5th CEBO Culinary & Hospitality Awards 2025 Celebrates Pakistan’s Culinary Excellence

Staff Reporter

Karachi: The 5th CEBO Culinary & Hospitality Awards 2025 lit up the Beach Luxury Hotel with a grand celebration of Pakistan’s vibrant culinary landscape. Organized by the CEBO Group under the leadership of Celebrity Chef Samia Lari, CEO and Founder, and Mr. Osama Lari, COO, the event gathered renowned chefs, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and hospitality leaders from across the country.

The evening opened with a Police Parade Band and a colorful Fly Sky Balloon Ceremony, setting the tone for an atmosphere of celebration and unity. Wajeeha Mustafa, TV news anchor and morning show host, led the ceremony with elegance, while Amara Siddiq moderated live masterclasses that showcased culinary artistry and innovation.

The Culinary Competition featured four major categories, celebrating talent and creativity across Pakistan.

• Pakistani Cuisine: Summiya Raheel, Aniqa Tahir, Zubia Faisal
• International Cuisine: Zahabiya Mustafa, Ghulam Fareed, Sofiya Memon
• Fusion Dessert: Anum Abbas, Saira Altaf, Arbish Fatima
• Cake Artistry: Chef Arif Salam, Tuba Adnan, Midhat Raheem

The Live Masterclass Series brought together world-class chefs, including Chef Babar Khan (Italian Cuisine), Chef Phonthawat Sutsanguan (Royal Thai Cuisine), Chef Simon Mushtaq (Chinese Cuisine), Chef Naeem (Fusion Desserts), and Chef Imran Khan (Turkish Cuisine) — highlighting Pakistan’s growing global culinary connections.

Distinguished guests included Mr. Surashete Boontiand, Consul General of Thailand; Mr. Sajeeva Pattiwila, Consul General of Sri Lanka; Mr. Zahid H. Kirani, Senior General of Diplomats; and business leaders Mr. Salman Aslam (CEO, Milky’s Food) and Mr. Saad Ahmed (Fotile Pakistan).

Fotile Pakistan served as the Presenting Partner, with Milky’s Food as Power Partner, supported by The Grin, Pizza Art, Dashi, French’s, Wingal, Andaz Oil, United King, Crave Mart, SK Cookware, Aabe Dubai, Funches Mingles, Runway Pakistan, GTV Network, and CEBO Management Company.

Strategic collaborations with Skills Valley, Zaiqa Book, Foodies at Home, MCFD & MBV Group by Sara Noor, Karachi Kitchen Kahani, and Shikkarpur Business Club helped promote home chefs and women entrepreneurs across Pakistan.

The event’s planning and execution, led by A-Plans by Ayesha Farhat, reflected a perfect blend of creativity and professionalism.

In her closing remarks, Chef Samia Lari said:

“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 evening concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony sponsored by Whipy Whip Cream and Bake House, bringing together winners, sponsors, and culinary icons to mark a memorable night of unity and achievement.