KARACHI: For those of you who have been watching Chef Gary Mehigan give the creeps to the sweltering, nerve-wracked contestants in the pressure tests on Masterchef Australia, there is good news — Masterchef is finally launching its Pakistani version in August. So there is no need for you to sulk in desperation and wish you were the one making Mughlai Qorma in that kitchen because, now, you may just be able to participate.
There is even better news. The Australian High Commission has confirmed that Masterchef Australia’s most popular and loved contestant Amina Elshafei, who has inspired many men and women to follow their cooking dreams through her perseverance, dedication and positive outlook on life, will also be visiting Pakistan this month. Amina was part of some of the most enduring moments on MasterChef Australia Season 4, all thanks to her delectable dishes. From her octopus pakoras, one of the most creative dishes ever, to her personal favourite, maamouls (stuffed biscuits), Amina blew the judges away with her passion and incredible talent. Her elimination from the show was a tear-jerking moment for fellow contestants, as well as a million viewers who had their hopes pinned on her.
Born in Saudi Arabia to an Egyptian father and Korean mother, Amina’s visit is part of the Australian government and the World Food Programme (WFP) initiatives in Pakistan. She will be coming on a packed, week-long tour in August to promote healthy eating among children and women through presenting ideas on how to turn simple ingredients into nutritious meals. Amina will also visit a number of educational institutions to interact with Pakistan’s younger generation, particularly those looking to work in the restaurant industry.
The friendly pediatric nurse, who everybody would love to have as their BFF, will be visiting Lahore, Islamabad and Faislabad. However, a major part of her stay will be in the cultural city of Lahore where she will be doing a cooking show at a local hotel.
Inspired by her Middle-Eastern background, Amina has been on a roll ever since she left Masterchef, hosting quite a few activities for the Muslim community in Sydney and cooking alongside world renowned Turkish chef, Somer Sivrioglu at the Crave SMH Sydney International Food Festival. She is currently visiting Malaysia, as her fan page on Facebook suggests and will be treating Pakistani fans with her presence after Eidul Fitr. We can’t wait to see her do wonders with olive oil and asian herbs and spices!
Published in The Express Tribune, August 8th, 2013.
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