This week, You! shares the story of three incredible female chefs, who are whipping up a storm in the culinary scene…
International chefs day
As International Chefs Day just passed on the 20th of October, it’s time to shine a spotlight on women chefs in Pakistan. The country, known for its rich culture and culinary diversity, is home to some incredible women chefs and entrepreneurs who are redfining the dining experience.
From sizzling steaks to mouth-watering desserts, these women are creating movements that empower, inspire, and tantalise our taste buds.
Ammara Noman is the first-ever MasterChef Pakistan winner. Ammara, a mother of four, had long been passionate about cooking, even before participating in the competition. What began as a hobby soon became her career after she won MasterChef, solidifying her status as one of Pakistan’s most promising culinary talents.
Despite not having any formal culinary training, Ammara consistently impressed the judges with her creativity and attention to detail. Her determination and ability to balance family life with the demanding competition earned her nationwide admiration. But she didn’t stop at winning MasterChef. Ammara used her newfound platform to launch her online bakery, ‘Beyond Bakers’, which has become known for its delightful, expertly crafted desserts, including her famous six-layer chocolate cake.
Ammara’s journey is a powerful example for aspiring female chefs. “In cooking, you can be as creative as you like, and that’s where the joy lies,” Ammara shares. She encourages women to pursue their passions wholeheartedly, even when challenges arise.
Iqra Yasin is another incredible woman who turned her life around with food. A chartered accountant by profession, Iqra had a natural flair for cooking. She first gained attention when she made it to the Top 10 of MasterChef Pakistan. Even though she didn’t win, Iqra stood out for her innovative approach to cooking.
Transitioning from accounting to the culinary arts wasn’t a leap, as Iqra explains. “Precision is needed in both careers, but cooking gave me freedom I never had before.” Since MasterChef, Iqra has combined her two passions: food and financial literacy. She advocates for women in the culinary field to not only excel in their craft but also learn the financial skills necessary to run a successful business. Whether it’s managing kitchen expenses, negotiating with suppliers, or turning a profit, Iqra believes that understanding the numbers behind the food is as crucial as cooking itself.
Her advice for young chefs? “Take calculated risks and learn how to manage a kitchen like you would a business. You need to know your numbers, but never lose your creative edge.”
Sanya Zahid brings an artist’s touch to her baking. Trained as a communication designer, Sanya found her love for baking while making cakes for her family. Before long, her talent grew into a thriving business – ‘The Sugar Shack’, a home-based bakery specialising in custom cakes.
Sanya’s design background is evident in her work. She meticulously crafts each cake as a piece of art, creating visual masterpieces that taste as good as they look. From birthday cakes to intricate wedding designs, The ‘Sugar Shack’ has earned a loyal following thanks to her ability to make each creation unique.
Her journey as a woman entrepreneur hasn’t been without challenges. “The weather in Karachi can be brutal for cakes,” she admits. Transporting delicate confections through the heat is a constant struggle, but it’s all worth it when she sees her clients’ delighted reactions. For Sanya, success comes from her ability to blend creativity with discipline - a combination that has made her one of Pakistan’s most celebrated young bakers.
What makes Sanya stand out is her connection to the female-led baking industry in Pakistan, where women support each other’s growth. “The community of female bakers here is so uplifting. We encourage and promote each other, which is truly empowering,” she adds. Sanya’s journey speaks to the possibilities that open up when passion and talent are combined with a strong sense of community.
The stories of these women are not isolated. They represent a growing movement of women who are changing the face of Pakistan’s food industry. Whether through innovative business models, unique culinary creations, or sheer determination to succeed, women chefs in Pakistan are no longer confined to their kitchens. Instead, they are stepping into leadership roles, running businesses, and influencing culinary trends across the country.
These chefs are pushing boundaries in a traditionally male-dominated field. More importantly, they’re showcasing that being a successful chef doesn’t require compromising on family life, financial independence, or personal passions. Their success proves that women in Pakistan can forge their own paths and excel in any industry.
