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On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Chef Zarmig Halladjian about her inspiring culinary journey, from her early days in Lebanon to becoming a celebrated TV personality and ambassador for Armenian cuisine. Listen as she shares valuable advice for young chefs, the impact of her father’s support, and her insights on balancing tradition with innovation. All this and more on Episode 117: World-Class Skills from Scratch – From Training to TV with Ambassador of Armenian Cuisine Chef Zarmig Halladjian.
Chef Zarmig Haladyan is many things – chef, celebrated author, TV personality, Worldchefs Certified Judge, and Armenian cuisine ambassador. Chef Zarmik spoke with Ragnar about her early start in cooking and competing, her advanced studies in public health, and her diverse achievements in the culinary industry. Get inspired as she recounts personal stories, including launching her career with Worldchefs, overcoming societal norms, her father’s influence, and her success in international culinary competitions.
Chef Zarmig also shares her passion for preserving Armenian culture through her restaurants, TV shows, and books, and advice to young chefs aspiring to enter the industry.
“My life journey started with Worldchefs, and now again with Worldchefs. I will stay close with Worldchefs because it really means a lot to me.When I’m wearing my chef jacket, I’m proud that I’m chef and I’m proud to have the logos of my successful associations. I’m keeping this spirit.”
Chef Zarmig Halladjian
Tune in and LEARN:
- Heritage in Cuisine: Discover how Chef Zarmig Halladjian has defied barriers to share her Armenian roots through cooking, blending tradition with innovation.
- Culinary Competitions: Hear lessons and experiences from Chef Zarmig’s seven years of culinary competitions, from starting out using knives from her father to Worldchefs endorsed events taking her career to the next level.
- Empowerment and Advocacy: Learn about her journey as a female chef navigating a traditionally male-dominated field and her advice for young chefs aspiring to make their mark.
Resources
Chef Zarmig Halladjian
“Everything is step by step. My life started from scratch, level by level, I raised up until now.”
Learn more about Chef Zarmig at chefzarmig.com, and follow Chef Zarmig on Instagram @chefzarmig.
Interested in becoming a worldchefs certified judge?
Join the leading experts in international culinary competition standards!
Worldchefs judging levels were designed by the Culinary Competition Committee (CCC) to advance standards of excellence built on professionalism, leadership, and collaboration. Applicants can progress through the judging levels over the course of their career and culinary competition experience to reflect their commitment and expertise in the field. Get started here.
Interested in Worldchefs Global Culinary Certification?
Remember: everything is step by step! Level-up your career with Worldchefs Global Culinary Certification.
Worldchefs Global Culinary Certification is a prestigious skills recognition framework designed for culinary professionals around the world. Created with leading employers, this framework validates individuals’ culinary skills, knowledge, and experience against a global benchmark. Find out how you can get your skills recognized at worldchefs.org/global-culinary-certification.
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About Chef Zarmig Halladjian
Like a butterfly, flying everywhere, proving myself, proud of my roots.
Doha-based celebrity Chef Zarmig Ohannes Haladjian is an Armenian Lebanese chef, ambassador to Armenian cuisine, and author of more than 24 books. Born in Lebanon, she embarked on her culinary path at an early age, driven by the influence of her mother’s cooking and her father’s passion for art. She holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality from Al Kafaat, Lebanon, an Associates Diploma in Applied Sciences Degree for Culinary Arts at the Culinary Institute, and a master’s degree in business management from Liverpool University, London.
Her impressive career includes being a staple on Middle Eastern television, sharing gastronomic experiences throughout the region.
Beyond the kitchen, Chef Zarmig has become a prominent ambassador for Armenian cuisine, founding the Armenian Federation of Chefs. Her books and television appearances bridge culinary arts with cultural heritage, offering a unique perspective to a global audience. As a Worldchefs Certified Judge, she continues to mentor and pave the way for upcoming culinary talents worldwide.
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to Chef Zarmig Ohannes Haladjian for joining us.
World on a Plate is supported by Nestlé Professional and our podcast sponsors.
