Reema Almuqbil didn’t fall in love with cooking at a family table. Instead, her journey began quietly, alone, sneaking into the kitchen late at night as a child. Those stolen moments—covered in flour, guided by instinct—sparked a passion she wouldn’t fully recognize until much later. Today, Reema (@chef.reema.sa) stands as one of Saudi Arabia’s most inspiring pastry chefs, not because she chased the limelight, but because she walked away from it.
Her journey is one of courage, creativity, and quiet rebellion—a story for anyone who’s ever felt out of place in their chosen path but dared to start over.
Breaking the Mold: Choosing a Different Path
While many chefs have stories rooted in family tradition or culinary legacies, Reema’s path was far less conventional. Initially enrolled in interior design school, she felt the pull toward something different during one of the most uncertain times in recent history—COVID-19. The world was shutting down, but something inside her was opening up.
“I left design school to pursue something that truly called me,” she says. With no formal kitchen experience, she joined Hilton Hotels, a leap that felt both exciting and intimidating. Surrounded by seasoned chefs, Reema was a beginner in every sense. But rather than feeling discouraged, she allowed the challenge to fuel her. Every shift in the kitchen was a lesson in discipline and growth.
The Switzerland Leap: Chasing Mastery
Driven by the desire to turn her passion into something professional, Reema made another life-changing decision: moving to Switzerland. There, she pursued a bachelor’s degree in International Business, Pastry, Bakery, and Chocolate Arts—an elite program known for training chefs in both the culinary and business sides of gastronomy.
She also trained in Michelin-starred kitchens, witnessing firsthand how pastry could be more than just food—it could be art. “Pastry blends discipline with creativity,” she reflects. “It’s not just about taste. It’s about expression, structure, and emotion.”
Despite being in the heart of the fine-dining world, Reema stayed grounded. She wasn’t in it for fame. Instead, she focused on mastering her craft and listening to the passion that began in her childhood kitchen.
Bake a Boo: Home, Heart, and Purpose
After completing her studies abroad, Reema returned to Saudi Arabia and made a bold move—she turned down opportunities in high-end establishments to work in a small local bakery: Bake a Boo. Today, she leads the kitchen as head pastry chef, overseeing menu development and quality control. For Reema, it was never about titles or luxury—it was about building something with heart.
“Saying no to big names wasn’t easy,” she admits. “But choosing passion over prestige reminded me why I fell in love with this craft in the first place.”
Her role at Bake a Boo is more than just baking. She’s involved in operations, planning, and team development. It’s a role that stretches her abilities, preparing her for the next chapter—owning and running her own business one day.
Why Growth Comes from Discomfort
One of the strongest themes in Reema’s story is growth through discomfort. From having zero experience in professional kitchens to leading one now, her rise has been anything but traditional. But in every challenge, she found a lesson.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned is that growth comes from discomfort,” she says. “It taught me to embrace every step, even the hard ones.”
That mindset is now deeply embedded in her work ethic. Reema brings intention into everything she does—whether it’s designing a new pastry or mentoring junior bakers. Her journey is proof that it’s never too late to find your calling and that every tough moment builds the confidence needed to lead.
Redefining What It Means to Be a Saudi Chef
As a Saudi female chef, Reema is part of a powerful new movement—one that aligns closely with Vision 2030. More women are entering industries once considered off-limits, and Reema is among those leading the charge in the culinary space.
She wants to be remembered not just as a talented pastry chef, but as someone who helped carve out a space for others. “I hope to show that people from my home, especially women, are more than capable of becoming professional chefs and leading change in this industry.”
Her work is a reflection of ambition with purpose—a deep commitment not just to craft, but to country and culture.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Looking back, Reema often thinks about her younger self—the curious girl who played with ingredients under the moonlight, not knowing where it would lead. If she could go back and offer a message, it would be filled with hope and encouragement.
“I’d tell her: You will get there. You’ll earn that degree, work with the best, and find your voice. Most importantly, you’ll use that voice to inspire change.”
And that’s exactly what she’s doing now. Her story has already touched many young Saudi women who dream of forging their own paths, and her social media (@chef.reema.sa) gives a glimpse into the life of a woman pursuing her dream on her own terms.
What’s Next for Reema?
Currently, Reema continues to innovate at Bake a Boo, bringing fresh ideas and flavors to the table. Each day in the bakery is a step forward in her bigger plan—launching her own brand, rooted in quality, creativity, and Saudi heritage.
She’s also actively learning the business side of things—planning, team management, logistics—all skills she’ll need to eventually run her own successful pastry business. In every aspect, she is preparing not just to create desserts but to create legacy.
The Legacy She’s Building
Reema’s story isn’t about an overnight success. It’s about years of quiet determination, courageous pivots, and relentless self-belief. Her achievements go far beyond the pastries she crafts—they lie in the inspiration she brings to others.
By choosing a different path, Reema is helping shape a new narrative for Saudi chefs, especially women. She’s showing that excellence doesn’t require a spotlight, only purpose. And in doing so, she’s laying the foundation for a future where creativity, leadership, and tradition all blend together—just like the perfect dessert.
Also read: Protected: From Egypt to Fame: Kareem Atef’s Inspiring Journey
