Who is chef Gokul Menon on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?
With MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 heats coming to a close on BBC One, we find out more about Gokul Menon, one of the chefs taking part in this year’s competition.
Gokul lives in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.
Age at start of filming
28
Job role
Head chef
Chef background
“My culinary journey began in Hyderabad, where I first studied and trained before stepping into the world of professional kitchens.
"My first role was at the iconic Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, a place that shaped my discipline, technique, and respect for the craft. It remains the most memorable kitchen I’ve worked in.
"During filming, I was head chef at Sindhu Restaurant, where I continue to showcase refined Indian cooking.”
Who and what inspired you to become a chef?
“My mother inspired me. Her ability to turn simple ingredients into unforgettable meals made me fall in love with cooking.”
How would you describe your style of cooking and any influences on it?
“My style blends traditional Indian flavours with a modern twist emphasizing fresh, local ingredients and bold spices. I’m heavily influenced by my mother’s home cooking and the vibrant coastal cuisine of Goa.”
Three ingredients you can’t live without?
“Coconut, chillies, fresh curry leaf.”
What do you eat when you get back from service?
“A warm bowl of rice with sambar, ghee, and egg. Simple, comforting, and nostalgic, it feels like home after a hectic kitchen shift.”
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Why did you want to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals?
“To test my skills on a bigger stage, push my creativity under pressure, and share my Keralan roots with a wider audience.”
Outside of cooking, what are your passions?
“Collecting perfumes. Each scent tells a story, captures memories and evokes emotion, just like food. Each different fragrance gives me inspiration.”
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