Saleem Rashid with his site Zainab and mother-in-law Yasmin Ismail, whose mutton dhall gosh has more than 12 million view online.
Cooking for 52‑year‑old Saleem Rashid of Clare Estate in Durban began as a necessity for survival, then became a passion, and is now a business and career move.
Orphaned as a young boy when his mother passed away, Rashid was placed in an orphanage. The teenager took to cooking when he moved in with Zainab Botha, an elder sister. Together they would make samosas to sell to the community in Pietermaritzburg.
“I grew up as an orphan and living with my sister inspired me to cook as she was and still is an excellent cook. She was a true master in samosa making and taught me her unique skills. Everything stemmed from there,” said Rashid.
Twenty‑six years ago, while working as a driver at a pizza establishment, Rashid met his wife, who was a cashier at the pizza place. Building a family with his wife and mother‑in‑law, Yasmin Ismail, Rashid furthered his understanding of spices and cooking.
