Making a difference with food

Manama : The hospitality industry in Bahrain has traditionally not been able to attract many Bahrainis, but Tala Ebrahim Bashmi said she“is determined to change this”.

It was not easy as she also had to overcome another challenge, which is to become a female chef, a profession still dominated by men. Tala, who works at Gulf Hotels Group as a Management trainee was recognised by Mumtalakat as one of their ‘Heros’. 

“Tala exemplifies what it takes for a woman to succeed as a chef. Her dedication to the industry and willingness to be creative with food as well as experimenting with ingredients and techniques both local and global is an inspiration for potential chefs of both genders,” Mumtalakat stated. 

Speaking to DT News she said that she hopes that more Bahrainis will join the hospitality sector. “Being in the hospitality industry is a way of life, It’s not a job. It takes up most of your time. I work 12 hours shifts and 14-hour shifts, and this may be off-putting to Bahrainis. It can be difficult, it is a big commitment, hopefully in the future people will get in the industry more. It’s difficult but it is also very interesting, its worth the effort.” 

For Tala, “It’s all about passion.” “You have to be passionate, you have to love what you do.”

She adds: If you want to get somewhere you need to work really hard.”

“My goal is not to work a 9 to 5 job.”

“I have a bigger goal, which is to make a difference in the culinary scene in Bahrain and I know what to do to achieve it,” she said.