A Culinary Journey Rooted in Passion
Chef Rouh AbouZahr’s love affair with food began in her childhood, nurtured by a family that cherished both gastronomy and travel. Her name, Rouh, translates to Soul, and eventually in the culinary world, she became known as Soul. This upbringing ignited her curiosity about diverse cuisines, inspiring her to create dishes that unite people through the universal language of food. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in criminology and forensics, she ultimately chose to follow her culinary passion professionally. Today, she channels this passion not only as a chef but also as a culinary instructor, teaching both professional chefs and amateurs, further spreading her love for cooking.
Transforming Passion into Profession
To formalize her culinary skills, Chef Soul pursued a Professional Diploma in Cookery from the International Centre for Culinary Arts in Dubai. She is a member of the World Chefs Association and certified by City & Guilds, reinforcing her professional standing in the culinary community. Armed with this education, she founded Soul Selections Catering Services, starting modestly but with a clear vision. Over time, her venture evolved into a specialized catering service renowned for its Levantine-inspired cuisine, reflecting her dedication to quality and authenticity. Her expertise has also earned her the role of judge in many culinary competitions, including the prestigious World Food Championships.
Innovating with Soul Brownies
Expanding her culinary repertoire, Chef Soul launched Soul Brownies, a boutique business dedicated to artisanal brownies. With a focus on quality and innovation, she offers a wide array of brownie variations, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs. Her creative approach has been featured on numerous television platforms, where she hosts her own cooking shows on OSN+, Fatafeat, and StarzON.
Influencing the Culinary Scene
Beyond her own ventures, Chef Soul serves as a menu creator and advisor for high-end restaurants, showcasing her expertise in ingredient quality and menu development. Her role as a brand ambassador for California Walnuts and other international/global brands further highlights her culinary prowess, where she creates innovative recipes and conducts live demonstrations to showcase the versatility and health benefits of the products. She has also contributed recipes to several cookbooks, most recently in My Food Story.
Embracing Technology and Networking
Chef Soul recognizes the transformative power of technology in the culinary industry. She believes that AI-enabled platforms can revolutionize the culinary world by providing chefs with opportunities to expand their networks, learn, and gain brand exposure. These platforms streamline communication, facilitate collaboration, and offer valuable resources, enhancing creativity and efficiency in the kitchen.
The Importance of Continuous Learning
For Chef Soul, continuous learning is crucial to staying competitive in the culinary industry. She emphasizes that professional development programs allow chefs to enhance their skills, stay updated on industry trends, and adapt to evolving culinary techniques. Investing in ongoing learning ensures that chefs remain innovative, relevant, and capable of delivering exceptional culinary experiences to their customers. Her own dedication to growth recently culminated in winning the Chef of the Season 2025 – Season 1, a competitive television show featuring elimination rounds, which was broadcasted on the TOD TV platform, where she emerged as the winner.
Personal Branding in the Culinary World
Chef Soul believes that personal branding is essential in today’s culinary world. It allows chefs to showcase their unique style, expertise, and culinary achievements. By building a strong personal brand, chefs can attract potential employers and brand engagements, establish credibility, and stand out in a competitive industry. Her media presence as a TV host and competition judge has solidified her personal brand as one of influence and innovation.
Fostering Brand Partnerships
Chef Soul’s collaborations, such as her partnership with California Walnuts Middle East, often begin with mutual interest and alignment of values. She nurtures these partnerships through open communication, understanding each other’s goals, and working together to create engaging content and experiences for their audience.
Inspiring Future Chefs
Through her journey, Chef Soul AbouZahr exemplifies how passion, continuous learning, and embracing innovation can lead to a fulfilling and influential career in the culinary world. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring chefs, highlighting the importance of staying true to one’s roots while adapting to the ever-evolving culinary landscape.. Do follow her on Instagram.
