Homecoming to MasterChef
Chef Sanjyot Keer reflects on his significant return to the MasterChef India kitchen, this time in a new, prominent role. This experience marked a profound
full-circle moment, transitioning from his initial behind-the-scenes work as a food producer to being a celebrated figure on the other side of the camera. He describes the feeling as a genuine homecoming, filled with deep gratitude and a sense of peace. This return served not just as a personal milestone but also as a powerful affirmation of his decade-long journey. Building Your Food Lab with a clear vision to authentically showcase Indian cuisine globally has culminated in this moment, reinforcing the value of consistent effort, unwavering patience, and a steadfast belief in one's aspirations. It was a moment to appreciate the progress made rather than to solely celebrate an achievement.
Lessons from Masters
Sanjyot Keer shares that a paramount lesson he has absorbed from working with esteemed chefs like Vikas Khanna, Sanjeev Kapoor, and Ranveer Brar is the virtue of humility, recognizing that one must always remain a perpetual student of the culinary arts, regardless of success. These interactions instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, a profound respect for every ingredient, and the importance of clear thinking. However, Keer emphasizes that inspiration is not confined to a single source; it is abundant, drawn from a wide spectrum of individuals. This includes legendary figures in the professional culinary scene, dedicated home cooks who master their kitchens, his own mother, and even the unsung heroes of street food found across India. His professional trajectory is a testament to the collective knowledge and experiences he has gathered from the multitude of people he has learned from throughout his career.
Navigating Uncharted Waters
In the early days, pursuing a career in food and digital content creation was considered highly unconventional in India, with no established roadmap and the creator economy yet to be defined. Sanjyot Keer's motivation stemmed from an unwavering clarity of purpose; he always saw himself primarily as a chef and a storyteller, with digital platforms serving as a mere vehicle for his expression. His conviction was that by maintaining consistency, prioritizing quality in his content, and presenting food with authenticity, he would resonate with audiences. Choosing to trust his vision over the absence of certainty was the driving force that propelled him forward through the inherent uncertainties of building a new career path.
Standing Out Online
Chef Sanjyot Keer's approach to remaining relevant in the saturated digital space, particularly with Your Food Lab starting when YouTube was nascent, centers on making food the undisputed protagonist of his content. His team dedicates significant effort to crafting compelling narratives, demonstrating precise techniques, and ensuring clarity, going beyond mere recipe dissemination. Keer views Indian cuisine as an expansive and intricate tapestry, offering endless avenues for exploration, reimagining, and thoughtful presentation. Maintaining a spirit of curiosity, adapting to evolving audience consumption patterns, and continuously elevating their own standards are key to their sustained relevance. While competition is a given, he believes that by staying true to his core purpose, a unique space naturally emerges and is secured.
Diverse Culinary Horizons
Despite his Punjabi heritage, Sanjyot Keer's culinary repertoire extends far beyond regional specialties, encompassing dishes from various Indian states and international cuisines. His exploration of diverse culinary traditions is fueled by an insatiable curiosity. He has dedicated years to extensive travel, in-depth research, collaborating with cooks from different regions, and continuously learning from local experts, viewing himself as a lifelong student of food. He points out that Indian cuisine alone is so rich and varied that a lifetime of study would only scratch the surface. His advice to emerging chefs is to eschew limitations, embrace openness, deeply respect established culinary traditions, and thoroughly understand them before attempting innovation. Broadening one's culinary exploration directly leads to a more profound and nuanced perspective.
Cannes Chic, Kitchen Comfort
While appearing on global stages like the Cannes Film Festival might suggest a focus on personal presentation, Sanjyot Keer prioritizes the styling and showcasing of his food over his own attire. He notes his signature consistency, often seen in his understated black T-shirt, which simplifies his life and allows him to concentrate on what truly matters. This simplicity has become an integral part of his persona. However, he acknowledges that representing Indian cuisine, culture, and country on international platforms necessitates a presentable and stylish demeanor, without being ostentatious. He believes that carrying oneself with a blend of simplicity, grace, and a connection to one's roots is sufficient for such occasions, after which he gladly returns to the comfort of his kitchen, where his familiar T-shirt feels like a second skin.
Heartwarming Flavors
Chef Sanjyot Keer finds it challenging to pinpoint a single favorite celebrity chef, as he draws inspiration from a diverse array of individuals, including fellow chefs, home cooks, street vendors, and his own family, each contributing uniquely to his culinary journey. Similarly, defining a single dish closest to his heart is difficult, as the act of cooking for someone and witnessing their enjoyment imbues any dish with special significance. However, when considering personal comfort and taste, he expresses a fondness for Mumbai's iconic street food like vada pav, pav bhaji, and misal pav, along with Mumbai sandwiches. Butter chicken is cited as a quintessential comfort food, and a well-prepared chilli chicken with butter naan brings him immense joy. Among iconic dishes, biryani stands out, though he professes love for the entire spectrum of Indian cuisine, from idli-sambar and rasam to Gujarati kadhi and khichdi, appreciating its multifaceted deliciousness.
Recipe for Aspiring Chefs
For aspiring chefs hesitant to embark on unconventional career paths, Sanjyot Keer offers a straightforward yet profound "recipe for success": unwavering belief in one's own ideas. This should be coupled with consistent dedication, a perpetual curiosity, diligent hard work, and patience throughout the entire process. He acknowledges that uncertainty is an inherent part of the journey, but stresses that commitment and honesty in one's craft will ultimately lead to positive outcomes. Success, he emphasizes, is rarely an overnight phenomenon; rather, it is meticulously built over time through quiet perseverance and sustained effort.
MasterChef Favorites
Reflecting on his recent experience cooking alongside contestants on MasterChef India, Sanjyot Keer expressed genuine admiration for their performance under pressure during his challenge. He was particularly impressed by how well the participants managed the complexity of the dish, with many exceeding his initial expectations. He highlighted Dipali and Jamuna for their exceptional enthusiasm and execution. Other contestants also demonstrated commendable skills. He also noted the promising potential of participants like the Gandhe brothers. Ultimately, Keer views the success of MasterChef India as a victory for Indian cuisine itself, celebrating the platform's ability to showcase the richness and depth of India's food culture. He wishes the best contestant a win.
