The self-taught chef is putting her plant-based cooking skills to the test as she competes on the Bravo hit show.
Vegan Chef Zuliya Khawaja (also known as Zuzu) will make an appearance on Bravo’s Top Chef Amateurs tonight, Thursday, July 15 at 9:15pm EST. A spinoff of the original Top Chef series, Top Chef Amateurs features talented home chefs instead of professional culinarians, and contestants are given the opportunity to put their cooking skills to the test as they compete in challenges throughout each 30-minute episode. On tonight’s episode, Khawaja will be given the opportunity to showcase her vegan culinary talent.
A Self-Trained Plant-Based Chef
Khawaja is a self-trained plant-based chef and has never had any professional culinary training. Instead, she learned much of what she knows about cooking from her grandmother, who taught her how to prepare dishes like dumplings and noodles in their native Uzbekistan.
Real Estate Broker Turned Instagram Foodie
Up until six years ago, Khawaja was working as a real estate broker and analyst. After transitioning to a vegan lifestyle at the age of 39, the wife and mother of two decided to switch up careers to focus on her passion for food instead. Khawaja now operates a blog and Instagram page, where she features pictures of her colorful, beautifully plated dishes. The real estate broker turned Instagram foodie shares recipes such as Crispy Mini Cauliflower Tacos, No Egg Salad with Everything Bagel Sandwiches, and Vegan Whipped Feta Dip.
Naturally Zuzu
For more recipes and mouthwatering food shots, check out Khawaja’s Instagram page (@naturallyzuzu) or her website, NaturallyZuzu.com. And don’t forget to tune into Bravo network tonight at 9:15pm EST to watch Khawaja put her plant-based cooking skills to the test on Top Chef Amateurs!
Photo credit: David Moir / Bravo
