Renowned British chef Gordon Ramsay has praised Maryam Ishtiaq, a Dallas-based Pakistani chef and content creator, for her Tandoori Chicken on the fourth season of Next Level Chef.
Sharing the moment on Instagram, Ishtiaq wrote, “Spoiler! When @gordongram says Pakistan has some of the best food, you better believe it! We are going to the drafts, baby!!!”.
The judges were particularly impressed by her homemade yogurt, with Ramsay acknowledging the richness of Pakistani cuisine.
Expressing her gratitude for the opportunity, Ishtiaq said she had long dreamed of representing Pakistan on an international platform. She described the experience as overwhelming, especially given the support she has received from her community.
Her journey to the show began years ago when she applied but forgot about it—until she unexpectedly received a call inviting her for further discussions. The selection process was rigorous, involving multiple interviews and background checks before she was chosen from thousands of applicants.
Reflecting on her journey, Ishtiaq expressed pride in her accomplishments as a private chef and business owner, stating, “I’ve carved my path here, and I’m so proud of it.” She hopes to embrace every moment of this opportunity and continue growing.
Beyond her work in the culinary industry, Ishtiaq is also the founder of It’s Actually, a company specializing in halal, hand-crafted bone broth. Her talent has already gained recognition, including a feature in Forbes, and she aspires to open a café that caters to diverse dietary needs.
