“I enjoy humble food that brings out the flavour of each dish using simple ingredients; the local tikka marinated in black lime being one of my favourite Bahraini ingredients”
Chef Tala Bashmi is a name synonymous with modern Bahraini cuisine, particularly owing to her awardwinning restaurant, Fusions by Tala. Inspired by her father, whose Machbous (a spiced rice dish) is her all-time favourite dish, Tala’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in her use of local and seasonal ingredients, reducing food waste and pushing the boundaries of traditional Bahraini cuisine.
“I grew up watching him [her father] cook, educating us about the use of indigenous ingredients and how our spice enhances our cuisine,” she reveals, adding “And through my culinary training in Switzerland, I blend our traditional cuisine with modern techniques…”
Famously known as Middle East & North Africa’s (MENA) Best Female Chef in 2022, Chef Tala Bashmi is an icon shining amid the culinary landscape of Bahrain. On a mission to modernise Bahraini cuisine, Chef Tala brings a mix of convention and innovation to the table.
Fusions by Tala, located at the five-star Gulf Hotel in Bahrain, has garnered multiple awards, including #3 Best Restaurants in the Middle East & North Africa. And in 2023, Chef Tala was voted #63 Best Chef and Rising Star by the Best Chef Awards. HELLO! interacts with the culinary genius for a quick tête-à-tête…
Tala, welcome to India! Is this your first time here? If so, what was your initial impression?
This story is from the April 2024 edition of Hello! India.
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This story is from the April 2024 edition of Hello! India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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