Rotherham scientist set to rise to Great British Bake Off stardom

GREAT British Bake Off fans will be excited to hear that this year they can cheer on a Rotherham baker — meet Rahul.

The 30-year-old has been unveiled today (Tuesday) as one of the 12 new bakers that will enter the big white tent and attempt to cook up a storm.

The show, now in its ninth series, returns to Channel 4 next week presented by Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding.

Research Scientist Rahul grew up in Kolkata, surrounded by his family, and moved to the UK on a university scholarship when he was 23. Once here, he discovered an abundance of new flavours and cuisines that have inspired his ‘East-meets-West’-style of baking. 

As a research scientist, Rahul’s instinct is to undertake every bake with a forensic attitude to research and an uncompromising attention to detail. 

He is fascinated by the science of baking, but also loves to ensure (or at least try) that his creations are beautiful, full of flavour and structurally elegant, too.

Here, Rahul answers some important questions:

Who did you go into the tent for?

“Even five years ago I really had no idea about The Great British Bake Off. One of my colleagues kind of pushed me to apply for Bake Off. He kept sending me the application link, until I said to him that I have started applying.”

How/when do you bake at home, and how different is your kitchen to the tent?

“I try to bake alternate days. If it is something big, I develop and design it over the week and then execute it over the weekend. I am a very messy baker and viewers will see that! My flat is quite small and so it’s even messier at home, a big issue!”

You are asked to make an illusion cake that looks like the real thing — a handbag for example. What would you make and the choice behind it?

“I am not sure about that… I suppose it can be a candle birthday cake. Like an orange drizzle cake with orange creme au beurre. An orange tea light on top…some orange flavoured white chocolate drip on the sides.”

It’s all about flavours in the tent, if you had to invent a new crisp flavour what would it be and why?

“Well I quite like the idea of crisps with a flavour of pilau rice or Palak (spinach) Paneer.”

Who will be the most surprised out of your friends/workmates/family that you have made it to Bake Off?

“I think pretty much everybody I know will be surprised. They know I bake, but not to the scale that I could enter the tent. Colleagues I knew during my PhD don’t have a clue that I can bake. Back in India I didn’t bake either. All of them and actually myself are surprised that I made it into the tent.”

The Great British Bake Off starts on Tuesday (28) at 8pm on Channel 4.