Maryam Ishtiaq: The Pakistani Chef

From Private Chef to Prime-Time TV—Ishtiaq’s Culinary Dreams Are Becoming Reality

Pakistani chef and content creator Maryam Ishtiaq is about to take her talents to one of the biggest culinary stages in the world! The Dallas-based private chef has been selected to compete in Season 4 of Next Level Chef, the high-stakes cooking competition judged by none other than Gordon Ramsay.

Handpicked from thousands of applicants, Ishtiaq’s journey to the show has been nothing short of remarkable. She first shared the exciting news with her followers on Instagram, writing,
“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.”

For Ishtiaq, this moment is bigger than just a competition—it’s about representation, ambition, and embracing her passion for food on a global platform.


A Dream Years in the Making

The road to Next Level Chef wasn’t an overnight success. Ishtiaq revealed that she had actually applied for the show years ago and completely forgot about it—until one day, she got a call that would change everything.

“I nearly lost it!” she recalled, speaking to Images about the life-changing moment. “The selection process was intense. There were multiple rounds of interviews, auditions, and background checks. It still feels surreal to be chosen from thousands of applicants!”

But beyond the competition itself, Ishtiaq remains deeply grateful for how far she has come. “I’ve carved my own path, and I’m so proud of it. My private chef journey has been incredibly fulfilling, and being a business owner on top of that is just the cherry on top.”


The Support of a Community

One of the most rewarding parts of her journey, Ishtiaq says, has been the overwhelming support from the Pakistani community—something she never anticipated.

“It’s truly heartwarming. I didn’t expect this kind of encouragement, but seeing Pakistanis celebrate each other’s successes on such a big scale is amazing,” she shared.

She’s not just talking about herself—Ishtiaq is passionate about seeing Pakistanis making waves on global platforms. “In the last couple of years, Pakistanis have had the chance to truly take up space in these prominent arenas. We should all be incredibly proud!”


Gordon Ramsay: A Chef’s Perspective

If you’re wondering what it’s like to compete under the watchful eyes of Gordon Ramsay, Ishtiaq has some reassuring news.

“Without giving too much away, Chef Ramsay is absolutely the sweetest! He truly wants every single chef on his show to succeed. All three judges live up to the hype.”

Coming from a chef who has spent years honing her craft, this is high praise—and it makes us even more excited to see how she performs on the show!


More Than a Chef: Entrepreneur & Innovator

Beyond the kitchen, Ishtiaq is a trailblazer in the food industry. She is the founder of It’s Actually, a brand that produces halal, hand-crafted bone broth, a rare find in the mainstream market.

Her expertise and innovative approach to food even earned her a feature in Forbes last year—and she has no plans of slowing down. One of her biggest dreams? Opening a café that brings together halal cuisine with diverse dietary needs, creating a space where everyone can enjoy good food.


The Countdown to Next Level Chef Begins!

With Next Level Chef Season 4 premiering on February 13 on FOX, the countdown is officially on! Whether you’re a foodie, a fan of intense cooking competitions, or simply proud to see Pakistani talent taking center stage, Maryam Ishtiaq is one chef to watch.

We’ll be cheering for her every step of the way!

Share