Karachi: Karachi witnessed an extraordinary celebration of culinary excellence as the 5th CEBO Culinary & Hospitality Awards 2025 took place at the Beach Luxury Hotel, under the visionary leadership of Celebrity Chef of Pakistan, Chef Samia Lari, the CEO and Founder of the CEBO Group, and Mr. Osama Lari, COO. The prestigious event brought together renowned chefs, international delegates, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and hospitality professionals to honor talent, creativity, and achievement across Pakistan’s thriving culinary industry.
The grand ceremony began with the Police Parade Band, followed by a vibrant Fly Sky Balloon Ceremony, marking a spectacular inauguration filled with color, energy, and festivity. The event was gracefully hosted by Wajeeha Mustafa, renowned TV news anchor and morning show host, while the Live Masterclasses were moderated by Amara Siddiq, who captivated the audience with her engaging presentation and culinary expertise.
The highlight of the evening was the Culinary Competition, featuring four main categories. In Pakistani Cuisine, the winners were Summiya Raheel, Aniqa Tahir, and Zubia Faisal. In International Cuisine, Zahabiya Mustafa, Ghulam Fareed, and Sofiya Memon secured the top positions. The Fusion Dessert category recognized Anum Abbas, Saira Altaf, and Arbish Fatima, while Cake Artistry honored Chef Arif Salam, Tuba Adnan, and Midhat Raheem for their exceptional creativity.
The Live Masterclass Series showcased world-class expertise featuring Chef Babar Khan (Italian Cuisine), Chef Phonthawat Sutsanguan (Royal Thai Cuisine, representing the Royal Thai Consulate), Chef Simon Mushtaq (Chinese Cuisine), Chef Naeem (Fusion Desserts), and Chef Imran Khan (Turkish Cuisine). Each session reflected the evolving culinary trends and fusion artistry shaping Pakistan’s modern food culture.
The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Mr. Surashete Boontiand, Consul General of Thailand; Mr. Sajeeva Pattiwila, Consul General of Sri Lanka; Ms. Erum Fawad; Mr. Salman Aslam (CEO, Milky’s Food); Mr. Saad Ahmed (Fotile Pakistan); Ms. Farheen Baig and Mr. Haider Baig (Skills Development Council); and Mr. Arif Suleman, President of Pak-Thai Friendship Association.
The Presenting Partner of the event was Fotile Pakistan, while Milky’s Food served as the Power Partner. Supporting partners included The Grin, Pizza Art, Dashi, French’s, Wingal, Andaz Oil, United King, Crave Mart, SK Cookware, Aabe Dubai, Funches Mingles, Karve Mart, Runway Pakistan, GTV Network, and the CEBO Management Company.
Strategic collaborations were led by Skills Valley, Zaiqa Book, Foodies at Home, MCFD & MBV Group by Sara Noor, Karachi Kitchen Kahani, and Shikkarpur Business Club, all contributing to the empowerment of home chefs and entrepreneurs across Pakistan.
The CEBO Event Team — Anbareen Conain, Humaira Yousuf, Anum Yasir, Sunerah Danish, Samia Adil, Hurain Khan, and Nisha Raheem — worked tirelessly to ensure a seamless experience, supported by dedicated volunteers from Skills Valley and CEBO, including Sana Noori, Muhammad Sohaib Zaidi, Sadaf Noman, Nisha Rahim, Laiba Sohail, Ashr Sarfaraz, Sabeeh Nazeer, Muhammad Ali Khan Durrani, Komal Rubab, Joanna Roy, Muhammad Mudassir Arif, and Noorulain.
The entire event was beautifully organized and executed by A-Plans by Ayesha Farhat, whose creative direction added elegance and professionalism to the evening.
The esteemed panel of judges played a crucial role in upholding the standards of excellence and fairness. The panel included Chef Naufal Anjum, Chef Owais Sajjad, Chef Saira Haris, Chef Hina Arif, Chef Faiza Tahir, Chef Moazzam, Chef Mairaj, Chef Farah Humaiyn, Arif Shahab, Chef Farwa Zaman, Chef Waqar Akhtar, Chef Naeem, Chef Sara Farhan, Chef Arbaz Khan, Chef Asad Latif, Chef Arif Aziz, Chef Muhammad Asad, Chef Imran Khan, Chef Tanveer Hasan, and Chef Samia Lari. Their expertise and guidance ensured that every entry was judged with integrity, creativity, and culinary precision.
In her address, Chef Samia Lari expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants, sponsors, judges, and guests, stating, “CEBO continues to serve as a platform for empowerment, innovation, and opportunity. Our mission is to celebrate Pakistani talent and encourage every home-based entrepreneur to step forward with pride.”
The Grand Evening concluded with a joyful Cake-Cutting Ceremony, sponsored by Whippy Whip Cream & Bake House, joined by winners, teams, volunteers, strategic partners, renowned chefs, celebrity guests, and the entire CEBO community — marking a magnificent finale to a night of unity, achievement, and culinary brilliance.
