Maryam Ishtiaq, a Dallas-based chef of Pakistani origin, received high praise from Gordon Ramsay for her flavorful and perfectly prepared tandoori chicken on the fourth season of Next Level Chef.
Gordon Ramsay Applauds Pakistani Cuisine
Maryam shared a video on her Instagram capturing her interaction with Ramsay on the show. In her caption, she highlighted his admiration for Pakistani food, writing:
“Spoiler: When @gordongram says Pakistan has some of the best food, you better believe it! We are going to the drafts, baby!”
During the episode, Maryam introduced her dish and mentioned her Pakistani heritage. Ramsay responded with enthusiasm, saying, “Pakistan, beautiful. And some of the best food in Pakistan.”
Judges Praise Maryam’s Tandoori Chicken
As the judges sampled her dish, a female judge complimented the freshness of her homemade yogurt, while Ramsay was particularly impressed with the depth of flavors in her chicken.
“The chicken is delicious. That Pakistani foundation you grew up with is evident here, and it’s strong. Well done,” Ramsay remarked.
A Dream to Represent Pakistan
With tears in her eyes, Maryam expressed her pride in representing Pakistan on the show.
On Instagram, she revealed that her Next Level Chef journey began years ago when she initially applied but later forgot about it. An unexpected call reignited the opportunity, leading her through a rigorous selection process involving multiple interviews and background checks before securing her spot.
A Rising Star in Culinary Excellence
Maryam’s success on the show highlights Pakistan’s rich culinary heritage and the growing recognition of Pakistani flavors on the global stage.
