Kolkata, West Bengal: Every accomplished chef has a story behind the apron. For Chef Kuppili Pritam, that story began not inside a luxury hotel but at a humble roadside food stall, where long hours, hard work, and a passion for cooking laid the foundation for an extraordinary culinary career.
Today, that journey has earned another significant milestone. Chef Kuppili Pritam, Executive Chef at Naki Saki Restaurant, has been presented with a Recognition Award by MasterChef India 2026 winners Ajinkya and Vikram, honouring his contribution to the culinary profession, commitment to authentic cuisine, and dedication to preserving India’s rich food heritage.
From a Roadside Food Stall to International Kitchens
Long before working in premium hospitality, Chef Pritam learned the value of discipline and perseverance while preparing food at a roadside stall. Those early experiences shaped his work ethic and inspired him to pursue cooking as a lifelong profession.
His career gradually progressed through catering services and hotel kitchens across India, where he developed expertise in food preparation, kitchen operations, menu planning, and team management. Every role added to his technical knowledge and strengthened his understanding of diverse culinary traditions.
His relentless pursuit of excellence eventually opened the doors to India’s prestigious five-star hotels, where he refined his skills while working alongside experienced hospitality professionals.
International Experience and Recognition in Japanese Cuisine
Chef Pritam later expanded his culinary journey to Mauritius, where he specialised in Japanese cuisine and sushi. His dedication to precision, creativity, and consistency earned him recognition as a Best Sushi Chef, further establishing his reputation as a versatile culinary professional.
Although he gained valuable international exposure, Chef Pritam has always remained deeply connected to Indian cuisine. He believes that regional recipes and traditional cooking techniques are an essential part of India’s cultural identity and deserve recognition on global platforms.
Recognition from MasterChef India 2026 Winners
One of the defining moments of Chef Pritam’s career came when MasterChef India 2026 winners Ajinkya and Vikram presented him with a Recognition Award for his contribution to the culinary industry.
The honour celebrates years of dedication, continuous learning, and professional excellence while recognising his efforts to uphold authentic flavours and inspire young culinary professionals.
For Chef Pritam, the award represents not only personal achievement but also recognition of the countless hours spent mastering his craft.
Representing West Bengal at the ICA Mega Culinary Event
Chef Pritam recently represented West Bengal at the International Culinary Alliance (ICA) Mega Culinary Event, held on 10 July 2026 at Ramada by Wyndham Chennai Egmore.
The national culinary event brought together 100 professional chefs from across India, each showcasing a unique dal preparation to celebrate the country’s remarkable culinary diversity.
Representing Bengal, Chef Pritam presented Biulir Dal, a traditional white urad lentil dish cherished in Bengali households for generations. His presentation highlighted how simple regional recipes carry deep cultural significance and continue to connect communities through food.
The dish received appreciation from fellow chefs and culinary experts, reinforcing the importance of preserving India’s regional cuisines.
Leading Culinary Innovation at Naki Saki Restaurant
As the Executive Chef at Naki Saki Restaurant, Chef Pritam leads kitchen operations, develops innovative menus, maintains quality standards, and mentors aspiring chefs.
His expertise spans Japanese cuisine, sushi, Asian fusion, and contemporary Indian gastronomy, allowing him to combine international techniques with authentic Indian flavours.
Beyond managing professional kitchens, he believes that chefs have an important responsibility to preserve culinary traditions while encouraging the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Chef Kuppili Pritam Shares His Journey
Reflecting on his career, Chef Pritam said:
“From a roadside food stall to leading professional kitchens, every step of my journey has taught me the importance of discipline, patience, and continuous learning. Receiving recognition from MasterChef India 2026 winners Ajinkya and Vikram was a truly memorable moment. Representing West Bengal by presenting our traditional Biulir Dal at the ICA Mega Culinary Event in Chennai is something I will always cherish. I hope my journey encourages young chefs to believe in themselves, work hard, and proudly carry India’s culinary heritage wherever they go.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Chef Kuppili Pritam?
Chef Kuppili Pritam is an internationally experienced Indian chef and the Executive Chef at Naki Saki Restaurant. He is recognised for his expertise in Japanese cuisine, sushi, Asian fusion, and contemporary Indian cooking while actively promoting regional Indian culinary traditions.
Why did Chef Kuppili Pritam receive recognition from MasterChef India winners?
He received a Recognition Award from MasterChef India 2026 winners Ajinkya and Vikram for his contribution to the culinary profession, commitment to authentic cuisine, and dedication to preserving India’s food heritage.
Which dish did Chef Pritam present at the ICA Mega Culinary Event?
Chef Pritam represented West Bengal by presenting Biulir Dal, a traditional Bengali white urad dal preparation, during the International Culinary Alliance Mega Culinary Event held in Chennai.
A Journey Built on Passion and Perseverance
Chef Kuppili Pritam’s story reflects the power of determination, continuous learning, and respect for culinary traditions. From humble beginnings at a roadside food stall to international kitchens, national recognition, and representing West Bengal on a prestigious culinary platform, his journey demonstrates that success is achieved through consistency, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
As Indian cuisine continues to gain worldwide appreciation, chefs like Pritam are helping preserve regional food traditions while inspiring a new generation of culinary professionals to dream bigger and honour their roots.
