26 June 2018 | Salaam Foundation
Talent abounds in the SA foodie scene. 25 contestants tantalised the tongues of the 5 judges on Saturday 23 June 2018 at the Dubai Centre in Mackenzie Park as they conjured together extreme dishes in the #BenoniFabFoodies cooking and baking competition.
The event was heralded as a fundraiser for the Salaam Foundation’s #AfricArise campaign . Each contestant was tasked with preparing a meal or dessert using the secret ingredients of chisanyama spice, a cola drink, fresh cream or eggplant and watched closely by a marshal in the privacy of their own kitchen. They then presented the ensemble to the five personality judges, Asfeyah Mia, Tasneem Kadwa, Shazia Gafaar, Ruyaida Moosa and Bibi Fathima Sirkhot.
The judges, save to say were left speechless. The winning dish in the food category was prepared by Farzana Mia, a Potato Roast Fillet Steak Medallion with roasted veggies and chips while Somaya Varachia came out tops with the Macaroon Dessert.
The judges themselves got in on the act with a Bibi Fathima Sirkoth presenting a divine Chocolate Cheesecake and Shazia Gafaar going all out to with the amazing Phyllo Sweet Potato Channa Chaat. A mouthful to say and and an even better mouthful to taste.
A day of excitement and fun well spent with proceeds going towards the Salaam Foundation campaign to assist refugees from the Central African Republic living in Chad.
“The ladies came together fantastically to pull this event off,” said Salaam Foundation CEO, Fatima Sookharia. “Although people had fun and enjoyed themselves, they also had the opportunity to learn about the plight of others and contributed towards making a difference.”
The Benoni chapter of the cook-off followed the inaugural competition that was crafted by Miriam Chamda of Make It – Roshnee. The challenge will now travel to other parts of Gauteng and culminate in a final cook-off – details are to follow soon.
The event in Benoni was professionally emceed by Zakira Bhika of the Lab Productions.
