Who is chef Zarka Hussain, MasterChef: The Professionals 2022 contestant?

Ahead of MasterChef: The Professionals 2022, which airs on BBC One every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2 november, we find out more about the chefs taking part.

Introducing Zarka Hussain, Head Chef at WOOD, Mancehster

She has previously worked, Catering College; Hopwood Hall Rochdale; The Midland Hotel; The French By Simon Rogan; The Midland Hotel; Adam Reid At The French; Tattu; Thaikun; Wood Manchester..

NAME

Zarka 

AGE

27

Where are you from/where do you live?

Originally from Erdington, Birmingham and currently resides in Manchester with her partner. 

What type of a chef are you?

Head Chef

Do you have a favourite type of cuisine?

“My style of cooking currently draws on classic European cooking techniques with Japanese and Nordic influences.”

How did you become a chef?

“I’ve been cooking from a young age with my mother. When I left school, I decided to take the path of starting a career as a chef. The thing I love the most about cooking is creating a nostalgic feeling, and for people to have a memorable experience.”

Where have you worked?

Catering College; Hopwood Hall Rochdale; The Midland Hotel; The French By Simon Rogan; The Midland Hotel; Adam Reid At The French; Tattu; Thaikun; Wood Manchester.

What has been the highlight of your career to date?

“The highlight of my professional like so far has to be cooking for Michel Roux Jr. At the time I was still in a very early stage of my career.”

Why did you want to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals?

“I decided to apply to the competition for the incredible experience!”