Those who received the "Yes" card in Dhaka South could be forgiven for momentarily resting on their laurels. After all, they had just been chosen from hundreds of applicants. However, this was only the first step; the baby step. In the horizon, the real challenge awaited. When asked how the participants wish to prepare when they don't even know what is to come, the answer is simple enough; commitment and the work ethic to deliver to the best of their ability. In a way, they grasped the essence of what this competition is all about: self-belief. 

Fatima Abedin, a journalist who currently works in the lifestyle section of Bangla Tribune epitomises this concept of self-belief. She has joined the competition because she firmly believes in her culinary abilities. "I believe in my cooking. I did not do any course or have any formal training but I learned from my mother and I have faith in my skills," she says. Praised by her friends and colleagues for her kitchen creations, Fatima's confidence has been built over years of trial and error. Could her confidence be the ace up her sleeve, when all the cards are dealt? In terms of strategies though, Fatima takes a more pragmatic approach, shrugging off the abstract for something that can be displayed without question. "My best skill is that I can cook fast. I can think fast on my feet and that is one thing I really think will help me immensely," she says. 

Dr.Tonni Chowdhury, another winner from Dhaka, echoes similar sentiments. "I can innovate when needed and thus work well under time limitations," Dr.Tonni, a physician and health researcher says. While it bodes well for her that the last Super Chef was also on her way to becoming a doctor and it was Umme Kulsum's famous cool that got her the crown last year, the 2015's Super Chef's culinary skills were also unmatched. Could Dr.Tonni boast the same? "I have always been interested in trying out new recipes, focusing on different European cuisines. I also learn very quickly," she says when explaining what qualities separate her from the herd. Dr. Tonni is passionate about cooking, as expected and she also affirms that she can work outside her comfort zone, which may be a factor when the competition heats up and homesickness begins to set in. 

Another participant to look out for is Sadekin Haider. A first year intermediate student, Sadekin is a self-taught chef, who learned from watching TV and following his aunts and grandmother around the kitchen. "Since both my parents worked, me and my elder brother were left home alone and sometimes when we didn't feel like eating the prepared food, we'd make something ourselves," he recalls. When he saw the call for Super Chef auditions on Facebook, he knew this was for him. "It's not only about winning. This is a great experience by itself and if I ever wanted to know how I really fare as a chef, then this is the place to find out," he explains. Sadekin too has belief in his abilities and he singles out his creativity as the tool that may help him outlast all the others. 

How far will these three individuals fare? Will one of them go to the very end? Will self-belief be enough in a competition were the slightest mistake means elimination and were past achievements are as fleeting as the weather? Join us in the Super Chef kitchen to find out for yourself!

By Osama Rahman
Photo: Md Kawser