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London chef Santosh hailed as ‘people’s champion’ after losing out in MasterChef: The Professionals

<p>Santosh Shah has been praised for putting Nepali cuisine ‘on the map’</p> (BBC/Shine TV)

Santosh Shah has been praised for putting Nepali cuisine ‘on the map’

(BBC/Shine TV)

MasterChef fans have hailed London chef Santosh Shah as the “people’s champion” after he lost out in the show’s Professionals final.

Shah, 35, who works at Cinnamon Kitchen in the capital, received an outpouring of love and support on social media after being named runner up, alongside Uxbridge chef Bart van Der Lee, to 25-year-old Alex Webb.

Webb, who began his culinary career as a pot-washer aged 15, won over judges Marcus Wareing, Monica Galetti and Gregg Wallace with an impressive three-course meal.

But Twitter users were quick to praise the Nepalese-born “spice wizard” who went from digging canals aged 12 to working in one of London’s top Indian restaurants.

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One user tweeted: “When the world is in turmoil, when all is dark and the pandemic is taking hold, I think a dose of Santosh is what we all need to bring some light and happiness into our lives. What a truly beautiful human being.”

Another commented: “Santosh is a genuine highlight of 2020. What a wonderful, radiant human.”

<p>The three finalists (from left): Alex Webb, Santosh Shah and Bart van Der Lee</p>BBC/Shine TV

The three finalists (from left): Alex Webb, Santosh Shah and Bart van Der Lee

BBC/Shine TV

Meanwhile, many praised Shah, who wore his national hat for the final, for “putting Nepali food on the world map”.

The country’s former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai tweeted: “Congratulations and best wishes to Nepali chef Santosh Sah, finalist BBC Master Chef Professionals 2020, for promoting Nepali cuisine abroad!”

Shah, who has spoken of his ambition to open a Nepalese restaurant, shared a photo of himself as a young boy with dreams of delighting the world’s tastebuds with dishes from his homeland.

He tweeted: “I’ve always dreamt of one day sharing the beauty of Nepalese cuisine to the world.

“It has been a long and amazing journey to this point. From being a young boy growing up in Nepal, and then travelling to India and learning to cook. Eventually making my way to London.”

Fans are already falling over themselves to book tables at Shah’s prospective eateries, with one writing : “So when and where is Santosh opening his Nepalese restaurant? And are they taking bookings yet?”

Another Twitter user asked: “Who's with me on chipping together to get Santosh a restaurant?

“I think most people want to savour his incredible food. Fair play to Alex and Bart, two great chefs too.... But in my eyes Santosh wins the hearts of the nation!”

The 35-year-old is admired for his skills but also beloved for his warmth and humility.

During Wednesday’s episode, he brought viewers to tears by offering a touching tribute to his mother.

Shah explained to the judges that she would make packed lunches for him when he went to work as a riverside labourer at the age of 12.

Inspired by her creations, he prepared his own lunch boxes which he dedicated to the “most important person in my life”.

After sampling the stuffed okra, crab curry and chocolate pudding, Wareing told Shah his “incredible” meal had told a story of “passion and love for someone special”.

“I think you’ve made your mum very proud,” he added.

For his main dish in the final, Shah served up spiced buffalo with sauteed morning glory, potato masala cannelloni, gooseberry chutney, and a paratha bread filled with buffalo milk paneer served with Nepalese rice wine.

Meanwhile, winner Webb made pan seared trout with a number of parsnip sides, plus a mussel and caviar cream sauce alongside a mini potato fish pie.

After being announced as the winner, Webb said: “It is the best feeling I have ever had in my life.

“To walk away with the trophy is incredible. I am so proud.”

The 25-year-old, who was born in Essex, is head chef of the restaurant he first started working in aged 15.

After becoming the show’s fourteenth winner he said: “I decided to enter MasterChef because I wanted to see how far I could go; winning is something I will always be very proud of.

“I really wanted it and all the blood, sweat and tears and sleepless nights have paid off.”

He said he has “lots of ideas for a book” and would like to do more television work.

“I will continue to work in the restaurant I do now, and I would like to keep learning and pushing myself,” he added.

“Then, hopefully one day, I will be able to achieve my big dream of owning my own restaurant.”

All three finalists were hailed as champions, with one fan writing ahead of the last episode: “Must be the best group in a MasterChef UK final ever.

“Can’t pick a winner they all deserve it.”

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