There is something special about Chef Zana (real name Farzana Alvarado), and it’s not the fact that she was the winner of HTA Culinary Mastermind 2017, nor the fact that she was the winner of the 2023 BRM National Burger Challenge.
Talking to her, you immediately understand that she is a chef with an impact. Caring and driven by a strong vision that keeps her awake at night, she aims to empower women by challenging the old-fashioned norms of the hospitality industry.
She is currently the national chairperson of SA Chefs Women in Culinary, and the vice chairperson of the SA Chefs Gauteng committee. In 2021, Zana was appointed as the national chef brand ambassador for the World Wildlife Fund Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (WWF-SASSI).
Born in Durban, she is also an executive private chef and menu planning developer. She provides catering and team-building services for corporates and events, luxury dining experiences, culinary classes, restaurant consultancy, and staff training.
Zana said her food philosophy focussed on farm-to-table and sustainability in professional cookery, while staying true to the integrity of food supply and a quality-first attitude.
On her journey with food, she said she can't pinpoint a single incident that led her to a career in food. Rather, it was a culmination of the merging of many different paths.
“Living abroad, I was exposed to many interesting cultures, and travel opened my eyes to continental cuisines and cultural dishes. I had the opportunity to work on a campaign for a huge food festival in the UK and I got to see acclaimed chefs working behind the scenes.
“What left an indelible mark, was the creativity and integrity of these skilled professionals, and the deep history of cultures and traditions, in cuisine,” she said.
“I always believed the best way to experience a country is through its indigenous food, because every dish tells a story, has a history, an origin, and brings the identity of a place to life.
“I'm also blessed to have grown up in a family with incredible cooks; my late grandfather being a cook of note, and watching him prepare meals for hundreds of people was nothing short of inspirational,” she added.
Zana said she decided to become a chef when she was offered an opportunity to cater at the Fifa World Cup Sandton Fan Fest in 2010; it was an experience that taught her a lot.
She said it also fuelled her curiosity for food service, innovation and customer-centric experiences.
“The journey has been challenging and motivating all at once. I have had some incredible moments, including networking and meeting some of the best in the industry in SA and abroad.
“It has been a huge education in more ways than I thought possible. I've learned that being a chef is not only about food, it's so much more than that. How we eat, how we shop for ingredients, and what we cook, impacts our environment.”
“We have to be aware of our purchasing decisions and the carbon footprint. Climate change is a very real issue, and chefs have the power to create trends and educate diners and the general public about smart sustainable produce.
“It's a tangible responsibility. I’m happy that I get to be a part of people's memories and experiences through the food I prepare for them. It's a quiet satisfaction. I love being able to transform ingredients into a truly sensory adventure,” said Zana.
She said the SA Chefs Women in Culinary created a safe network countrywide, where women have their voices heard.
“We connect, inspire, and facilitate inclusivity. Culinary worldwide is historically seen to be a male-dominated industry, and women face numerous challenges.
“We're here to say that women play a vital role in the kitchen brigade, we need equal opportunities and fair treatment. Disrespect or being considered weaker, sexual harassment, and discrimination are not allowed and should never be condoned.
“For me, being a national chair lady (of SA Women in Culinary) is a massive responsibility. However, I feel humbled knowing that so many people place their trust in me, and look to me for guidance and assistance.
“I am surrounded by dedicated women, and my incredible team of regional representatives who work tirelessly alongside me,to create this legacy,” she shared.
On staying authentic and empowering other women, Zana said: “I learned a long time ago that it's not worth emulating anyone. We are each so different, we add value in our own way.
“In a world fuelled by social pressures, especially on social media, being able to be authentic is a superpower.
“I encourage all women to step into their authenticity, to strive to be their best selves, and to remember your uniqueness is worth being celebrated.”