Zahbia Siraj – Head Chef at Wedge Golf & Social Club
In this interview, Zahbia Siraj, head chef at Wedge Golf & Social Club, shares some stories from behind the scenes and a little about her kitchen.
What do you do?
I oversee kitchen operations at Wedge Golf & Social Club. I curate menus, execute culinary creations, and ensure that our food consistently delights our customers, fostering their loyalty.
How did you get into the industry?
I transitioned from a desk job to donning a chef’s hat because my passion for cooking outweighed everything else. It was a leap of faith, but one that definitely paid off.
Share with us a story from behind the scenes.
The atmosphere was hectic leading up to the opening of Wedge Range. It was my first experience with a grand opening, and the pressure was intense. Despite the challenges, we came together, supported one another, and ultimately made it a resounding success. It was undoubtedly challenging but immensely rewarding.
What food memory from your childhood or travels stands out?
My mom’s Bohra cuisine. Her cooking brings back the best memories from my childhood.
What’s the best/ worst part of your job?
The most rewarding aspect is witnessing guests enjoying my food. Their smiles and expressions of satisfaction are truly invaluable.
What’s one of your favourite food and beverage pairings?
Thai-style fried fish with a glass of warm lemon water. It’s refreshingly good.
What’s one of the most exhilarating things you’ve seen behind the scenes?
Every day in the kitchen is an exhilarating adventure, brimming with energy, occasional chaos, and immense passion.
The perfect day off would be…
Indulging in some much-needed downtime with Netflix and comfort food.
A day in the life of Zahbia Siraj is…
It revolves around orchestrating kitchen operations, ensuring seamless service preparations, maintaining quality standards, and fostering team synergy.
What does Zahbia Siraj do for fun?
I enjoy walking around Bukit Bintang, taking in the sights, and trying out street food. I enjoy immersing myself in the vibrant ambience and indulging in the street food offerings.
What would you like guests to know about Wedge Range Golf Bar & Social Club?
We’re dedicated to delivering great food and beverages, unparalleled golfing experiences, and a welcoming ambience, making Wedge Range Golf Bar & Social Club the ultimate destination for relaxation and enjoyment.
How have you grown in your profession? What are your key learnings from your start in the industry until now? Any misconceptions?
Continuous learning is crucial in the culinary industry. Embracing challenges, growth, and constructive feedback are essential components of culinary evolution.
What do you want people to know about being a chef as a profession?
Creativity and attention to detail are the hallmarks of being a chef. It’s about transcending recipes to craft culinary masterpieces.
What’s your view on the food scene in PJ?
PJ’s food scene is vibrant and diverse. At Wedge Range, we add our twist, serving dishes that people love and remember.
What practices do you currently implement or hope to implement to work towards social responsibility and sustainability in the future?
We’ve already implemented the use of biodegradable serveware for our in-house events. We are always on the lookout for ways to reuse and recycle.
What can guests look forward to in the upcoming months?
Exciting new dishes and seasonal specials await our customers in the coming months but more than that, we just may have a few fun ideas up our sleeves, including putting our unique take on iconic snacks and dishes featured at prestigious golf tournaments like The Masters. Stay tuned for an exhilarating culinary journey!
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