Wednesday, October 9, 2024

The Wahid Brothers – Two stars of French cuisine born in Pakistan

[dt_gap height=”15″ /]

French chef duo return home to Pakistan after 35 years

[dt_gap height=”10″ /]

Sylvestre and Jonathan Wahid, two famous names of French cuisine, are currently in Pakistan on the invitation of Serena Hotels, with the support of the Embassy of France in Pakistan.

The two expert chefs, known as the Wahid Brothers, were originally born in Kohat before moving to France with their family in the early 1980s. The brothers are on their first trip to their home country after 35 years.

“I have come to Pakistan after 35 years. Thirty five years is a long time,” said Sylvestre, the older of the two brothers. They arrived in southern France at the age of nine and seven, joining their father in Nimes.

The Pakistani origin French chef brothers, Sylvestre Wahid and Jonathan Wahid, displayed outstanding culinary skills at Serena Hotel where a large number of guests turned up to enjoy unique combination of French food, its taste and flavoure.

Sylvestre Wahid, served Lebanese cucumber jelly with quinoa chips and clear oscietra caviar followed by cauliflower braised with curry leaves, goji berries and fresh horseradish.

The entrees were steamed Pollack fish, served with tamarind and black garlic and milk-fed lamb, served with purple eggplant, cumin seeds and fresh herbs gravy. Wahid’s special version of lemon pie was presented as dessert.

The guests thoroughly enjoyed experiencing unique combinations of flavours, high quality ingredients and a delicate culinary magic the two chef brothers brought from France.

Sylvestre and Jonathan Wahid
Sylvestre and Jonathan Wahid

Aziz Boolani, CEO of Serena Hotels welcoming the master chefs said, “We are delighted to be able to bring the Wahid brothers to Pakistan so they can share their mastery of cooking with the food connoisseurs. The delectable dishes were exceptional, marvellous presentation and reflecting true French Cuisine.”

French Ambassador Martin Dorance also joined the ceremony. “It is an honour for the Embassy to arrange Sylvestre & Jonathan’s trip in their home country. Bringing back memories and taking them to France” the Ambassador said.

Sylvestre Wahid is recognized as one of the most brilliant chefs in France today and one of the rising stars in French gastronomy. He has twice been awarded 2 stars by the prestigious Michelin Guide. He was awarded in 2016 for his new restaurant in Paris, started by working with Thierry Marx at Le Strato in Courchevel (Cheval Blanc) in Nîmes in 1990. Earlier in 2005, he earned two stars at Oustau de la Baumanière and worked in prestigious restaurants such as Plaza Athénée in Paris, Le Strato in Courchevel or Cheval Blanc in Nimes, as well as in New York.

Jonathan went on to open his own hotel restaurant in the south of France together with his wife, the French Chef Fanny Rey. Their “Auberge de la Reine Jeanne” was awarded one star at the Michelin guide in 2017.

During their visit to Pakistan, the two chef brothers also met Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb in an informal ceremony held in the honour of the brothers who have carved a niche for themselves in the world of cuisine in France.

Many Pakistani expatriates had won laurels for the country and we were proud of their achievements, Marriyum said.

The guests were treated to delicious cuisine and they heartily appreciated the expertise and talent of the chef brothers.

Wahid brothers speaking on the occasion said that they loved Pakistan and its people. People of Pakistan love delicious food and had the ability to appreciate good food and taste, they said.

Marriyum Aurangzeb, Minister of State for IB&NH along with Martine Dorance, Ambassador of France, attending a lunch cooked by Wahid Brothers, Sylvestre Wahid and Jonathan Wahid renowned Pakistani Origin French Chefs. Photo: DNA
Marriyum Aurangzeb, Minister of State for IB&NH along with Martine Dorance, Ambassador of France, attending a lunch cooked by Wahid Brothers, Sylvestre Wahid and Jonathan Wahid renowned Pakistani origin French Chefs. Photo: DNA

Related Articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Stay Connected

17,828FansLike
11,620FollowersFollow
17,266FollowersFollow

Latest Articles