We spoke to MasterChef winner Shelina Permalloo about her advice for aspiring foodies and her dream dinner party dishes at BBC Good Food Show Summer - keep reading to see what she had to say! 

 

What would you say is your signature dish?

My famous mutton curry - rich and perfectly spiced, it was the dish that won me the trophy of MasterChef!

 

Who, what or where provides inspiration for your cooking?

My mum will always be my cooking inspiration. She used to rustle up a delicious meal no matter if she was pushing for time or strapped for cash.

 

What advice would you give to aspiring cooks or chefs?

Never cook with ingredients you don't like. No matter how you cook it, it'll never be the same as cooking with ingredients you love.

 

What is your favourite comfort food or guilty pleasure?

Not ashamed to say it's an occasional hot and spicy fried chicken!

 

Do you have any tips for getting kids interested in food and cooking?

Use colour in food and play with textures. If they're involved in the cooking they usually feel more happy to eat their own creations.

 

Describe your dream dinner party menu:

Lobster, octopus, prawns, white chocolate, and mango - not all on the same plate of course!