Pakistani Celebrity Chefs We Lost Over the Years
Pakistan has produced many talented chefs who transformed cooking into a popular form of television entertainment. The trend began with legendary PTV cooking expert Kokab Khawaja and later expanded as dedicated food channels like Masala TV, Zaiqa, and ARY Zauq introduced viewers to some of the country’s most beloved culinary personalities. Through their recipes, television shows, and cooking tips, these chefs became household names and inspired millions of food lovers.
Sadly, several of these iconic figures are no longer with us. Here is a look at some of Pakistan’s most respected chefs who left behind an unforgettable legacy.
Zubaida Tariq
Known affectionately as Zubaida Aapa, Zubaida Tariq was among Pakistan’s most loved chefs, herbal experts, and television personalities. She passed away on January 4, 2018, at the age of 72 after suffering heart failure. Besides her culinary achievements, she was also the younger sister of renowned writer Anwar Maqsood and literary icon Fatima Surraiya Bajia.
Chef Tahir Chaudhry
Chef Tahir Chaudhry earned international recognition after working in prestigious hotels across Dubai, France, and Italy before returning to Pakistan. He became a familiar television face through his easy and budget-friendly recipes. His sudden death due to cardiac arrest on October 6, 2018, came as a shock to the culinary community and his countless admirers.
Chef Farah Jahanzeb
Chef Farah Jahanzeb gained popularity through her appearances on several Pakistani cooking shows. She courageously battled breast cancer but sadly passed away during treatment. She is remembered not only for her culinary talent but also as a devoted wife and mother.
Chef Sara Riaz
With more than two decades of professional cooking experience, Chef Sara Riaz became a trusted name through her television shows on ARY Zauq. She inspired many aspiring chefs before losing her battle with breast cancer on April 18, 2014. Many in the culinary industry credit her with mentoring a new generation of cooking professionals.
Chef Fatima Ali
Pakistani-American chef Fatima Ali, fondly known as Fati, rose to international fame after competing in Top Chef Season 15, where she became the audience favorite. Shortly after the competition, she was diagnosed with the rare cancer Ewing’s sarcoma. Following a courageous fight against the disease, she passed away in January 2019 at just 29 years of age.
Naheed Ansari
Naheed Ansari dedicated over three decades to Pakistan’s culinary world. Besides hosting television cooking shows, she trained thousands of students through her cooking and baking institute, Creative Hands by Naheed Ansari. Known for her humble personality and excellent teaching skills, she passed away in July 2024 after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Chef Zakir Qureshi
Chef Zakir Qureshi remains one of Pakistan’s most celebrated television chefs. Through his popular cooking programs on Masala TV, he introduced viewers to countless Pakistani and international recipes. His influence extended beyond Pakistan to audiences across South Asia. After battling kidney disease for a long time, Chef Zakir passed away in April 2025 at the age of 58.
Chef Rahat Ali
Chef Rahat Ali was another respected figure in Pakistan’s culinary industry and appeared on several television channels, including Geo TV. Her daughter, Chef Maida, also followed in her footsteps. Following her recent passing, the family requested privacy and chose not to disclose the cause of her death.
Their Legacy Lives On
Although these remarkable chefs are no longer with us, their recipes, television programs, and culinary contributions continue to inspire food lovers across Pakistan and around the world. Their passion for cooking has left a lasting impact that will be remembered for generations.
