KARACHI: Zoha Malik, a Pakistani-American home baker, reached the finals of Gordon Ramsay's "Next Level Baker", an international food show, showcasing Pakistani food to a global audience. During the holiday-themed competition watched by millions, she showcased fusion dishes like chicken tandoori naan buns and an Eid-themed cake, which received high praise from the judges.

Zoha Malik, who shares her culinary journey on her popular platform "@bakewithzoha," took to Instagram to reflect on the experience. Though she didn't win the top prize, she expressed a deep sense of achievement.

"I know it sounds cheesy, but I still feel like a winner," Malik told her followers. "My main goal on the show was to make it till the end... I got to compete in every single challenge, had an absolute blast, and was proud of every single bake I presented."

Staying true to her roots

Throughout the series, Malik remained authentic and refused to compromise her cultural identity. In a heartfelt post-finale message, she emphasized the importance of representation.

"I want you to know you don't have to thank me. I wasn't trying to represent, I was just being myself, and that's the biggest takeaway from this entire experience," she said. "It is an HONOR to be able to show who I am and where I come from on a platform like this."

Growing up in Wah Cantt, Pakistan, Malik developed her skills by observing her mother and grandmother, learning early that food is a powerful way to connect with others.

From engineering to baking

Her path to professional baking was unconventional. Malik moved to the United States in 2013 to pursue a STEM career, earning a biomedical engineering degree from Vanderbilt University and working as a consultant at McKinsey & Company. However, she rediscovered her passion for baking during the pandemic, launching "Bake With Zoha" in 2020.

What began as a digital hobby became a full-time career by 2023. Today, she balances her culinary pursuits with motherhood to her young son.

Mastering the competition

During “Next Level Baker,” Malik consistently blended traditional Pakistani flavors with advanced Western baking techniques. Her standout creations included Chicken Tandoori Naan Buns, an Eid Finale Cake, and Chai Tiramisu.

For the final challenge, she created an Eid celebration cake featuring festive colors and a crescent moon that impressed judges with its storytelling and technical execution. Though outside her comfort zone, Malik said she felt "seen and appreciated."

Malik's impact resonated deeply with the Pakistani diaspora, proving that traditional flavors can shine on the most competitive international stages.

What's next

Looking ahead, Malik plans to expand her digital presence and share the recipes that defined her journey on the show, including her celebrated tandoori bread that Gordon Ramsay called "delicious."

Her path from a home kitchen in Pakistan to a Gordon Ramsay finale stands as an inspiring story of cultural authenticity through food.

"I'm so proud of myself for doing something so out of my comfort zone... hindsight is 20/20, but it's all rooted in inspiration, not disappointment," she reflected on Instagram.

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Pakistani-American home baker showcases Pakistani food on global show