US-based Pakistani chef and content creator Maryam Ishtiaq will be showcasing her culinary skills on the highly anticipated Season 4 of Next Level Chef, set to premiere on February 13, 2025.
The show, which is judged by renowned chefs Gordon Ramsay, Nyesha Arrington, and Richard Blais, brings together talented chefs from around the world to compete in a high-stakes cooking competition.
Maryam Ishtiaq, who is based in Dallas, Texas, shared her excitement about the opportunity in a heartfelt Instagram post earlier this year. “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!” Ishtiaq wrote, expressing both pride and enthusiasm for the chance to take her passion for cooking to new heights.
Maryam Ishtiaq’s Culinary Journey
Known for her self-taught culinary skills and vibrant online presence, the 32-year-old has gained attention for her distinctive approach to cooking and content creation. Reflecting on her journey, she wrote on Instagram, “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.”
Ishtiaq’s determination and love for food are the driving forces behind her successful career, which has led her to create the halal broth company, Its Actually. She is also known for her experience catering large events and providing private culinary services. Despite her growing success, Ishtiaq remains grounded, and her connection with her roots is evident in everything she does.
Journey to Next Level Chef
Ishtiaq’s journey to Next Level Chef wasn’t instantaneous. She shared that she had applied for the competition years ago but had forgotten about it until she received an unexpected call from the show’s producers. “You go through multiple rounds of interviews, auditions, background checks,” she explained, recalling the process of being selected for the show.
This marks a significant milestone for Ishtiaq, who has long dreamed of representing Pakistan on an international stage. “The little girl in me beams with pride over all that I have achieved. I appreciate your unwavering support during this transformative journey. Every share, every comment, all of this has been really heartwarming,” she said in a recent Instagram post.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ishtiaq also shared her personal philosophy for success. In a recent post, she spoke candidly about the importance of embracing one’s multifaceted nature. “As a visual learner, I thrive when I immerse myself in hands-on experiences,” she said. “Whenever I set my sights on a goal, I take charge of my journey. No one else can navigate this path I want for myself quite like I can.”
She also encouraged her followers to focus on their own growth and avoid comparing their journeys to others. “The road to success is rarely straightforward, and achieving your ultimate goal often requires reaching smaller milestones along the way,” Ishtiaq remarked. “If you find yourself comparing your journey to others, the answer is clear: you may not have put in enough effort.”
Additionally, Ishtiaq’s recent feature in Forbes highlighted her plans to open a café that serves halal food while accommodating various dietary restrictions—a venture that is sure to further cement her place in the food industry.
Maryam set to take to represent Pakistan on Next Level Chef
With Next Level Chef set to air in just a few weeks, fans can expect to see Ishtiaq compete in culinary challenges alongside other talented chefs from across the globe. This is an exciting opportunity not only for her but also for her community, as she aims to make her mark on the international culinary world.
Mark your calendars for the premiere of Next Level Chef on February 13, and be sure to watch Maryam Ishtiaq in action as she takes her culinary skills to the next level.