A CHEF has revealed how becoming a finalist on hit show MasterChef has given him the confidence to quit his day job and pursue his dreams.

Anurag Aggarwal, from Langdon Hills, appeared on MasterChef UK last year and made it all the way to finals with his range of impressive dishes capturing the hearts of people across the country.

Now, the former chartered accountant has made cooking his profession and conducts guest chef nights in restaurants across the country, sharing his passion for food.

Inspiring: Anurag says he enjoys sharing his passion for food with others.Inspiring: Anurag says he enjoys sharing his passion for food with others. (Image: Anurag Aggarwal)

As part of his next chapter, Anurag is aiming to write his own cook book and start a food production facility looking to help out local businesses.

He says he has been on an “unbelievable journey” since appearing on the show.

“Being on MasterChef was one of the best experiences ever and life since then has been nothing short of a rollercoaster,” said the 42-year-old.

Inspiring: The chef reached the finals of the 2023 edition of MasterChef UK.Inspiring: The chef reached the finals of the 2023 edition of MasterChef UK. (Image: Shine TV/ BBC)

“It gave me that acknowledgement that I needed to follow my dreams and a year on, I’ve done things that I never imagined doing in my life.

“The best thing now, besides cooking, is meeting so many wonderful people and sharing my love for cooking with them. It’s been an unbelievable journey.”

Speaking of his future ambitions, he added: “I really want to set up a local food production company because I am of the mindset that we should always help our local community and grow together.

Inspiring: Anurag hopes he can give back to the local community after realising his dream.Inspiring: Anurag hopes he can give back to the local community after realising his dream. (Image: Anurag Aggarwal)

“I think a lot of us get caught up with big cities but if we look around, we can find everything we need in our neighbourhood and I think it’s so important that we help each other out.”

Anurag specialises in Indian food but looks to bring together the vibrancy of Indian heritage with the elegance of European cuisine.

The chef won the hearts of people all over the country with his dishes on the competition.Delicious: The chef won the hearts of people all over the country with his dishes on the competition. (Image: Anurag Aggarwal)

In addition to cooking, he also hosts motivational talks across the corporate world.

He said: “I hope I can help people that are maybe feeling stuck and give them the courage to follow their passion.

“I think the most difficult part of following your dream is taking the first step, so that is what I encourage others to do.”