Ayesha Kalaji, AYALA Squaremeal Female Chef Series 2026 - Champagne Ayala

AYESHA KALAJI, AYALA Squaremeal Female Chef Series 2026

Chefs Engagés

With a longstanding commitment to the restaurant industry, Champagne AYALA has been a proud partner of Squaremeal since 2018, through the "AYALA SquareMeal Female Chef of the Year Series". An award highlighting the work and accomplishment of female Chefs on the english cooking scenery, accompanied by series of interviews. Meet Ayesha Kalaji, the 2nd chef interviewed in this 2026 edition of "AYALA SquareMeal Female Chef of the Year Series"

Ayesha Kalaji, AYALA Squaremeal Female Chef Series 2026 - Champagne Ayala

Ayesha Kalaji’s perfect match for AYALA Le Blanc de Blancs A/18

Pan-fried turbot with cumin and preserved lemon butter, seasonal greens, fennel fronds, foraged sea herbs, pickled magnolia, fermented wild garlic oil, and za’atar

« It pairs beautifully with Champagne because the citrus notes cut through the richness of the velouté. Fish and Champagne is always a great pairing, while the za’atar brings a savoury umami quality that matches the toasted, yeasty notes in the Champagne! »

Ayesha Kalaji, chef-patron at Queen of Cups

 

Read the complete interview on Squaremeal.co.uk