Smoky, spiced, marinated in thick yogurt, charred just right and still juicy on the inside. Now imagine Gordon Ramsay taking that bite!
Everyone knows how hard it is to impress Gordon Ramsay. The man has Michelin stars, a television empire, and zero patience for a badly seasoned dish. He has made professional chefs cry on national television over an overcooked scallop. When he praises something, it actually means something.
He does not do polite compliments either. You know he is genuinely impressed when he stops being Gordon Ramsay the judge and just becomes a guy who really loves the food in front of him.
Pakistani cuisine has had that effect on him more than once. Here are five times he proved he might just be a desi at heart.
1. Maryam Ishtiaq’s Tandoori Chicken Made Him Say “Amazing, Amazing”
During Season 4 of Next Level Chef, Dallas-based Pakistani chef Maryam Ishtiaq prepared tandoori chicken and told Ramsay about her Pakistani roots while he watched her cook. His reaction was immediate. “Pakistan, beautiful. And some of the best food in Pakistan,” he said. After tasting it: “Oh my God, fragrant. Amazing, amazing.”
When the judges sat down to eat properly, he added: “The chicken is delicious. That Pakistani foundation you grew up with is evident here and it’s strong. Well done.”
Maryam wiped away tears and said she had always wanted to represent Pakistan. She absolutely did.
2. Zoha’s Star Bread Got a Word Ramsay Almost Never Uses
In the semi-final of Next Level Baker, baker Zoha Malik had 60 minutes to make a savory showstopper. She went straight to her roots and made a tandoori chicken star bread, naan-style dough filled with smoky spiced chicken and melted cheese, shaped into a twisted star and brushed with garlic butter. Ramsay called it delicious and a showstopper.
Judge Carla Hall liked it so much she asked for the recipe on the spot. Zoha said she knew she needed Pakistani flavors to stand out. It worked.
3. When He Went to a Restaurant Just for the Tandoori
Gordon Ramsay did not just appreciate Pakistani food on TV shows. In this clip he heads to a restaurant specifically to get his hands on tandoori chicken, rolling up his sleeves and learning the technique from the people who actually cook it for a living. Watching a Michelin-starred chef genuinely excited to be a student in someone else’s kitchen says more than any compliment could.
4. His Reaction to a Pakistani Spin on Fish and Chips
When Pakistani-Canadian food creator Bilal Bhatti posted his spiced-up take on the classic British fish and chips, swapping out the bland batter for bold desi flavors, Ramsay duetted the video and called it “spicy fish and chips from the spice boy himself.” He captioned it “well done” and referred to Bhatti as the Spice Boy.
Coming from the man who basically owns fish and chips in Britain, that is a big deal.
5. When He Made Butter Chicken the Authentic Way
Ramsay has openly talked about butter chicken being one of the first dishes which is super famous in both India and Pakistan. This creamy dish traces its roots back to Mughal times and Delhi’s famous Moti Mahal restaurant. In this video he makes it the proper way, marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices and cream. He looks genuinely happy making it, which for Gordon Ramsay is basically a standing ovation.
If Gordon Ramsay is a fan, the rest of the world does not really have an excuse.So, when are you trying butter chicken at home?
