Tue, 21-Oct-2025

Pakistani-origin chef Maryam Ishtiaq impresses Gordon Ramsay with Tandoori Chicken

Maryam Ishtiaq
  • Maryam Ishtiaq received high praise from chef Gordon Ramsay.
  • Her tandoori chicken impressed the world-renowned chef.
  • Ishtiaq shared a video of her interaction with Ramsay on Instagram.

Pakistani-origin chef Maryam Ishtiaq, based in Dallas, received high praise from world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay for her tandoori chicken during Season 4 of Next Level Chef.

Ishtiaq shared a video of her interaction with Ramsay on Instagram, which quickly went viral. In the clip, she introduces her dish, explaining that she is making tandoori chicken while proudly mentioning her Pakistani heritage. Ramsay responds enthusiastically, saying, “Pakistan, beautiful. And some of the best food in Pakistan.”

As the judges tasted her dish, another judge complimented her homemade yogurt for its freshness. Ramsay, particularly impressed, praised her cooking skills and heritage, saying, “The chicken is delicious. That Pakistani foundation you grew up with is evident here and it’s strong. Well done.”

Overwhelmed with emotion, Ishtiaq wiped away tears and expressed her gratitude. “I’ve always wanted to represent Pakistan,” she said, reflecting on the moment.

 

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A post shared by Maryam Ishtiaq (@maryamishtiaq)

On Instagram, she revealed that her journey to Next Level Chef began years ago when she initially applied but forgot about it. Unexpectedly, she later received a call inviting her for further discussions, marking the beginning of her inspiring culinary journey.

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Pakistani chef Maryam Ishtiaq to compete in Gordon Ramsay’s show ‘Next Level Chef’

Maryam Ishtiaq
  • Maryam Ishtiaq is set to compete in Season 4 of Next Level Chef.
  • Ishtiaq expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
  • “I am honestly really taken [a]back by the entire experience,” she said.

Dallas-based Pakistani chef and content creator Maryam Ishtiaq is set to compete in Season 4 of Next Level Chef, the high-stakes cooking competition judged by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.

Ishtiaq shared the exciting news on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the opportunity. “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. She also emphasized how thrilled she was to represent her community on such a prestigious platform.

In a candid conversation, Ishtiaq reflected on her journey, saying, “I am honestly really taken [a]back by the entire experience. People dream of doing the things I have been and I’m truly so grateful that I get to do what I love.”

The selection process for the show was rigorous. “I applied for the show years ago and totally forgot that I did. One day, I got a call that they were interested to chat, and I nearly lost it,” she revealed.

Ishtiaq, who also founded It’s Actually, a halal bone broth company, remains proud of her achievements. “I’ve carved my path here and I’m so proud of it,” she said.

Season 4 of Next Level Chef premieres February 13 on FOX.

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