M. Divya from Paramakudi emerged as the winner of ‘Our State Our Taste’ Season 4 competition, which concluded on Saturday in Chennai.
Over 4,000 people from 25 districts across the State participated in the contest, which began in October. From each district, a finalist was selected to compete in the finale and bag the MasterChef title.
Hosted by The Hindu and presented by Gold Winner, the participants had to prepare a starter, a main course and a dessert for the finale, which was judged by celebrity chef Damu and his team. “In the entire course of the competition, we tasted over 30,000 dishes, which was a mix of traditional and other cuisines. This has been a great opportunity to exhibit knowledge and skill,” Mr. Damu said.
On the importance of preserving traditional dishes, he said: “More such activities are required to bring an awareness to the traditional dishes,” he added.
Ms. Divya’s prize-winning fish curry was widely appreciated. She plans to buy a cycle for her son with the cash prize of ₹1 lakh. Mohanapriya from Tiruvannamalai came second, winning ₹60,000 and Thamarai Selvi from Nagappatinam came third. She will be taking home ₹40,000. Srimathi, 24, from Tirunelveli, the youngest contestant at the finale, said: “This has been a new experience. The competition always had an element of surprise, which was very thrilling.”
The title sponsor is Gold Winner powered by Butterfly.
The event is hosted by The Hindu in association with RKG Ghee, Aashirvaad and Elite foods. Sugar partner is Parry’s, Vermicelli partner is Bambino, Comfort Partner is Coir On Mattresses, Realty partner is G Square, Hotel Management Partner is SRM Institute of Hotel Management, Banking partner is DBS Bank India Limited, Masala Partner is Thillais, Television Partner is Puthuyugam and Knowledge Partner is Dr. Chef Damu.
