On the occasion of International Chefs Day, You! explores and highlights three unique culinary journeys…
international chefs day
International Chefs Day is a globally celebrated occasion that honours the culinary experts who tantalise our taste buds and transform food into an art form. Observed annually on October 20th, this day recognises the dedication, skill, and creativity of chefs from all corners of the world. It’s a moment to appreciate the gastronomic delights they prepare and the passion they pour into every dish, reminding us that the culinary world is as diverse and rich as the flavours they create. International Chefs Day is a time to acknowledge their invaluable contributions to our culinary experiences and to inspire future generations of chefs to continue pushing the boundaries. This week You! talks to three women, Ammara, Fatima, and Sanya, who talk about their individual culinary journeys. They have shown that with dedication, courage, and a love for what you do, dreams can indeed become realities, inspiring others to follow their own paths of passion and purpose…
Ammara Noman, a dedicated homemaker and mother of four, achieved fame when she cinched the title of the inaugural MasterChef Pakistan champion in 2014. Her journey to culinary success was marked by unwavering determination and a lifelong passion for cooking, cultivated through her avid following of MasterChef competitions worldwide.
For Ammara, each episode of the show was an opportunity to imagine herself in the MasterChef kitchen, cooking at her own station. With steadfast courage, she turned her dreams into reality, seizing the moment to showcase her culinary talents on the grand stage.
Throughout her MasterChef journey, Ammara consistently demonstrated her prowess in the kitchen, never encountering the daunting elimination challenge. Her warm personality, creativity, and culinary excellence earned her the admiration of viewers and made her a source of inspiration for women in Pakistan.
Remarkably, Ammara’s success came without any formal training in the culinary arts, highlighting her innate talent and dedication. More recently, she expanded her culinary horizons by launching an online bakery named ‘Beyond Bakers,’ further solidifying her status as a culinary powerhouse.
In a world where many dream big but only a few are able to turn those dreams into reality, Fatima Sheraz’s story shines as an inspiration. At the tender age of 5, she envisioned herself as a professional chef, a dream she would later transform into her life’s passion. From early on, Fatima displayed a remarkable aptitude for cooking, often observing her mother as she conjured up the most delectable recipes in the kitchen.
Driven by her innate culinary talent, Fatima decided to take a leap of faith by participating in a cooking competition. What followed was a remarkable triumph, as she emerged as the competition’s champion, despite being the youngest contestant and lacking any formal training or education in the culinary arts.
Fatima’s journey to becoming a celebrity chef was marked by unwavering ambition, dedication to her family as a loving wife and devoted mother, and a relentless work ethic. She overcame numerous challenges and hurdles to reach the pinnacle of her culinary career.
Today, Fatima is known as a celebrity chef, collaborating with different TV channels as a menu consultant and food analyst. Her expertise in the field is further validated by her certifications. Her story serves as a testament to the power of determination and passion in turning dreams into achievements, inspiring others to pursue their own aspirations.
In the midst of a delightful world filled with cakes, cookies, and luscious frostings, Sanya Zahid discovered her true calling at a remarkably young age. With a mother and elder sister who were both talented bakers, it was almost destiny when Sanya decided to venture into the world of baking by launching her own bakery, aptly named ‘The Sugar Shack.’
Sanya’s baking journey commenced with simple cakes and cupcakes, but a significant turning point occurred when her younger sister, Alisha, joined her. Alisha possessed an extraordinary talent for crafting edible figures and bringing intricate designs to life on cakes, leading the sisters to explore the artistic side of baking. Together, they began creating bespoke cakes and desserts that delighted their customers.
Professionally, Sanya is a communication designer, holding a bachelor’s degree in communication design from the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, which included a specialisation in graphic design and film/video. Currently, she juggles her role as a management executive at a pharmaceutical company with her freelance work in copywriting and design projects.
Despite her flourishing career in design, Sanya’s inherent passion for baking remained a constant part of her life. Encouraged by the enthusiastic support of friends and family, she decided to take her baking hobby seriously. What followed was a flood of orders and the start of her captivating journey into the realm of sugar craft.
Sanya’s story is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passions, even alongside a thriving career in another field. Her entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with her creative talents, has transformed a childhood love for baking into a serious and successful business venture, leaving a trail of satisfied taste buds and sweet memories in her wake.
