The much awaited finale of the Naga Chef Season 9 during the Hornbill Festival, Kisama was held on 9th December 2022, with Tokupu Sumi being adjudged as the winner.

Guest judge, Chef Gary Mehigan, Author and Restaurateur thanked the organizers and the participants for giving him the opportunity to try authentic Naga cuisines and new ingredients.

A total number of 7 (seven) participants competed for the coveted title of Naga Chef Season 9, of which, the 3 (three) finalists are Keneilhoubei-ü Lense, Kazusangba Jamir and Tokupu Sumi. The participants were judged based on the following rounds: Cooking Skills, Childhood Memories, Innovation Round, Just Desserts, My Naga Thali.

Tokupu Sumi received Rs. 2 lakh with gift hampers. Gift hampers were also awarded to the round winners. All the participants were given cooking master class. The judges of the Naga Chef Season 9 are Chef Joel Basumatari, Rovi Chase and Alemjungla Jamir and with guest judge, Chef Gary Mehigan, Author and Restaurateur, one of the original judges of Master Chef Australia. The event was managed by Synergy Group Enterprise and sponsored by the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland.

(Mhonlumi APRO, Nouneseno IA, I. Tiakumla Ao IA, Takumpula IA)