The emergence and prospect of Bangladeshi home chefs: Snippets from Milia Zaman’s story

Gino D'Acampo, an Italian celebrity chef, once said "Being a chef never seems like a job, it becomes a true passion." This passion must have been what propelled Milia Zaman towards her cooking venture in 2018.

"My cooking has always impressed my friends and family. Their support and encouragement are what inspired me to turn my passion into a profession," said Milia, when sharing the story of her journey as a home chef.

Now a home chef on Cookups, an online platform connecting diners to home chefs, Milia has been a part of the recent culinary revolution in Bangladesh, with the emergence of home chefs transforming traditional dining experiences and contributing significantly to the country's economy.

Home chefs in Bangladesh have significant prospects, as they cater to the rising demand for convenient, homemade, and diverse food options, driven by urbanisation and changing lifestyles. This sector also promotes entrepreneurship, particularly among women, contributing to economic growth and employment opportunities.

Global trends giving home chefs a platform

The emergence of home chefs is credited to global trends, which reflect a shift in consumer preferences toward personalised dining experiences. For example, home cooking rooted in cultural traditions increases exposure to diverse cuisines, raising the demand for authentic home-cooked meals.

Technological advancements have enabled home chefs to connect with consumers easily through Facebook and Instagram pages, recipe blogs, and YouTube channels. Again, the advantage of lower overhead costs has encouraged them to consider opening a business, presenting an earning opportunity.

Last yet remarkably important, the lockdowns during COVID-19 spurred people's interest in homemade meals, establishing a lasting trend that prevails to this day.

Home chef vs traditional restaurant: Where do they differ?

The key difference is that home chefs operate from their respective homes, whereas traditional restaurants have a physical establishment. This is why, unlike restaurants, home chefs can enjoy lower overhead costs and more customisation with their menus within a small capacity.

They rely heavily on digital platforms for marketing purposes. Like Milia Zaman, many start their official career on Cookups. On the other hand, restaurants conduct a medley of marketing activities to promote their businesses.

Impact on Bangladesh's economy: How do home chefs enter the economic landscape?

Lower overhead costs allow home chefs to attract customers by offering competitive prices, while maintaining quality. The economic impact extends to local suppliers and supports a network of small-scale food producers. Simultaneously, it empowers women, who can now turn their culinary skills into sustainable businesses, the profession contributing to a more inclusive and diverse entrepreneurial landscape in Bangladesh.

Home chef as a sustainable business concept: What is the prospect?

According to Milia, the prospect of the profession as a sustainable business concept is highly promising. Lower overhead costs, diversified offerings, flexibility and adaptability, community support, and digital platforms are some of the important factors in favour of the business sustainability.

However, the profession has its share of challenges. "The frequent fluctuation of ingredients' pricing and unethical practices in the produce market makes it tough to maintain our price level. In addition, unfortunately, the environment is not always safe for female cooks," said Milia.

Even then, she sees a bright future. "Of course, it is a physically demanding job. But if you can take this challenge by maintaining price, quality, and on-time delivery, it can be a lucrative career path," she added.

Finally, encouraging the enthusiasts to give it a shot, Milia said, "Everyone has their hidden talent. If your one is cooking, explore your potential and consider making it your career. You will love working for your passion!"

The writer is managing director of ARTIUS Limited