“Delicious:” US-Pakistani chef's tandoori chicken impresses Gordon Ramsay

A US-based Pakistani culinary artist, Maryam Ishtiaq, showcased her food heritage in the fourth season of Next Level Chef and impressed celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay with her mouthwatering tandoori chicken.

Maryam, a Dallas resident, took to Instagram to share a clip from the show, where some of the world’s best chefs, including Ramsay, tasted her tandoori chicken. The dish won them over with its aromatic and fresh flavors, leaving them thoroughly impressed.

"Spoiler: When @gordongram says Pakistan has some of the best food, you better believe it! We are going to the drafts, baby!!!" Maryam wrote in the caption of her post.

The video quickly went viral, with many praising Maryam for beautifully highlighting Pakistani culinary heritage on an international platform.

Read: Karachi’s Zahid Nihari makes it to 100 Most Legendary Restaurants in the World

While preparing her dish, Ramsay visited Maryam’s counter and asked what she was making. She responded, “I’m making tandoori chicken. My kids love it, and my husband loves it.”

Curious about her ingredients, Ramsay pointed to a bowl and asked, “What’s that?” Maryam replied, “Heavy cream and green pepper.” Ramsay then commented, “Great flavor in there, yes.”

As Mariyam mentioned her Pakistani background, Ramsay enthusiastically added, “And some of the best food in Pakistan, I mean.” Mariyam agreed, saying, “Absolutely, spicy.” Ramsay then praised, “Oh, my God, and fragrant. Amazing, amazing.”

When Mariyam presented her sizzling tandoori chicken with onions and yogurt, one of the judges remarked, “Lovely freshness coming off of homemade yogurt. Girl, incredible.”

After tasting the dish, Ramsay called the tandoori chicken "delicious" and told Mariyam that her Pakistani culinary roots were evident and strong. He commended her with, “Well done.”

Receiving such high praise for Pakistani cuisine, Mariyam became emotional, saying, “Being able to represent Pakistan is something I have always wanted to do.”

She also expressed her excitement at being selected for the prestigious show among thousands of candidates after undergoing multiple interviews and a rigorous selection process.

Apart from her TV appearance, Mariyam is the owner of "It’s Actually", a business that offers halal bone broth.