Pakistani chef to feature on popular American reality TV show

Dallas-based Pakistani chef Maryam Ishtiaq will be part of the upcoming season of the popular American culinary reality TV show, “Next Level Chef”. 

She recently made this announcement on Instagram, saying she was proud to represent her community on the international stage. 

Next Level Chef is an American culinary reality competition TV series featuring celebrated chefs Gordon Ramsay, Nyesha Arrington and Richard Blais. The three recruit talented chefs from around the world and take them under their wing, with the contestants facing unique cooking challenges. 

Maryam, 32, describes herself as a “self-taught” chef with years of experience cooking for large families, catering for intimate gatherings and hosting private parties. She is the co-founder of an American food company “Its Actually” which sells halal broth. 

“I have consistently followed a unique career journey, and I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to turn my dreams into reality while pursuing my passions,” she wrote on Instagram on Jan. 28, announcing that she will feature in season 4 of the culinary show. 

“My world is about to get rocked, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to represent my community on such a prominent platform while doing what I love most! Let’s do this!”

The fourth season of the popular American reality show will kick off on Feb. 13 on Fox network. 

Maryam said she applied to be a contestant on Next Level Chef “years ago and totally forgot that I did.”

She said that one day she randomly got a call from the show’s staff who were interested in her. 

“You go through multiple rounds of interviews, auditions, background checks,” she said. 

Last month, Maryam was featured in an article on private chefs on Forbes. The Pakistani-American chef said she plans to open a cafe where halal food can coexist with other dietary restrictions on a varied menu.