CHEF AÏMEN SAMHOUD

French Tunisian chef Aïmen Samhoud, winner of MBC Top Chef 2022, currently leads the  kitchen at Fairmont Grand Hotel Genève, here he tells us more about his remarkable journey and invaluable experience during his time on the show.

What inspired you to become a chef?

My passion for food, which was nurtured by my mother, ignited my desire to become a chef. Growing up in a family that valued home-cooked meals, we rarely dined out or ate frozen food. I consider myself fortunate, as our meals were sourced directly from the farm, including milk, eggs and chicken. As a child, I didn’t fully grasp the importance of this privilege. However, my fascination with the kitchen and the questions I addressed my mother about recipes showcased my budding curiosity. This passion deepened when I enrolled at the renowned Paul Augier College in my hometown, Nice. It was during my first professional experience in the culinary industry that I realized being a chef was my true calling.

What inspires you in the kitchen?
My mother and two-Michelin-star chef Marcel Ravin have been profound sources of inspiration for me. However, my diverse experiences at countless restaurants and extensive travels have shaped my culinary journey. Experiences at renowned establishments in the United States, prestigious hotels in Cannes, Monaco and Sweden, have all contributed to my growth. Yet, my mother and Marcel Ravin defined the person and chef I have become today. I am forever grateful to them, as they have helped me uncover my identity. When you dine at my restaurant, you get a sense of all my experiences, as they have become an integral part of my culinary expression.

What was the greatest challenge you faced on Top Chef? 
Time was extremely hard to manage on Top Chef. I wasn’t aware that one or two hours, even 30 minutes, could pass by in a glimpse of an eye. Furthermore, each challenge had its own difficulties; some of them were incredibly memorable. For example, when they invited two-Michelin-starred chef Sebastien Vauxion, who prepared a three-course menu. I remember thinking that his style of cooking was similar to mine and saying to myself that despite the difficulties, I would win — I was right about that. Finally, preparing 12 courses in two and a half hours with six chefs was one of the hardest yet most enjoyable experiences in my life.

What was the most memorable moment for you during the show?
The most memorable moment was when they invited mothers to the kitchen. My mother hates traveling; the furthest she has ever traveled by plane was from Nice to Tunisia. But because mothers are capable of anything for their children, mine ended up taking three planes and traveling 10 hours to come support me. That is something I will never forget. I also have fond memories of the second episode, which I won because I love fashion. I love wearing stylish clothes, so this episode suited me perfectly.