Shaheda Yesmin is a distinguished culinary curator who has brought international recognition to Bangladeshi cuisine. Through her achievements, she has elevated Bangladesh’s presence in the global culinary arena with pride and excellence.
She currently serves as the Coordinator for South Asia and President of the Bangladesh Chapter of the World Association of Master Chefs (WAMC), Australia. In addition, she has been appointed as the Bangladesh Ambassador of CFS International. Shaheda is also an International Judge (Level 4), reflecting her expertise and leadership in the culinary field.
Shaheda Yesmin is the author of the internationally acclaimed cookbook Life on a Plate, a publication that redefines the image of Bangladeshi cuisine on the world stage. The book celebrates a new culinary vision of Bangladesh, combining authenticity with innovation. A unique feature of this book is that it can be read in any language through QR codes provided with each recipe.
Her cookbook received the Best of the Best Cookbook Award 2024 from the Gourmand Awards, presented on 22 July 2025 during the World Food Summit in Cascais, Lisbon, Portugal — a testament to its global excellence and impact.
Born in Gopalganj District, Bangladesh, Shaheda’s early life was deeply rooted in Bangladeshi culture. Inspired by the rich culinary heritage of old Dhaka, she developed a passion for preserving traditional flavors while creatively exploring new techniques.
In 2006, she completed a Diploma in Asian Cooking from the Institute of Culinary Education, New York. In 2008 she focused on Thai cuisine and did The Master Chef Course in Bangkok, Thailand. Her culinary journey blends professional mastery with cultural storytelling, making her one of the prominent advocates of Bangladeshi gastronomy worldwide.
She regularly contributed recipes to The Daily Star, sharing her knowledge and promoting Bangladeshi cuisine to a wider audience. Her cookbook Life on a Plate features both authentic recipes and creative fusions of Bengali cuisine, which earned her international acclaim.
Achievements
- Executive Member, World Association of Master Chefs (WAMC) – June 2020
- Country President, World Association of Master Chefs (WAMC) – November 2020 and Coordinator for South Asia.
- Accredited International Judge (Level 4) – November 2020
- Best of the Best First Cookbook Award, Gourmand Awards – June 2025
