In an exclusive chat with You!, the talented chef reflects on her journey and what she’s up to now…
chef interview
A housewife and a mother of four, Ammara Noman rose to prominence after winning the first-ever MasterChef Pakistan in 2014. She was always an ardent follower of the MasterChef counterparts across the globe. “Every time I watched the show, I could picture myself in MasterChef kitchen at my own cooking station.” And finally, with sheer determination and courage, she made her dreams come true.
On the show, she had been a strong contestant since the beginning and never faced any elimination challenge. She was also one of the most likable and creative chefs, who became an inspiration for Pakistani women. Despite no formal training in cooking, Ammara is doing well in her endeavours. She recently started her bakery online by the name of ‘Beyond Bakers’. In an exclusive chat with You!, the talented chef reflects on her journey and what she’s up to now…
You! What inspired you to become a chef?
Ammara Noman: I got my inspiration from other cooking competitions such as MasterChef Australia.
You! Have you done any professional courses?
AN: I have completed a chocolate and patisserie course from Savour school Australia. But for the most part, I am a self-taught chef.
You! Who is your favourite chef?
AN: My inspiration has always been Chef Zakir.
You! How long have you been working as a chef?
AN: 5 years, now.
You! How was your experience on MasterChef Pakistan?
AN: I remember the day when we entered the kitchen, I was very excited and happy, but when I started cooking it was like working under a time bomb. It was a thrilling and life changing experience.
You! How did winning the competition help your career as a chef?
AN: Winning the competition gave me enough recognition to help grow my career.
You! What do you think about the lack of culinary schools in Pakistan?
AN: There are many excellent culinary schools in Pakistan today; however they are not available in all parts of the country. I believe we need to make this opportunity accessible to everyone by opening more such institutes on the same merits.
You! You are from Peshawar – what’s the most distinctive culinary feature of Peshawar?
AN: Peshawar is best known for its delicious lamb dishes with minimal spice.
You! Where do you work currently?
AN: I am currently running an online bakery by the name of Beyond Bakers since March of this year.
You! Your signature dessert?
AN: 6 layers’ chocolate dessert. Starting with a chocolate brownie base then comes the chocolate mousse, caramel and a vanilla chocolate ganache topped with milk chocolate whipped cream, a thin sheet of dark chocolate, hot chocolate sauce and nougat.
You! Do you create your own recipes?
AN: Yes, I like creating my own recipes.
You! What do you love about being a chef?
AN: Many things, but mostly, it is a way for me to exemplify my creative side.
You! An ingredient you can't live without?
AN: Definitely, salt.
You! What is your favourite dish?
AN: I don’t have a favourite and specific dish but I prefer simple food which isn’t too much on the spicy side.
You! What is your favourite international dish?
AN: Mexican Enchiladas.
You! Tell us about your favourite Pakistani dish?
AN: All Pakistani dishes are my favourite but they shouldn’t be highly spicy.
You! Do you ever have regrets that you chose to become a chef?
AN: No, I have no regrets at all.
You! What do you think you would have been if you had not become a chef?
AN: If not a chef then I would have loved to be a professional painter.
You! What would be your advice to someone who is thinking of training to be a chef?
AN: My advice would be not to hurry when choosing a specific field in culinary arts. You should experiment with new things in your own style to figure out your true potential and interests.
You! How do you unwind?
AN: One of my hobbies is to shop for culinary equipment. Other than that, I love listening to sufiyana kalam to unwind.
You! Do you have a cook book or plan to write one in the future?
AN: I don’t have one yet, but I do plan to have my own cook book in the future.
