Meet the chefs: Shireen Apa reveals her favourite baker, Gulzar discloses his pet peeve
We've seen Chef Gulzar whip up qormas in a jiffy, and there's no culinary combination that Shireen Anwar hasn't tried. (Thai Chicken Biryani, anyone?)
These TV chefs just may determine what you cook tonight or get served on Sunday's dinner party.
Images talks to the 3 popular chefs to get to know them better, beyond their TV personalities:
Shireen Anwar
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
To satisfy my viewers and not repeat my recipes. I try to give my best to the fans.
How do you feel about TV chefs opening their own restaurants?
It is my dream and I have been trying [to do that] for a couple of years. InshaAllah, my dream will come true one day.
What is your favourite part of your TV show?
The best part is when my work is appreciated by the management and viewers. Alhumdulilah, I have brought the best out of me.
What is your favourite food? Whose cooking do you enjoy?
I enjoy Zarnak’s baking the most. I am a very simple person and hence my favourites includes vegetables, daal chawal and biryani.
Rida Aftab
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
The most challenging part of my job was working under the shadow of great chefs like Zubaida Aapa. Shireen Aapa and others at HUM Masala. Initially, it was very tough to keep up to their legacy and attract the audiences’ attention but I gradually gained confidence and am now running my own cooking show successfully.
How do they feel about TV chefs opening their own restaurants?
Both chefs and the public can benefit from it but chefs should stay true to their recipes.
What is your favourite part of your TV show?
The 1st anniversary celebrations of my show Tarka has been my most memorable moment till date. The celebrations were huge and the love I received from the audience that day was something I had never experienced before.
What is your favourite food? Whose cooking do you enjoy?
I am a food lover!
Gulzaar
What is the most challenging part of your job?
For me the most challenging part is answering live calls, especially when I am asked about a recipe.
How do they feel about TV chefs opening their own restaurants?
I think it’s a very good Idea as it not only provides fans a chance to taste our delicious recipes but also helps chefs’ economically as there’s only one 24 hours culinary television channel in Pakistan (HUM Masala). I strongly believe in genuine recipes and the chefs should not compromise on quality of food in their restaurants.
What is your favourite part of your show?
That would be the giving the final touch to my recipes!
What is your favourite food? Whose cooking do you enjoy?
I like Japanese sushi and BBQ. I spend my time usually watching cooking shows, especially Hell’s Kitchen. I am a huge fan of Gordon Ramsay and really enjoy his TV shows.