Who is chef Ruchi Mehrotra on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?
MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 returns to BBC One on Tuesday, November 3, and private chef Ruchi Mehrotra is one of the six chefs fighting for a place in the next round in the opening heat.
The 43-year-old, who lives in Berkshire with her husband and two daughters, faces Dan Nunn, Jack Sencherey-Evans, Jemma Harrison, Kieran Jones and Matty Grove in the first group of this year’s MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 series, which features 24 chefs competing in groups of six.
Age at start of filming
43
Job role
Private chef
Chef background
Ruchi, who grew up in Uttar Pradesh, India, is a self-taught chef and runs Milaanj by Ruchi Mehrotra.
Asked about the most memorable place she has worked, she said: “At my pub!”
On her career highlights so far, she said: “One of the proudest highlights of my career has been opening and running my own pub and restaurant, Milaanj at The Beehive. Building the pub from the ground up was a huge achievement for me. To then be awarded two AA rosettes within just a few months of opening was incredibly special and a real validation of the hard work, passion, and commitment that went into it.”
Who or what inspired you to become a chef?
“My family inspires me every day; my husband, my mum, and my daughters. They have always supported me, encouraged me, and pushed me to keep learning and doing better.
“I think my love for becoming a chef grew from the way my family has always celebrated food. For us, food was never just about eating; it was about bringing people together, sharing stories, and creating memories around the table. I grew up seeing my granny doing that.
“I love seeing people come together over good food and watching how a meal can create a sense of warmth, connection and happiness. That is what inspires me most as a chef; the ability to bring people together through food and create moments they remember.”
How would you describe your style of cooking and influences on it?
“My cooking is rooted in regional Indian cuisine, but with a modern approach. I love taking traditional flavours, techniques, and recipes and presenting them in a contemporary way, while always keeping the soul and essence of the dish intact.
“My biggest influences are my mum and my granny. A lot of what I know and love about Indian food comes from watching them cook and experiencing food through my family.
“My mother-in-law also has a great love for cooking, and sharing that passion for food with her has been another wonderful influence on my cooking. For me, it is about respecting where a dish comes from while allowing my own experiences and creativity to shape how I cook.”
Three ingredients you can’t live without?
“Ghee, cumin, and turmeric.”
What do you eat when you get back from service?
“Simple bowl of dal and rice with ghee, my comfort food.”
Why did you want to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals?
“I want to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals because I wanted to challenge myself and step outside my comfort zone.
“I have spent years building my cooking around the food I grew up with, particularly regional Indian cuisine, while developing my own modern style.
“I wanted to challenge myself, push my culinary boundaries, and see how my skills and creativity would stand up in a competitive professional kitchen. Above all, I saw MasterChef as an opportunity to learn, grow as a chef, and showcase the richness, diversity and authenticity of regional Indian cuisine on a global stage.
“It felt like the right challenge at the right time in my journey as a chef and an opportunity to keep learning, growing, and pushing myself to be better.”
Outside of cooking, what are your passions?
“I love music and gardening.
“There’s something very calming about getting my hands in the soil, growing things, and watching them change with the seasons. And, of course, spending time with my family is something I treasure most.”
>>> Read more: MasterChef: The Professionals series 19: start date, judges and the full chef lineup
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Who is chef Ruchi Mehrotra on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?
