Where Are They Now: 'MasterChef' Australia 2016 curry queen Nidhi Mahajan plans to set up restaurant by end of 2016 or early next year

Despite her early exit on “MasterChef Australia” 2016, Nidhi Mahajan definitely left a lasting impression not only on the other contestants and the judges, but among the competition’s viewers as well.

The 30-year-old call centre worker, who recently hit the 5,000-mark last month in terms of Instagram followers, launched an online food blog, Nidz Kitchen, to share her cooking journey. “I have been asked by many for the recipes of the dishes I create and cook, my views on cooking, my adventures in the kitchen and tips and tricks about cooking,” Nidhi wrote. “This is like an interactive platform where I will post and you all can participate in giving me feedback, suggestions, your adventures in the kitchen and anything food related. It will be a fun and a good learning experience, I promise!”

Nidhi, who’s busy with a home-catering business, also spends her time taking cooking classes. The budding chef is also gearing up to launch her own restaurant, hopefully “by end of 2016 or start of 2017,” according to a report by The Tribune. She also hopes to write an unconventional recipe book, one that would “ have recipes and also a story behind each recipe and my cooking journey.”

Dubbed the curry queen, Nidhi won over the hearts of the judges and the other contestants of “MasterChef Australia” 2016 with her jolly vibe. She impressed guest chef Marco Pierre White with her cooking skills, but fell short in a pressure test against contenders Miles Pritchett and Theresa Visintin. Her last dish in the kitchen, cauliflower paratha and bhasi with mint chutney, was not deemed good enough to save her.

[READ: “For failing to bring her vibrant personality to her cauliflower dish, front-runner Nidhi gets booted off”]

Nidhi’s exit became even more emotional when she asked to bow and touch the feet of judges George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston out of respect. As Nidhi made her way to the door, the contestants were clearly saddened, and even George was seen teary-eyed. According to Nidhi, “MasterChef Australia” 2016 definitely changed her life a lot. “I feel more positive and confident in my abilities and I am living my dream life to have cooking as my profession,” she told The Tribune.

In her interview with The Tribune, Nidhi also hoped to correct the common misconception that Indian cuisine is limited to curries and tikkas. “Each dish, each ingredient, has a history behind it and how it became a part of our cuisine,” Nidhi said. “Indian food has made its place on the global platform. People around the world love Indian food for its flavours and versatility.

“MasterChef Australia” Season 8 wrapped up in July, with Elena Duggan as the winner. The reality show is now looking for a new set of budding chefs for next year’s competition.