Dr Rahul Mandal
Bake Off winner, research scientist and author of Showstopping Cakes, Rahul shares carefully explained recipes that bring British baking and Indian flavours together.
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Latest
Rahul’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus his backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
Kyle Books
Channel 4
Bake OffOverview
- From
- Kolkata, India
- Based in
- Rotherham, South Yorkshire
- Work
- Baker, cookbook author and research scientist
- Breakout
- Winner of The Great British Bake Off, 2018
- First book
- Showstopping Cakes, 2022
Mini bio
How it started.
Rahul grew up in Kolkata and moved to Britain on a university scholarship at 23. He studied for a PhD at Loughborough University and learned to use an oven from his housemates. In a 2018 Ingenia interview, he recalled taking his first cake into work for his birthday in 2016. Feedback from colleagues helped him learn British baking.
Into the tent.
A work friend persuaded Rahul to apply for Bake Off. In 2018 he won series nine, collecting two Star Baker titles and the show’s first Hollywood Handshake for a Showstopper along the way. He returned to win the New Year special in 2021.
Sharing what he learns.
His 2022 debut book, Showstopping Cakes, brings his scientific approach to cake construction, decoration and troubleshooting. He also contributes to The Times’ food magazine. His own recipe library covers cakes, bread, desserts and Indian dishes, carrying forward the British and Indian flavour combinations that first inspired him.
Life beyond the tent.
Rahul lives in Rotherham with his wife Shreya and their daughter. In the first Monthly Mix newsletter in October 2025, he described a busy year of parenthood, moving house, starting a new job and launching his website. He also recalled baking onstage with Peter Sawkins at the Edinburgh Fringe that August.
Creditschronological, newest first
Television
- 2026The Great New Year’s Bake OffReturning baker, paired with Giuseppe Dell’Anno
- 2021The Great New Year Bake OffWinner
- 2018The Great British Bake Off, series nineWinner
Books
Awards
Quotes
if you can cook and bake, you can do science and engineering.Rahul Mandal, Ingenia Q&A
In December 2018, Rahul discussed his work as a volunteer STEM Ambassador and encouraging young people into science.
Trivia
- He learned how to operate an oven from his housemates after moving to Britain.
- His first Hollywood Handshake came for a Showstopper, the first such handshake in Bake Off history.
- After his 2018 win, he hid the trophy in a pillowcase among laundry in his linen cupboard.
- He had read all the Harry Potter books and was delighted when J. K. Rowling tweeted about him.
Find Rahul
Follow Rahul for recipes, baking tips and a little life beyond the kitchen.
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