GUWAHATI, July 23 - The Assamese community in Bangalore witnessed a delightful, delectable and delicious Sunday on July 19, as the community celebrated its own version of �Master Chef� in an initiative titled �Bhogjora Food Fest & Cooking Contest� organized by Assam Association Bangalore � a body of people representing Assam in the Karnataka capital city.
The cooking competition witnessed over 30 creative and enthusiastic participants, making it a memorable event in Bengaluru. The participants hailed from various walks of life, including professionals, social activists, senior executives of various industries, besides several members of the younger generation.
The occasion also emerged as a platform for all those present to meet their fellow Assamese brethren, resulting in an atmosphere of bonhomie. Many senior citizens staying in Bangalore also attended the occasion.
The Assam Association Bangalore had roped in two of the most celebrated chefs of India as the judges � chef Surjan Singh Jolly, fondly called by one and all as chef Jolly of Junior Master Chef fame, and chef Vijay Bhaskaran, vice-president of the Indian Federation of Culinary Association and an expert on Hyderabadi cuisine.
Chef Jolly was accompanied by his wife, chef Tasha, who grew up amidst the tea plantations of the Moran Tea Estate of Assam.
Abhijit Kamal Bhuyan of the Assam Association Bangalore started the proceedings by welcoming the participants. The judges were felicitated in the traditional Assamese way with a japi and a phulam gamosa by the president of the Assam Association Bangalore, DC Borkotoky, and vice-presidents Mukesh Sharma and Deepankar Bhattacharya.
Two Assamese chefs working at Hotel Le Meridian � Hiranya and Chayanika � also assisted the main judges with the local ethnic dishes that were prepared by several participants.
The winners in the two categories were �Bhokua Maas Steam-cooked in Banana Leaf & Mustard� by Banashree Goswami; and �Abur Payokh� by Dr Monideepa Das. The first runners-up were �Haahor Manxo Komorar Xoite� prepared by Bibhash Hazarika and �Mango Phirni� by Sagarika Goswami. The second runners-up were �Rou Maas Kosur Tharir Logot� by Mrinalini Sarma and �Mitha Doi Biscuit Fruit Dessert� by Bobby Roy Choudhury.
The judges were introduced to the traditional Assamese aromatic fine rice Joha Saul. They were also explained about the usage of Joha Saul. The judges assured that they would try the rice and share the feedback in due course.