Chef Soul AbouZahr captivates her audience with mesmerising live cooking demonstrations, commanding their full attention. Her innovative recipes are a proof of her passion for food. Raised in a family that cherished both food and travel, Chef Soul became curious about diverse cuisines from an early age. This upbringing ignited her desire to create exquisite dishes and to unite people through the universal language of food
From Passion to Profession
After completing a Professional Diploma in Cookery from the International Centre for Culinary Arts, Dubai, Chef Soul began her journey to transform her passion into a profession. Founding Soul Selections Catering Services, Chef Soul started with humble beginnings and crafted dishes she was truly passionate about. Over time, the business evolved into a specialised catering service known for its Levantine-inspired cuisine.
In addition to catering, Chef Soul also started Soul Brownies, a boutique home-based business, that is dedicated to artisanal brownies. With a focus on quality and innovation, she offers a wide array of brownie variations, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs.
Beyond her own ventures, she is also a Menu Creator and Advisor for high-end restaurants, where she showcases her expertise in ingredient quality and menu development. Her role as a Brand Ambassador for California Walnuts further highlights her culinary prowess. She creates innovative recipes and conducts live demonstrations to showcase the versatility and health benefits of the products.
In an exclusive chat with Foodverse, she reveals how she gets it done and how she keeps evolving by adapting to new and innovative techniques. And she gives a big credit to technology for all of it!
How do you think technology is revolutionizing the culinary industry?
Technology, especially AI-enabled platforms, can completely change the culinary industry. Chefs can get multiple opportunities to expand their network, learn, and also a lot of brand exposure. These platforms streamline communication, facilitate collaboration, and offer valuable resources to chefs, ultimately enhancing creativity and efficiency in the kitchen.
Do you think networking in the culinary industry can benefit your career?
Absolutely! Networking in the culinary industry can be incredibly beneficial for career growth. It opens doors to new opportunities, collaborations with other chefs and brands, and exposure to different culinary perspectives. Building a strong network allows chefs to share knowledge, support each other, and stay updated on industry trends.
In what ways do you believe networking with industry professionals and brands has impacted your career progression and opportunities?
It has been instrumental! It has led to some very exciting collaborations, such as working with California Walnuts Middle East. These connections have also provided opportunities for upskilling myself as I get so much exposure to new culinary experiences. It also give me an opportunity to showcase my own creativity, which ultimately helps me grow as a chef.
”There’s no dearth of talented chefs in the UAE. So, you have to do something to stand out from the crowd. What’s the point of not showcasing what you are capable of? This visibility not only attracts potential employers and brand engagements but also helps chefs establish their credibility and stand out in a competitive industry,”
Soul AbouZahr
How do you work towards nurturing brand partnerships?
Brand partnerships often begin with mutual interest and alignment of values. For example, California Walnuts approached me after seeing my work and expressed interest in collaborating. We nurtured the partnership through open communication, understanding each other’s goals, and working together to create engaging content and experiences for our audience.
What role do you think personal branding plays in the culinary world today?
Oh, I think it’s important. I would say it’s the need of the hour. It allows chefs to showcase their unique style, expertise, and culinary achievements. Your personal branding on social media websites can give you to show people what you have got. There’s no dearth of talented chefs in the UAE. So, you have to do something to stand out from the crowd. What’s the point of not showcasing what you are capable of? This visibility not only attracts potential employers and brand engagements but also helps chefs establish their credibility and stand out in a competitive industry.
How important is continuous learning and professional development for chefs in staying competitive in the industry?
Continuous learning is crucial for chefs to stay competitive in the industry. Professional development programs allow chefs to enhance your skills, stay updated on industry trends, and adapt to evolving culinary techniques. Investing in ongoing learning ensures that chefs remain innovative, relevant, and capable of delivering exceptional culinary experiences to their customers.
