How MasterChef India changed Nikita Gandhi's life

MasterChef India winner Nikita Gandhi tells City Times that being born and raised in Abu Dhabi had a significant impact on her culinary style. "This country and the cuisine it has to offer has influenced my belief in the importance of simplicity of flavours. The lesser the spices, the more the room for natural flavours of ingredients to shine through," she said.
The young chef is all set to showcase her signature Indian dishes alongside an international line-up of culinary talent at al fresco food, drink and music festival, Taste of Abu Dhabi.
We caught up with her for a quick chat.
Can you reveal something about the kind of cuisine you will create at the Taste of Abu Dhabi festival? What can visitors look forward to?
Being Indian, I will definitely be doing one dish at the Cookery School that is inspired by Indian cuisine and spices. The other dish I will be doing, at the Chef's Theatre, is going to be a complete new form of my favourite dessert - Tiramisu.
What would you say is your signature dish?
The Indian version of Eggplant Parmesan is one I would consider my signature dish. It's basically crispy mint-breaded eggplant layered with spiced mozzarella, served with makhani gravy (creamy tomato sauce).
What inspired your passion for cooking and do you plan to pursue it as a full-time career?
My mother is a fabulous cook herself and my biggest inspiration as well. I certainly plan on pursuing a full-time career in this field of culinary arts.
Do you feel Indian dishes have the flexibility to be fused with other types of cuisine? Have you ever experimented in this direction?
Absolutely! Indian dishes are composed of myriad flavours and textures and are quite easy to fuse with other cuisines. Giving international twists to Indian dishes is the kind of experimenting I personally enjoy a lot.
Do you have any plans to open a restaurant in the UAE? If so, what would it offer to the culinary landscape?
I do have plans to open up a restaurant in the UAE. Whatever the restaurant will have to offer, my effort will completely lie in contributing something unique to the market.
How was your experience on MasterChef India? How did it change your life?
My experience on MasterChef India was undoubtedly an amazing one filled with lots of learning along the way. Had MasterChef not happened in my life, this interview wouldn't be happening either, haha!
Taste of Abu Dhabi takes place at du Arena on Yas Island from today to November 7. The festival will run from 4 - 11pm on Thursday, 12pm - 11pm on Friday and 12pm - 10pm on Saturday.
Tickets available from www.tasteabudhabi.com.