Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
I’m a self taught chef who started cooking at the age of 9 and I love cooking because it’s an art. I am from Fiji and bring exquisite flavor
Want to learn more about our competition?
Learn MoreWant to be notified if their position changes?
Receive Text UpdatesI think it’s very hard to pick just one dish because I have mastered my cooking in Fijian food and added a twist to that. I would cook a dish with make with taro leaves and coconut milk that is so divine and different. You can enjoy this dish with meat or just by it self. Served with rice, taro, or yuca which gives it a nice texture.
Who is your culinary inspiration?My parents. My mom taught me how to cook when I was 9 and my dad was a culinary chef in Fiji. I think cooking is my therapy because I love to do it. And it helps me heal myself from a long work week and I create something amazing that I love to see my family and friends enjoy. I have always wanted to do a cooking show since I was a little girl. I started a cooking channel on TikTok and instagram but with work and my family I am not able to do it as much as I would like.
What would you do with the $25,000?I would take myself and my husband to Hajj. As a Muslim American that’s the best gift I can give myself and my spouse. A place for prayer and peace.
Vote for Salma Khalik to be the next Favorite Chef while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote below, or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting the James Beard Foundation and their mission to lead chefs and the broader culinary industry toward a new standard of excellence.