Kanika Gadyok, a 35-year-old IT analyst and home-based cook from New South Wales, was the only Indian contestant on MasterChef Australia Season 18. She gained a lot of popularity on the show by showcasing the rich cuisine of India through authentic Indian street food. Kanika won not just the judges’ hearts but also the hearts of many desis. Sadly, she got eliminated on May 18. Here are five desi dishes she cooked while on the show.
5 Indian Dishes By Kanika Gadyok On MasterChef Australia 2026
1. Katori Chaat
The Basket Chaat, or Lucknow’s special Katori Chaat, helped Kanika Gadyok earn a spot in the top ten and a white apron in MasterChef Australia. Her dish not only impressed the judges but also outshone international delicacies like Butterfly Trout and Oxtail Ravioli. The dish featured a deep-fried edible bowl made of potatoes filled with aloo tikki, dahi vada, and sweet and spicy chutneys.
2. Uttapam
Would you believe that this year’s MasterChef Australia also saw an uttapam on a plate? Thanks to Kanika Gadyok, she showcased the Indian kitchen on an international platform by cooking uttapam for the judges. Instead of fermenting the batter, which requires hours, she simply added raw potato to the batter to create starchiness in the dish. Kanika described her dish as a ‘vegetable-topped crispy South Indian pancake’, and yes, the desis were impressed.
3. Mango Mishti Doi
During MasterChef Australia, Kanika also brought a dessert from her Indian heritage by preparing Mango Mishti Doi. It is a classic Bengali sweet, but Kanika gave it a twist by adding coconut ice cream and mango gel to it. According to her, the dish was a reminder that Indian sweets can be refined, modern, and “still hold every bit of their soul.”
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4. Bedmi Poori, Dum Aloo & Malwani Halwa
Kanika Gadyok also prepared a traditional Kanjak dish with a full festive platter including Bedmi Poori, Dum Aloo, Pumpkin Curry, and Malwani Halwa. The dish felt deeply emotional and was a fitting tribute to what she grew up eating. The judges absolutely loved this platter made by Kanika.
5. Butter Chicken, Chickpea Curry & Kheer
In MasterChef Australia, Kanika Gadyok also prepared Butter Chicken, chickpea curry, mango salsa, coriander salsa, raita, and kheer. These dishes were made during a team challenge where Kanika led the cooking with fellow contestants Jack Hosking and Annabel Lloyd.
Which dish did you like the best by Kanika Gadyok on MasterChef Australia 2026?
Cover Image Courtesy: Kanika Gadyok/ Instagram
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Who is Kanika Gadyok?
Kanika Gadyok is an Indian-origin contestant who appeared on MasterChef Australia Season 18.
Is Kanika Gadyok eliminated from MasterChef 2026?
Yes, Kanika Gadyok was eliminated from MasterChef Australia on May 18.
Which Indian dishes did Kanika Gadyok cook on MasterChef Australia 2026?
Kanika Gadyok cooked dishes like Katori Chaat, Uttapam, Mango Mishti Doi, Bedmi Poori, Dum Aloo, Butter Chicken, and Kheer on MasterChef Australia 2026.