Chef's Journey: From Nepal to Global Fame on Screen

The narrative feature "The Taste of Salt," directed by Deepak Rauniyar and inspired by renowned Nepali Chef Santosh Shah, has debuted at the 2026 Berlinale Co-Production Market. The film chronicles a culinary coming-of-age journey, tracing a path from hunger in Nepal's Madhes region to the elite global fine dining scene in London.

Set across Nepal, India, and the U.K., the story explores themes of migration, caste, and exile, all framed by the universal language of food. This project is a collaboration between Aadi Films and Film and Music Entertainment, with production scheduled to commence in spring 2027.

Chef Shah, who gained international recognition through "MasterChef: The Professionals," views this selection as a victory for Nepali heritage. He expressed that his personal journey becoming a film embraced by the international festival circuit signifies the global resonance of authentic, culturally rooted stories.

Director Rauniyar highlighted the urgency of telling this story amidst worldwide discussions on migration and identity. The film will follow Ram, a Nepal-born chef in London, as he navigates his identity and belonging while climbing the culinary ranks, ultimately journeying back to Nepal.