Samaria Bufford

What is your signature dish?

My signature dish is brown sugar and hoisin salmon with jasmine rice and sautéed spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. No matter how I season or pair my salmon, I always make it unforgettable. I love improvising in the kitchen, turning random ingredients into amazing meals. To me, culinary is another form of art, creative, expressive, and abstract, just like the art styles I love.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My culinary inspiration comes from both self-exploration and family roots. I love discovering new cuisines, experimenting with flavors, and testing different cooking styles and dishes. My grandmother also inspires me deeply. I grew up hearing stories about the amazing meals she made before she passed when I was young. Even though I didn’t fully experience her cooking, being in the kitchen makes me feel connected to her and my ancestors through food, culture, and creativity.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the $25,000 scholarship to pursue a degree in hospitality so I can further my education and gain the knowledge needed to successfully grow and manage my business to its fullest potential. Any remaining funds would be invested directly into building my culinary business. More importantly, I want to inspire not only myself and my family, but also young girls who dream of becoming chefs, showing them that with passion, hard work, and determination, anything is possible.