Celebrity MasterChef India Episode 1, which aired on 27 January 2025 at 8 PM on Sony TV and streamed on Sony Liv, marked the grand start of the much-anticipated culinary competition. With judges Farah Khan, Chef Vikas Khanna, and Chef Ranveer Brar, along with a line-up of 11 celebrity contestants, the premiere episode was packed with creativity, emotional moments, and fierce competition. The highlight was the Mystery Box Challenge, which tested the celebrities’ ability to turn ancient Harappan ingredients into modern-day masterpieces.
Here’s everything you need to know about the episode, from the dishes cooked to the best performers of the day.
The Judges and Contestants
The episode began with the grand entry of the three judges:
- Farah Khan: Renowned filmmaker and food enthusiast.
- Chef Vikas Khanna: Michelin-starred chef and culinary icon.
- Chef Ranveer Brar: Acclaimed chef known for his innovation and expertise.
The 11 celebrity contestants entered in the following order:
- Tejasswi Prakash (Actress)
- Gaurav Khanna (Actor)
- Dipika Kakkar Ibrahim (Actress)
- Archana Gautam (Actress)
- Usha Nadkarni (Actress)
- Faisal Shaikh (Social Media Influencer)
- Nikki Tamboli (Actress)
- Abhijeet Sawant (Singer)
- Rajiv Adatia (Social Media Influencer)
- Kabita Singh (Social Media Influencer)
- Chandan Prabhakar (Comedian)
Mystery Box Challenge
Ingredients:
The Mystery Box contained seven ingredients inspired by the 4000-year-old Harappan Civilization:
- Turmeric
- Baingan (Eggplant)
- Salt
- Ginger
- Raw Mango
- Sesame Oil
- Sugarcane
Rules:
- Contestants had to cook a modern dish using at least five of the seven ingredients.
- No electric appliances were allowed; only earthen pots and utensils could be used.
- The time limit was 90 minutes.
Dishes and Judges’ Feedback
Tejasswi Prakash
- Dish: Baingan Lasagna with Nimona layering, wheat cooked in sugarcane juice, and mango turmeric pickle.
- Feedback: Judges loved the dish for its taste and innovation. Farah Khan was so impressed she kissed Tejasswi’s hand.
Dipika Kakkar Ibrahim
- Dish: Baingan Papdi Chaat with Mango and Sugarcane Chutney.
- Feedback: The dish was a hit. Dipika got emotional as the judges praised her cooking skills, silencing her online critics.
Faisal Shaikh
- Dish: Baba Ghanoush and Shami Kabab.
- Feedback: The Shami Kabab lacked balance in flavors, according to Chef Ranveer Brar.
Gaurav Khanna
- Dish: Mezze Platter.
- Feedback: The dish didn’t meet expectations. Farah Khan called it “uneatable.”
Usha Nadkarni
- Dish: Bharwa Baingan with Chapati.
- Feedback: Judges adored her dish for its traditional flavor. Vikas Khanna declared it his dinner for the night.
Chandan Prabhakar
- Dish: Stuffed Baingan with Mango and Sugarcane Chutney.
- Feedback: The dish was undercooked and lacked flavor.
Nikki Tamboli
- Dish: Litti Chokha Tacos with Salsa made from Sugarcane, Turmeric, and Raw Mango.
- Feedback: A standout dish. The judges praised Nikki’s innovation, presentation, and taste, making it the most-loved dish of the day.
Abhijeet Sawant
- Dish: Baingan Rolls with Peas and Walnut stuffing, Mango and Sugarcane Chutney.
- Feedback: Farah loved the rolls’ taste, but Vikas criticized the plate’s color choice.
Rajiv Adatia
- Dish: Samosa with Baingan, Green Dal, and Egg stuffing.
- Feedback: The dish failed to impress, with Farah remarking it would have led to elimination if eliminations had occurred.
Kabita Singh
- Dish: Litti Chokha Fusion.
- Feedback: Failed to meet expectations, disappointing the judges.
Archana Gautam
- Dish: Moong Dal Farrey with Baingan Bhartha.
- Feedback: Judges noted the Baingan was undercooked.
Best 3 Dishes of the Day
- Nikki Tamboli’s Litti Chokha Tacos
- Tejasswi Prakash’s Baingan Lasagna
- Usha Nadkarni’s Bharwa Baingan and Chapati
Winner of the Day:
Nikki Tamboli was declared the winner, with her dish excelling in taste, innovation, and presentation.
Key Highlights from Episode 1
- Emotional Moments: Dipika Kakkar’s heartfelt reaction to the judges’ praise struck a chord.
- Surprising Talent: Nikki Tamboli, despite never having eaten Baingan before, impressed with her creative tacos.
- Traditional Meets Modern: The Mystery Box Challenge perfectly blended ancient ingredients with contemporary culinary techniques.