Let’s get over Sanjeev Kapoor and Tarla Dalal, shall we? 

Gone are the days when chefs used to be paunchy & unfit. Not only do these 10 Indian chefs easy on the eye, they make such finger-lickin’ good food, that you might be tempted to bite your fingers off!

1.Vikas Khanna

If you haven’t heard of Vikas Khanna, you don’t deserve to read further. This handsome chef from Amritsar has millions of fans across the globe. A brigade of female fans are crazy over the Masterchef India judge. In 2011, People magazine included Khanna in the list of ‘Sexiest Men Alive’. Based out of New York, Vikas has a restaurant named Junoon in Manhattan which received Michelin stars in 2012-2014. His food looks as good as him and this guy has a huge following on his television show as well.

2. Ranveer Brar

This celebrity chef became a recognisable face when his food show, The Great Indian Rasoi, garnered much appreciation. The loving way he approaches his food shows beautifully on screen and his approachable persona on his food travelogues put a smile on the audience’s face. He judged the last season of Masterchef India and was loved by audience and contestants alike.

3. Kunal Kapoor

Kunal came into the spotlight after judging the earlier seasons of Masterchef India. His tough act with the contestants made him the judge that the contestants really wanted to impress. Kunal then moved to hosting a few shows on various food channels and has been received really well by the audience. He has a no-nonsense attitude on television which is what we adore about him

4. Shipra Khanna

Shipra started her career as a contestant on the second season of Masterchef India and has come a long way since then. She hosts a dessert show, Pure Sin, and presents dishes with much elegance. Even the way she handles ingredients makes you glued to every action of hers. Her elegant persona transmits radiance on screen and it’s completely okay if you lose track of the recipe and just keep gawking at her. (Guilty, as charged)

5. Amrita Raichand

For years, Amrita Raichand was associated with the brand, Whirlpool, but that is now a thing of the past. Her warm smile and presentable style has made her show, Mummy ka Magic, quite a hit. Amrita’s style is much friendly on screen and, that, combined with her innocent delivery of lines, connects you to her instantly.

6. Aditya Bal

His rustic charm combined with his suave personality is what makes you watch his food ventures on television. He visits villages, streets and discovers recipes that have disappeared from the modern style of cooking. He will keep you enchanted while presenting high-end fancy shows and his approachable persona on screen makes him the perfect fit when he does shows that surround smaller towns and villages

7.  Rishi Desai

Rishi was one of the contestants on Masterchef Australia Season 5. His knowledge of flavors made him an instant favorite of the judges. He came across as the friendly Indian boy and floored everyone with his lovable personality. After his stint at the reality show, Rishi came back to India and has gained popularity with this cooking show on TLC.

8.  Saransh Goila

Saransh has made the food travelogue genre quite popular in our country. His outdoorsy nature might be too much for a few people but he knows how to hold his audience. He started his journey by participating in a food-based reality show but soon carved his own way. His show, Roti Rasta Aur India, has even made it to the Limca Book of Records for the Longest Road Journey By a Chef!

9. Shilarna Vaze

Known as Chef Chinu, Vaze started her career as a model and television host. After finishing her culinary studies in Paris, she stormed into the world of food shows. Her style of cooking is modern, yet achievable. Besides cooking, we are also a fan of the summer dresses that she dons on the show.

10. Manu Chandra

Chef Manu is surely the hottest chef we have in India today. His dashing personality and charm combined with his talent in culinary arts make him a must in this list. This guy has been pushing the boundaries of Indian style food presented in the quirkiest of ways and has made the term ‘gastro-pub’ famous in India.

This article first appeared here.