In the bustling world of culinary arts, stories of passion and perseverance often stand out. One such tale is that of Nadwa Bawazir, known to her followers as @nana.kitchen on Instagram. Her transition from a karate instructor in Indonesia to an award-winning chef in Saudi Arabia is a testament to resilience, cultural fusion, and the power of social media.
A Mother’s Influence and Early Life
Nadwa’s foundation was built upon the unwavering support of her mother. She recalls, “My success now all started from my mother because she is the one person who always taught me to always be enthusiastic in life and not to complain to move forward.” This early encouragement instilled in Nadwa a drive to face challenges head-on and persist, even when the path seemed daunting.
Born into a Hadhem family in Indonesia, Nadwa grew up embracing both Indonesian and Hadhem traditions. Her initial passion was far from the kitchen—she held the esteemed title of “senpai” or teacher in karate. However, life had other plans. Marriage led her to relocate to Saudi Arabia, accompanying her husband who had spent his formative years there.
A New Beginning in Saudi Arabia
Relocating to a new country often comes with its set of challenges. For Nadwa, it was an introduction to the culinary world. As a wife in a new environment, she felt the need to familiarize herself with the kitchen. Her sister-in-law, Salamah (Allah Yirhamha), became her mentor, introducing her to the rich tapestry of Indonesian cuisine. This familial bond over food ignited a passion that Nadwa hadn’t anticipated.
Rising Through the Ranks: The Kingdom Chef Competition
Nadwa’s culinary journey took a significant turn when she participated in The Kingdom Chef, an international chef competition held in Riyadh. Demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication, she secured first place in the Chicken Product category, sponsored by Tanmiah. Her accolades didn’t stop there; she was honored with a Silver Medal from both the Saudi Arabian Chefs Association (SARCA) and the Saudi Arabian Chefs Table Circle (SACTC). These organizations are led by esteemed figures such as Yasser B. Jad, President of SARCA, and Thomas A. Gugler, President of Worldchefs (WACS).
Leveraging Social Media: The Power of @nana.kitchen
In today’s digital age, Nadwa recognized the potential of social media to share her culinary adventures. She launched her Instagram account, @nana.kitchen, with a mission to showcase traditional Indonesian dishes to a broader audience. “In Instagram, I want everyone to be able to know about traditional Indonesian cuisine that has many flavors and has a taste that I think is a taste that must be proud of,” she shares.
Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Influential figures in the culinary scene, including Misho Baeshen, Saudifoodeman, Dodiotaa, and Wedr, played pivotal roles in amplifying her reach. They introduced her to a wider audience, bridging cultural gaps and fostering a community passionate about diverse cuisines.
Overcoming Language Barriers and Family Support
One of the significant challenges Nadwa faced was the language barrier. Arabic wasn’t her strong suit, making communication and integration initially challenging. However, her children became her pillars of support. “From my children, I forget the shame to move forward despite the lack of language that I have,” she admits. Her two children, Dalal Madhi and Mbrk Madhi, stood by her side, encouraging her to persevere and embrace every opportunity.
A Dream in the Making: Authentic Indonesian Restaurant
With a clear vision in mind, Nadwa is now channeling her efforts toward establishing an authentic Indonesian restaurant in Saudi Arabia. She understands that this dream requires patience, continuous learning, and unwavering faith. “A dream that begins with patience and prayer and one word that is certain so that everything runs and continues to be successful is Bismillah,” she reflects, emphasizing her trust in divine guidance.
Lessons Learned and Words of Wisdom
Throughout her journey, patience has been a recurring theme. Nadwa believes that patience is the gateway to success, influencing every facet of life and work. She emphasizes the importance of trust and producing quality results. Her mantra revolves around leaving a lasting legacy, echoing the sentiment, “Elephant leaves its ivory, human leaves name.” She encourages others not to despair, reminding them that life’s challenges are temporary, and with faith and hard work, success is attainable.
Conclusion
Nadwa Umar Bawazir’s journey from a karate instructor in Indonesia to a celebrated chef in Saudi Arabia encapsulates the essence of resilience, adaptability, and passion. Through her culinary creations and digital presence, she continues to inspire many, bridging cultures and showcasing the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine to the world. Do follow her on Instagram.
