Golden Chef brings together a panel of three names who specialize in the culinary world and kitchen management — combining hands-on experience, technical knowledge, and the ability to judge contestants from more than one angle.
Chef Haitham Hamid Hassoun
He has expertise spanning culinary arts, professional training, and a deeper understanding of food culture, and as a Master Cooking Chef and Gastronomy Expert he reads a dish through its concept, technique, flavor balance, and execution quality. A certified trainer with the World Chefs organization in France, with an academic affiliation to American University of Cyprus.
Chef Shaimaa Shaker Mahmoud
Over 18 years of experience founding and running restaurant ventures, with broad hands-on experience preparing and presenting dishes and desserts, leading teams, and training staff — including professional experience in Denmark's bakery and pastry sector. Her presence adds a hands-on dimension to judging execution, organization, taste, and kitchen management.
Chef Azzaldin Al-Ezzi
One of the Iraqi names representing a new generation of professional chefs, and the first Iraqi to hold a bachelor's degree in professional culinary arts from Istanbul Topkapi University, with hands-on experience alongside leading international chefs in Istanbul. He brings a modern outlook built on contemporary technique, and represents a young voice connecting Iraqi ambition to international standards.
Host Nariman Al-Salihi
She presents the show and drives its pace across every episode, from the moment a challenge is announced through the judging and results — a confident on-camera presence, smooth transitions between segments, and a connection between contestants, judges, and guests.
Nine Judging Criteria
Judging isn't just about taste — it spans: technique, organization, creativity, presentation, professional presence, room to grow, cleanliness, time management, and the chef's personality in the dish.