Madiha Turshin reaches Favorite Chef 2026 semifinals

Canadian-Bangladeshi chef Madiha Turshin has reached the semifinals of Favourite Chef 2026, nearing the competition's final 16 contestants.

With only a few days of public voting remaining, she has sought support from voters in Bangladesh, Canada and the global Bangladeshi diaspora, according to a press release.

Presented by award-winning celebrity chef Carla Hall in support of the James Beard Foundation, Favourite Chef brings together thousands of chefs from around the world.

For Turshin, the competition is an opportunity to introduce Bangladesh's culinary heritage to a wider international audience while pursuing the title.

A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu's Grand Diplôme, an official member of Chefs Canada (National Culinary Association) and the founder of Yum Moments, Turshin presents Bangladeshi cuisine through contemporary culinary techniques while retaining its traditional roots.

"My signature is not a single dish but a style," she said. "I transform the flavours and traditions I grew up with into refined, contemporary experiences while staying deeply rooted in my heritage."

Her competition dishes include Verdure, Rohu à la Bengal, Comfort, Coloured, and Monsoon Tea and Memory.

The dishes explore how Bangladesh's culinary traditions have evolved through centuries of trade, migration, craftsmanship and cultural exchange. Together, they reflect her view of cuisine as a living narrative shaped by people, place and time.

Turshin said the competition could help bring greater international recognition to Bangladeshi food.

"I've watched talented Bangladeshi chefs compete internationally, only to leave before they had the chance to share the depth of our vibrant, scrumptious cuisine fully," she said.

"I don't want Bangladesh's story to end before the conversation even begins. This competition gives people around the world a reason to stop, look closer and discover a cuisine that deserves far more recognition."

If successful, Turshin plans to expand Yum Moments into a multidisciplinary culinary concept in Bangladesh combining gastronomy, culture, design, history and storytelling.

Her long-term plans include welcoming international chefs, researchers, artists, and travellers, creating opportunities for local culinary professionals, and contributing to Bangladesh's culinary tourism.

Supporters can cast one free vote every 24 hours. The competition also accepts donation-based votes, with the proceeds contributing to charitable fundraising initiatives associated with the James Beard Foundation.

Turshin hopes support from Bangladesh and the global Bangladeshi community will help her reach the Favourite Chef 2026 finals.