Shillong, Apr 6: Renowned chef and first runner-up of MasterChef India, Nambie Marak, will not forget April 4.
“I had the unbelievable honour of cooking for Sachin Tendulkar. Yes, that Sachin Tendulkar — the man whose name is woven into the fabric of every Indian childhood, including mine,” Nambie Marak said.
She says it’s one of those days that will stay with her forever — a whirlwind of excitement, nerves, and pure joy.
She said the incredible opportunity came through the Courtyard Marriott Shillong, who invited her to showcase the rich, earthy flavours of Meghalaya at their Garo Food Festival.
“As someone who grew up steeped in Garo traditions, I couldn’t have asked for a better stage to share our food. I poured my heart into curating a special Thali — a mix of vibrant vegetarian dishes and bold, hearty non-vegetarian ones, each telling a story of home,” she said.
She said one of the stars of the meal was We’tepa — soft fish steamed in banana leaves, which Sachin Sir took a bite of and smiled. He also tried “Kapa”, a dish fragrant with local herbs, and “Do’o Gominda”, the soul-warming chicken-and-pumpkin curry that’s a staple in Garo kitchens. “To finish, I served ‘Pitha’, the sticky rice—simple, comforting, and the perfect ending,” she said.
“These dishes aren’t just food to me. They’re pieces of my childhood, recipes whispered from one generation to the next, cooked over fires and seasoned with love. Watching Sachin Tendulkar — the Sachin Tendulkar — taste them? It felt like a dream,” she said.
“I didn’t get to hear all his thoughts (the man is, understandably, always surrounded), but I did hear one thing: he asked for seconds of the chicken-pumpkin curry. That tiny detail? It meant the world. It told me that the flavours of my home had found a place in his heart, even if just for a meal,” an excited Nambie said.
She said there was no airs, no pretence, just warmth and kindness when she met him. “When I shyly asked for a photo, he not only said yes but even gave me a quick tip on getting the perfect angle. For those few seconds, it was just me and the man whose posters once covered my walls, laughing like old friends,” she said.
Looking back now, Nambie says she is filled with gratitude — not just for the chance to cook for a legend but for the privilege of sharing a piece of Meghalaya with him.
“Our food, our stories, made their way to his plate. And honestly? That feels like winning something far bigger than any trophy,” she said.
