Chef Zara Mustapha, redefining the way we eat
Chef Zeelicioussss (Zara Mustapha), a British Chef who is of Nigerian, Cameroonian, Chadian & Libyan descent is a social media personality, professional chef and an ardent food lover.
She is a senior faculty member and partner at the Red Dish Culinary School Abuja campus, where together with a team of passionate Chefs, are molding the next generation of domestic and commercial chefs.
Growing up, Chef Zeelicioussss always had a passion for food. Although she holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism & Media studies, she decided to follow her dreams and pursue her love and passion for Culinary Arts. She has worked in several restaurants including Wagamama & Bella Italia and went on to take a professional Culinary Arts course in the UK (Ashburton, Devon). She is the first ever Brand Ambassador for Dangote Salt and DanQ seasoning.
Her creative and artistic flair has always enabled her to try new things and experiment with all kinds of herbs, spices & food. Her goal is to pave the way for young men and women, share her passion and knowledge with others and encourage young people to follow their dreams and achieve their goals.
She is proficient in a number of cuisines including Asian, Continental/European and of course Nigerian meals, which she reinterprets through contemporary styling and plating.
Early years
Growing up was fun and challenging at the same time but it has influenced me in a good way because my mother raised me to be strong, hardworking and independent.
On becoming a Chef
I’ve wanted to be a chef for as long as I can remember. I feel like this is my gift and what I was born to do. It wasn’t always easy because I had to work very hard to get to where I am. In a male dominated industry, you almost have to work ten times harder to prove yourself. What keeps me going is the fact that people appreciate your gift and when you realise how much you inspire them, it gives you even more motivation to do better.
Taking Professional Culinary Arts courses
It was an amazing experience! Although it was hard, tough and challenging at times, I have definitely learnt more working as a Chef. I feel like you learn more on the job. Cooking is basically science and art. The more you do it, the better you get.
Between international and locally trained Chefs, any clear difference?
Not necessarily to be honest. It all depends on the kind of school you went to and the kind of training you got. We have trained numerous chefs right here in Nigeria and most of them are doing very well. A lot have ended up working with us too.
On becoming the first ever Brand Ambassador for Dangote Salt and DanQ seasoning
I was sitting in my room one day when they contacted me. Initially, I was just supposed to work on a few recipes for them and that was it. We did that and they were happy with the outcome. Before I knew it, they had named me their Brand Ambassador. I attended all their Trade fairs; I advertised their Salt & DanQ Seasoning, went to different functions to promote the brand and my God! I travelled. It was amazing because I went to states I never thought I’d even go to and it was nice to experience different people’s food, traditions and cultures.
In what way are you paving the way for young men and women?
I am encouraging young people to follow their dreams. If you have a passion you should use it. I feel like in Nigeria, we don’t encourage our children to take vocational courses. Everything is always academic, it’s not a bad thing but it’s always good for them to know that they have options. My dream has always been to pave the way and encourage young people to become entrepreneurs. To work hard because when you do, it always pays off.
Which do you prefer making most? International or local cuisine?
Definitely the international cuisine because I get to explore different cuisines from different countries. Nevertheless, I like local too as we have a variety of food depending on the different regions.
Being a Nigerian, Cameroonian, Chadian & Libyan descent
My Maternal Grand Mother is Half Chadian and Half Cameroonian, then my Maternal Grandfather is Libyan. My Paternal Grandparents are Nigerian. I hope this makes sense! Hahaha!
How hard or easy is it to eat healthy especially with Nigerian options of delicacies available?
It’s actually very easy to eat healthy Nigerian delicacies because we have a variety of nutritional food. Vegetable soups, beans, fish pepper soup, boiled unripe plantain and so on. It just depends on how it’s prepared.
What should one look out for when served a meal before eating it?
Well, they say we ‘eat’ with our eyes right? I would say the plate should be clean and the food should be well presented otherwise, if it doesn’t look great, you won’t be able to eat it. It doesn’t have to look complex and over the top all the time because sometimes, less is more.
Do you render private services? What type of people request for your services?
Yes we do. We offer private classes for different people. Some people are shy; some men only want their wives to be taught by women, some feel they learn better on their own. Different reasons which are personal to them.
In what way has/is Journalism & Media studies helping you in your line of work?
It has always come in handy because we record a lot of videos where I have to present and cook at the same time. I write the newsletters for the school, I communicate well. It has helped in so many ways.
The need for parents to (through guidance) allow their children the choice of expression
To be honest, a lot of people especially in this country don’t know what it takes to be a chef. A hobby is just doing something you like. This career is all about discipline and it’s a lot harder than what people perceive it to be. I would tell parents to at least give their children a chance. Even if you don’t agree with it, try and support their dreams, pay attention and see how much of an interest they have and how much work they are willing to put in it. I honestly believe that a lot of parents kill their children’s dreams which is so unfortunate but luckily we are trying to break those barriers.
Do we have proper culinary schools in Nigeria?
Yes of course, ours (which obviously I think is the best!) Truth is, we have only two at the moment. A lot of people have opened what they call catering schools but most of them you find are not up to standard.
What do you advise the government or private institutions to do?
I feel they should perhaps provide scholarships for people especially people who are unemployed in order to create more jobs.
Final words
I really hope that I continue to inspire people both young and old to be better. You can do anything you set your mind to. I pray that I remain humble and I am very thankful for everything I have achieved so far. There’s still a long way to go but Alhamdullilah I thank God!
Kemi Ajumobi