ajay Chopra’s philosophy revolves around honouring the authenticity of Indian cuisine while embracing modern techniques. He is a strong advocate for regional Indian cuisines, bringing lesser-known culinary treasures into the limelight. From the fiery flavours of the Northeast to the aromatic spices of South India, he champions the country’s diverse food culture on every platform he engages with.

A global vision

His goal is to put Indian cuisine firmly on the global culinary map, ensuring that it gets the recognition it deserves. “Cooking for me is like Yes-I-can-at-first-sight kind of love. I believe that recipe comes out the best only when you use your own favourite ingredients, your own family traditions or what you’ve learned from your own experiences”! he passionately believes.

Have you had the chance of cooking Chef Ajay Chopra’s recipes? Tell us in the comment section below.