It has been a busy few months for Anurag Food Story. You may recognise Anurag as he was one of the three finalists in the Amateur MasterChef UK 2023 series.
Anurag Aggarwal (Anurag Food Story) is from Langdon Hills, Essex, and is a chartered accountant by profession. He enjoyed an 18-year successful corporate career as Vice President – Finance. Clubbed with global exposure, commercial knowledge, and process transformational role, it was a breeding ground for a hidden entrepreneur.
Being part of MasterChef UK 2023 and becoming a top 3 finalist; has inspired him to make his passion a full-time career.
Recent events and activities
From motivational talks and cooking demos to guest chef collaborations and exclusive dining events, Anurag has certainly been busy in the last few months. He has provided exquisite canapes for a Corporate Networking Meeting in Kensington and delivered canapes and bowl food together with inspirational stories to an exclusive private dinner in St James, London.
Further afield, Anurag was delighted to be invited to a MasterChef Winners Dinner with the other 2023 MasterChef Amateur UK Finalist (Winner Chariya Khattiyot, and other finalist Omar Foster), and MasterChef UK Guest Judge Tom Kitchin at The Bonnie Badger in Gullane, Scotland to offer a fusion treat to guests. The meal was set to combine all their unique culinary styles, brought together in a four-course menu showcasing a shared passion for food, fine ingredients, and flavour. This was particularly enjoyable as it gave Anurag a chance to meet up with the fellow 2023 Finalists who he now classes as friends.
Then back in Essex, Anurag hosted his unique ‘Yatra’ 5 Course Tasting Menu to the sell-out diners at The Star Inn in Ingatestone. A chance to take diners on his MasterChef UK journey through the exquisite food and the stories behind each dish.
He has also provided food and philosophy to delegates at a Mid & South Essex NHS Foundation Trust Training Event at the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre at Basildon Hospital, which was a great success.
The most recent event was being part of the culinary team for a ‘Taste of India’ fund raising Gala Dinner at a private venue in Southend raising funds for the Hospitality Charity The Burnt Chef Project. A lovely evening which gave diners the opportunity to enjoy some delicious food and raise much-needed funds for this worthy Charity.
About Anurag
Success to Anurag is beyond titles, industry, or the bottom line. It’s all about being genuinely happy and feeling confident that you have given your best in a particular situation, whether personal or professional.
Anurag is a passionate cook who loves bold flavours, vibrant ingredients, and unique textures. He brings together the vibrancy of Indian heritage with an elegance of European cuisine, here east meets west. His understanding of flavours and eye for presentation transforms a simple dish into a fine dining experience.
In 2023, he fulfilled a lifelong ambition by becoming one of the top three finalists on MasterChef UK. The experience gave him an all-round exposure to the culinary world, including working with Michelin-starred chefs in the UK and abroad. Most importantly, it gave him the courage to embark on an exciting food journey, leaving behind a successful career as a finance professional.
Driven by his passion for Indian cuisine, corporate background and philosophical bent of mind, Anurag has entered the culinary world to bring his unique perspective about food as a chef, consults restaurants for them to excel, and to share his personal story about pursuit of happiness with a wider audience.
Anurag says:
“To me food is an expression of love, creativity, and happiness. Every dish tells a story and that is the story itself. My guest chef evenings are culinary storytelling experience, where each course narrates a chapter of my MasterChef journey and my deep love for exceptional food.
"And during corporate/event talks, you will get to see my philosophical side where I share my perspective about life and what is the relationship between food & happiness.
"I can’t wait to share this unforgettable experience with you.”
For more information about Anurag Food Story, please visit his website.