Local chefs become SA burger queen
Chef Zana recently launched her own range of pantry products,the Zana Alvarado Collection, which is available at selected retailers in Gauteng. The range is mindfully created to bring restaurant quality to the home kitchen, for foodie inspiration.
Blairgowrie-based Chef Farzana Alvarado, popularly known as Chef Zana, recently won the prestigious BRM National Burger Challenge 2023, held at Gallagher Estate.
The competition for culinary professionals drew over 200 entries from all over the country. There were 28 finalists selected, six best contestants, and one overall champion.
She said that she is overjoyed to have won and it is a huge accomplishment for her. “There was stiff competition. When we were down to the final six contestants, I thought it could go either way, but I felt confident I could be in the top three.”
Her winning burger, was a gastronomic adventure, featuring exotic flavours, and looked more like a piece of gourmet art than a traditional burger.
Naming her creation ‘The Shahi Burger’, she explained that the flavour combination was unusual, and featured Indo-Iranian and Pakistani flavours.
“I wanted to create a burger that incorporated the flavours of Pakistan, it was really out of the box. I also believe the quality of ingredients really shone and of course my cooking technique and presentation.”
The Shahi Burger is a spiced beef burger with a chilli mint sauce, white cheddar, and topped with crisp fried pastry dusted with a blend of hand-ground seasonings, black Himalayan salt, and garnished with fresh coriander.
“It’s served in a soft fennel and milk bun. It’s a special recipe that I created from scratch, celebrating flavours that I enjoy.”
“This was my first competition ever, so to have won is a huge milestone. I still pinch myself when people say ‘you have the best burger in the country’. It’s an awesome feeling to create something and people appreciate it. It makes me feel proud of myself,” added Chef Zana.
Chef Zana is also the national chairlady of SA Chefs Women in Culinary, vice chair for the SA Chefs Gauteng committee, and Chef Brand Ambassador for the World Wildlife Fund Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative. She is one of the few chefs in the country certified by the World Chefs Association in Sustainability Education for Culinary Professionals.
She is also a food social media personality, who shares quick easy recipes and chef’s tips on her social media platforms.
Follow her on Instagram, Tiktok and Facebook
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