The Jury
The Judges and Host
Golden Chef brings together a panel of three names who specialize in the culinary world and kitchen management — combining hands-on experience, technical knowledge, professional background, and the ability to judge contestants from more than one angle.
Master Cooking Chef · Gastronomy Expert
Chef Haitham Hamid Hassoun
A voice of real artistic and professional weight on the judging panel, with expertise spanning culinary arts, professional training, and a deeper understanding of food culture.
As a Master Cooking Chef and Gastronomy Expert, he reads a dish through its concept, technique, flavor balance, execution quality, and how well raw ingredients become a complete experience.
A certified trainer with the World Chefs organization in France, with an academic affiliation to American University of Cyprus — credentials that reinforce the credibility of his judging in front of contestants, the audience, and sponsors.
Jury Member
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 using professional, contemporary techniques.
She has led teams, trained staff, developed dishes, overseen production quality, and built specialized food and pastry ventures — including professional experience in Denmark's bakery and pastry sector.
Her presence adds a hands-on dimension to judging execution, organization, and taste, as well as kitchen management and the ability to turn an idea into a successful product.
Jury Member
Chef Azzaldin Al-Ezzi
From Baghdad… to the professional kitchens of Istanbul. The first Iraqi chef to earn a bachelor's degree in professional culinary arts, he combined academic study with practical experience, working alongside European and international chefs, including Chef Murat Bozok, one of Gordon Ramsay's former chefs. He also contributed to the opening of restaurants in Doha, Barcelona, Amman, and Istanbul, and gained experience in Michelin-starred establishments.
He believes that the success of a dish is not measured by personal taste, but by knowledge, precision, and proper technique. Today, he carries this philosophy to evaluate chefs according to the highest international standards.
The Host
Host Nariman Al-Salihi
Host Nariman Al-Salihi presents the show and drives its pace across every episode, from the moment a challenge is announced through the judging and results.
Having a dedicated host gives the show:
- A confident on-camera presence
- Smooth transitions between segments
- Command of tense moments
- A connection between contestants, judges, and guests
- A presenting style the audience relates to
Judging Criteria
It's Not Just About Taste
It spans nine criteria evaluated in every challenge:
- 01Technique
- 02Organization
- 03Creativity
- 04Presentation
- 05Professional Presence
- 06Room to Grow
- 07Cleanliness
- 08Time Management
- 09The Chef's Personality in the Dish