In a candid interview with Chef Zarifah, the dynamic force behind Fluffy Chef, we explore the inspirations, challenges, and aspirations that shaped her journey. At just 28, Zarifah has already made a significant impact in the culinary world with her unique take on Italian cuisine at her restaurant, Fluffy Chef, located at 47 Arab Street.
The Fluffy Chef recently won the Diamond Awards, the Best Newcomer Award, and the Best Concept Restaurant Award at this year’s HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards. The Diamond Award is the pinnacle of the HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards, a distinguished award presented to extraordinary Halal dining establishments. celebrating culinary excellence. The Best Newcomer award is a testament to fresh talent and exciting culinary innovations, while the Best Concept Restaurant award celebrates innovation in the Halal culinary world. It recognizes establishments that not only serve exceptional food but also redefine the dining experience with unique and imaginative concepts at The Fluffy Chef.
HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards aim to recognize and promote exceptional halal dining establishments. The first HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards was held in Singapore on June 5 during a Gala Dinner. With a commitment to showcasing the diversity and richness of halal cuisine, the awards bring attention to establishments that excel in providing memorable dining experiences.
Check out the Winners Guide to find the full list of winners!
Now back to the story behind the successes of The Fluffy Chef.
Zarifah’s culinary journey began at a young age. As a child, she was a “busybody” in the kitchen, always eager to learn from her mother and grandmother, who specialized in Indian and Malay cuisine, respectively. This early exposure to diverse flavors laid the foundation for her passion for cooking.
"When I was 12, my family started buying me gifts like food processors and blenders. My oldest brother even bought me my first knife, which I still have today," Zarifah reminisced.
Despite her roots in Indian and Malay cooking, Zarifah gravitated towards Italian cuisine, largely influenced by watching Rachel Ray and experimenting with pasta dishes.
"I gravitate more towards Italian. Even though I went to school where they taught us Asian, Western, French, and Italian cuisine, I stuck to Italian food," she explained.
Fluffy Chef was born out of Zarifah’s desire to be her own boss and support her parents. Originally, she envisioned starting with a small kiosk, but her plans evolved, leading to the establishment of a full-fledged restaurant.
"The initial idea was a small kiosk, but somehow I made it bigger. Sometimes your plan doesn’t go as you planned," Zarifah shared.
The restaurant quickly became known for its sourdough pizzas, particularly the Truffle Brisket Pizza, which has become a crowd favorite. Zarifah’s creative use of ingredients like spinach, beetroot, and charcoal in her dishes adds a unique flair to the menu.
"We specialize in sourdough pizza here. The Truffle Brisket Pizza is our best-seller, with cream, mushroom, garlic, truffle, and brisket beef. It’s hearty and full of flavor," she described.
Zarifah’s love for experimentation is evident in her cooking. She enjoys playing with colors and vegetables, fermenting ingredients like spinach and beetroot to create distinctive sourdough bases for her pizzas.
"I like to experiment with these types of things. It’s fascinating that you can ferment something like spinach and beetroot to make the sourdough base," she explained.
Her passion for innovation extends beyond pizzas. Zarifah works closely with her pastry chef to develop new dishes, constantly refining and tweaking recipes until they meet her high standards.
"We collaborate and bounce ideas off each other to create new desserts. Most of the time, the third time is a charm," she said.
Fluffy Chef is not just about great food; it’s about creating a welcoming and homey atmosphere for diners. Zarifah’s vision for the restaurant is one where customers feel like friends and family.
"I want it to be very home-like, where me and my customers are like friends. We try to make them feel at home," she said.
This approach extends to her staff as well. Zarifah treats her team like family, ensuring a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork in the kitchen.
"I’m here every day, making sure everything is spot-checked. My demi chef is pretty good at maintaining quality, so anything that goes out tastes just like when I cook it," she noted.
Looking ahead, Zarifah has big plans for Fluffy Chef. She envisions opening multiple restaurants with different cuisines, possibly exploring Indian or Malay food, and even venturing into catering.
"Long term, I want to open up multiple Fluffy Chef restaurants with different cuisines. The next one might be Indian or Malay. I want to do something for my mom, who specializes in Indian food," she shared.
Zarifah is also considering expanding into Mediterranean and Arab cuisines, adding new dimensions to her culinary repertoire.
Through it all, Zarifah remains humble and grounded. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and not letting success go to one’s head.
"Always stay humble. Don’t let your ego take over. I’m very close to my staff and treat them like family. It’s important to stay humble and go with the flow," she advised.
Her philosophy extends to her interactions with customers and the broader halal food industry, where she hopes to see more diversity in cuisine offerings, such as Mexican and Spanish food made halal.
"I’d love to see more diverse cuisines, like Mexican food, in the halal food industry. There aren’t many good Mexican food spots in Singapore, and it would be great to change that," she added.
Fluffy Chef is more than just a restaurant; it’s a reflection of Zarifah’s passion, creativity, and commitment to her craft. With her innovative approach to Italian cuisine and her plans for future expansion, Zarifah is set to make a lasting impact on the culinary landscape in Singapore and beyond. For those seeking a warm, homey dining experience with unique flavors, Fluffy Chef is the place to be.
The Fluffy Chef
Address:
47 Arab St, Singapore, 199744
Opening Hours:
11am–10pm Daily
The HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards not only recognize excellence in Halal dining experiences but also celebrate the vibrant culinary scene in Singapore. From innovative concepts to traditional favorites, each award recipient represents the pinnacle of culinary artistry and dedication to delivering exceptional dining experiences.
As we reflect on the remarkable talents and establishments honored in 2024, like The Fluffy Chef, we eagerly anticipate the next chapter of culinary innovation. We invite you, our valued readers and fellow food enthusiasts, to be a part of shaping the future of Halal gastronomy in Singapore.
Share your voice by nominating your favorite restaurants and chefs for the 2025 HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards.
Nominate now and be a part of this exciting journey towards culinary greatness!
