Chef Zarmina K

Born in the stunning Swat Valley of Pakistan and raised in Silver Spring, MD, Chef Zarmina’s culinary journey has been shaped by her family’s deep love of food.

From her father’s meticulous balance of salty and sweet to her Persian godmother’s unforgettable baklava, Zarmina’s early influences instilled in her a passion for crafting meals that warm the soul. For her, food is not just sustenance but a way to transport people—to a childhood memory, a distant place, or a cherished moment.

Her love for cooking took off in the professional world when she landed her first restaurant gig at Marcel’s by Robert Weidmaier in 2020. She may not have known the famous chefs gracing the Michelin Dinner early on (including Patrick O’Connell), but soon enough, she was creating masterpieces alongside them.

Over time, Zarmina rose through the ranks, eventually running the pastry program at Marcel’s, where she’s known for desserts that are just as delicious as they are beautiful. Her work has earned her recognition in the Washingtonian and Resy for a festive gingerbread-making happy hour, among other career highlights.

While she’s mastered everything from pastry to seafood, Zarmina’s heart sings for the bold and comforting flavors of Pakistani, South Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisine. The excitement of breaking down whole fish, basting proteins, and turning raw ingredients into extraordinary dishes is what keeps her grounded in the kitchen. Whether it’s the thrill of a high-stakes dinner service or the quiet satisfaction of using every part of the ingredient, Chef Zarmina finds joy in every moment.

Outside of the kitchen, you might find her lifting weights, cruising around in her classic JDM car, or tending to her tropical plants and herb garden. She’s a woman of many talents—including being double-jointed in her right hand (a talent she describes as both cool and "eww")—and loves sharing her food with friends and family. With aspirations to explore more of Northern Pakistan, Thailand, and beyond, she’s always ready for her next adventure.

When it comes to her catchphrase? Well, it’s simply, "HUH?"