Born in Karjanha, Siraha District, Nepal
Santosh Shah
Nepali chef and runner-up on BBC's MasterChef: The Professionals (2020), credited with popularizing Nepali cuisine internationally
Currently Owner, Mithila Thali and Ayla by Santosh Shah restaurants
About
Santosh Shah grew up in a poor family in rural Siraha. At 14, he left for India to work as a kitchen porter. He eventually rose through hotel kitchens, in India and then the UK.
In 2020, his run on MasterChef: The Professionals introduced British television audiences to dishes like kodo pudding, amot, and yomari. This made him one of the best-known ambassadors for Nepali food worldwide.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1985-11-05
- Birthplace
- Karjanha, Siraha District, Nepal
- Profession
- Chef, Restaurateur
- Current role
- Owner, Mithila Thali and Ayla by Santosh Shah restaurants
- Nationality
- Nepal
- Status
- Alive
Current roles
Owner
Mithila Thali and Ayla by Santosh Shah restaurants
Previous roles
Executive Chef
The LaLiT hotel, London · 2018
Head Chef
Cinnamon Kitchen, London
Career & life timeline
- 1985-11-05
- 1999
Moved to India as a teenager to work in hotel kitchens, starting as a kitchen porter
- 2010
Moved to London to continue his culinary career
- 2018
Appointed Executive Chef at the five-star LaLiT hotel in London
- 2020
Became runner-up on BBC's MasterChef: The Professionals, bringing wide attention to Nepali cuisine
- 2021
Won MasterChef: The Professionals Rematch Special
Achievements
Runner-up ("People's Champion") on BBC's MasterChef: The Professionals
2020Winner, MasterChef: The Professionals Rematch Special
2021
Organizations & affiliations
- Mithila Thali
- Ayla by Santosh Shah
Last updated: 2026-09-02