In this exclusive interview, we explore the remarkable journey of Chef Aisha. Her story is a testament to determination and seizing opportunities. Trained in the culinary arts, Chef Aisha transitioned from her background in education to embrace Middle Eastern culture and eventually become an artful chocolatier. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she realized her dream with Golden Ribbon Chocolates, offering Belgian chocolates with homemade fillings and a fusion of French-Arabic flavors. Chef Aisha’s commitment to quality and sustainability shines through her culinary creations, making this interview a fascinating dive into her inspiring world. – Description
Can you share your personal journey of becoming a chef, especially in light of your experience as a breast cancer survivor and a celiac? How did these challenges shape your culinary career?
I aspired to be a chef from the age of 14. Despite my initial plans to pursue culinary arts, I ended up becoming a teacher due to family expectations and life events. However, at 34, a breast cancer diagnosis reshaped my perspective. It wasn’t until COVID-19 hit that I finally decided to chase my culinary dreams. I started with a chocolate-making course, and chefs at the school encouraged me to undertake a full pastry chef diploma. I completed the diploma in six months, despite being over 50. My dream of running a small culinary business has far exceeded my expectations. This journey has taught me the importance of pursuing your passion, regardless of your age or life circumstances.
So living with celiac disease can be quite demanding. How did you adapt to your dietary restrictions and managed to create a delectable array of dishes while ensuring they are gluten-free?
Over two decades ago, I developed celiac disease due to the impact of chemotherapy during my breast cancer treatment. This life-altering condition forced me to reevaluate my diet and learn gluten-free baking from scratch. The resources and information for gluten-free living were limited at the time.
Celiac disease required me to abstain from gluten for about a year to allow my body to recover. This journey was isolating and challenging, as I had to watch my food closely. However, my love for cooking and my engagement with online support groups helped me adapt and develop my gluten-free recipes.
Today, the landscape for gluten-free living has improved significantly, with more available resources and information. My experiences have inspired me to share my knowledge and recipes to help others living with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Raising awareness about allergies and intolerances, particularly in children, is essential to improving their quality of life.
Proper nutrition is crucial, both during and after breast cancer treatment. While undergoing treatment, your diet is limited, and after treatment, it’s essential to focus on nutrition, diet, and exercise to support your overall well-being.
What inspired you to start Golden Ribbons Chocolate, and how do your personal experiences influence the chocolate-making process and product offerings in your company?
I was brought into this project by my husband, who had always dreamt of opening a boutique selling high-quality products. He was particularly inspired by the chocolate I made during my time at culinary school in Dubai, and he wanted to feature it in our shop. This project allowed me to bring elements of my rural upbringing in northern Ohio into our venture. I grew up on an island surrounded by vineyards and fruit trees, where fresh, homemade food was the norm. We rarely relied on supermarkets, as we sourced much of our food locally through gardening, fishing, and relationships with nearby farmers. This upbringing greatly influenced my approach to cooking and nutrition. I prioritize fresh, unprocessed ingredients and aim to keep sugar levels low in my recipes. I believe in the importance of nurturing your body with nutritious foods, and this philosophy extends to my cooking and baking. Some may argue that fresh cooking is time-consuming and impractical, but I’ve found that once you start providing your body with wholesome, delicious foods, it craves them. Just a few minutes of chopping and sautéing fresh vegetables can result in a far healthier and more satisfying meal than ordering fried or processed foods from outside. I’m passionate about encouraging people to embrace fresh, homemade food for its numerous health and taste benefits.
What advice would you give to individuals who face dietary restrictions and aspire to pursue a career in the culinary industry?
Celiac disease is not something to be taken lightly. People often misunderstand it, thinking it’s a dietary trend. But for those like me with severe allergies, even a small amount of gluten can send us to the hospital. It’s similar to a nut allergy in seriousness. However, dietary restrictions shouldn’t discourage you from pursuing a culinary career. I, for instance, focus on gluten-free recipes for safety and enjoy the process.
For aspiring chefs, start by collecting recipes and networking with peers in the industry. Extensive research is key, to understanding ingredient interactions and cooking science. Knowing these fundamentals, like the reaction between baking soda and vinegar, is crucial, especially in gluten-free cooking, where leavening agents might need creative substitutes.
Culinary careers require dedication and passion. It’s my hobby; I explore recipes and ingredients, constantly learning. If you’re genuinely interested in the culinary world, it becomes a way of life. Most chefs share this enthusiasm, allowing us to persevere despite life’s challenges.
Could you share some of your favorite gluten-free ingredients or subsidies that you frequently use in your creations and do these substitutes necessarily impact the taste and texture of your product?
Being in a kitchen, especially as aspiring chefs, comes with significant pressure. You’re constantly under pressure to deliver dishes in a small space, working with other chefs who have their own personalities and egos. This can be even more challenging for women in the industry. However, these challenges should not deter you. It’s essential to maintain professionalism, keep your workspace clean, and expect the same from your colleagues.
When it comes to gluten-free cooking, there are various ingredients at play. Rice flour, particularly white rice flour, serves as the foundation for many gluten-free recipes. Brown rice flour can provide additional binding and structure to your dishes. Potato starch aids in leavening and lightening the texture of your creations. Each gluten-free flour serves a specific purpose in different recipes.
For gluten-free bread, golden loaf is a preferred choice, and their pizza rounds have received acclaim from gluten-free and non-gluten-free individuals alike. Various stores in the UAE, such as Spinneys, Marks and Spencer, and Gibsons, offer an array of gluten-free products and flours, making it easier for those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy diverse and delicious foods. Dubai and the UAE are fortunate in this regard, with a wealth of options for gluten-free dining and cooking compared to some other regions like the United States.
As someone who has triumphed over personal health challenges, what message and advice would you like to share with that audience?
It’s crucial, especially for women dealing with breast cancer, to prioritize self-care. If you’re not feeling well or have suspicions about your health, don’t delay – consult a doctor and get regular check-ups. Your well-being is not only important to you but also to your family, children, spouse, parents, and everyone who relies on you.
Sometimes, we treat our cars better than our health. If your car breaks down on the highway, you immediately get it fixed. But when it comes to health issues, people often ignore or hope they’ll disappear. With breast cancer, early detection is everything for survival rates. Take it seriously; it can be the difference between minimal, manageable treatment and a terminal diagnosis where there’s little that can be done.
I encourage all women to invest some time in self-care. Whether it’s watching a sunset, pursuing your passions, or simply taking a moment for yourself, these small acts of self-care can make a significant difference.