After much anticipation and peaking excitement, the big night of the fifth season of Rupchanda-The Daily Star Super Chef, jointly organized by Bangladesh Edible Oil Limited and The Daily Star, had finally arrived yesterday. The suspense has been lifted to announce the winner of the grandest cooking competition of Bangladesh. Shamsun Nahar, hailing from Rajshahi, won the most desired Super Chef title defeating her two other contenders.

In a night of glamour and celebration, Shamsun Nahar fell to her knees in disbelief at the announcement of her name as the champion. “I never thought that I would win the Super Chef title. All my hard work and determination finally paid off,” Shamsun Nahar said repeatedly in a state of surprise. Her fate was sealed the night before after the judges had placed their votes upon tasting all the dishes presented in the final cook-off.

While Shamsun Nahar celebrated her win, the second runner up, Nadia Natasha, held back her tears of disappointment. “My expectation was a bit higher for myself. Who doesn't want to be the top in a competition? Nonetheless, no matter what my position is, I would like to ensure my direct involvement in the culinary industry.”

Saika Yesmine, the first runner up of the competition, spoke with unwavering confidence, “I was a bit sad for not getting my desired title. Still, I believe everything happens for a good reason. Keeping that in mind, I will work on my cooking skill to carve a better future.”

However, Judge Nafiz Islam Lipi acknowledged the overwhelming potential in all the finalists regardless their position. She said with conviction, “If the top three participants continue to feed their passions, they can reach great heights and even be an inspiration to 3000 more culinary enthusiasts around the country.”

The winning trophy and cheques were handed over by Inam Ahmed, General Manager, Bangladesh Edible Oil Limited (BEOL), Tajdin Hassan, Head of Marketing, The Daily Star, and Nuruddin Ahmed, Director of ntv.

From Left to Right: Saika Yesmine, 1st Runner Up; Shamsun Nahar, Champion; and Nadia Natasha, 2nd Runner Up of the Rupchanda-The Daily Star Super Chef 2018. Photo: Prabir Das

“Rupchanda has taken a unique initiative to give aspiring chefs, from all around the country, the just platform for showcasing their skills and talent. The chefs are true culinary artists and have the capacity to achieve international recognition,” Inam Ahmed said.

Mahfuz Anam, Editor of The Daily Star, congratulated the participants and applauded the effort of Rupchanda to bring under spotlight new chefs from all corners of Bangladesh. He also said, “We are proud to be a part of this prestigious competition through which we can reach out to the world with our country's rich and diverse food culture.”

The finale was made more joyous by a dynamic classical and modern dance along with an upbeat performance by singers, Kona and Zoel Morshed.

The winner of the competition won 10 lac taka and a champion trophy. The first and second runners up awarded with 5 lac and 3 lac taka respectively with the winning trophies. The finalists were also given a surprise present by Nafiz Islam Lipi of attending an internationally acclaimed professional culinary course - Level 01 at Lipi's Euphoria- Institute of Culinary Arts.

With that, Rupchanda-The Daily Star Super Chef 2018 wrapped up. As the show ended its fifth season on a high note, it gave hope to the viewers and more unrecognized dreamers that the competition will be back next year with more pomp and glory. Twenty culinary enthusiasts evolved into trained artists and saw their dream come true in this platform. More such dreams shall be fulfilled in the next season and we can only wait until then.