Saudi women who constitute half of Saudi society have a key role to play in the economic development of their country. Rising to leadership in every field, they hold positions, once considered impossible or beyond their capacity and this is especially true for the hospitality sector. Thirty five years ago, there were only a few female professionals in the regional hospitality industry. But the very nature of the catering business in restaurants, hotels or food shops has required a stronger presence for women in those establishments. In the last decade a great number of Saudi women have set up small catering business from their homes specializing in a variety of pastries and savory food ranging from Saudi cuisine, cup cakes, mini cheese cakes, finger sandwiches to homemade chocolates, etc.
However, Khalida Al Sulaiman, is probably the first Saudi female professional pastry chef to work for an international company in the Kingdom.
“This is definitely not for everyone. It is also completely different from doing your own thing, whether it is baking at home or owning a shop. It’s much more challenging. You have to learn how to be an ideal employee instead of going by your own rules. However, I must say that working for a company is the best option to grow as a professional and individual” she says.
Khalida Al Sulaiman who has always been a foodie, believes that the way you are raised, has a big impact on your connection with food. Always encouraged to taste by her parents, she became an adventurous eater, enjoying trying new things. But what prompted Khalida to attend cooking classes? “Funny story…I remember that my senior year in college was about to come to an end. During one of my classes, my professor decided to take the class outside and discuss “the now” and what we would like to accomplish in the future. I remember confessing to myself that art is my future. I thought…I want to create. I also knew that the elegance of French culture constantly inspired me. Then my friend Samaher turned to me and said: “ you know what Khalida, I can picture you attending a “Le Cordon Bleu” program. Right there and then, everything clicked. When the class ended, I went online and found out that there is a pastry program at “Le Cordon Bleu” in Massachusetts, and that simply looked like the perfect fit for me. I also remembered how much I enjoyed my senior year at Dar Al-Fikr, which was about cake decorating” Khalida says.
When Khalida moved back to Jeddah mid August 2011, she started to brainstorm and think about her job options. She was then approached by both, Paul’s owner and his pastry chef and started to work for Paul on Oct. 1, 2011 as chef de partie. She is in charge of the corporate production, looks after the pastry display as well as assists the head pastry chef. “Being a professional pastry cook requires skills, stamina, and so much energy. It’s tough. You start at the bottom, and you get so hungry to get to the top. To get from point A to point Z, you need to have so much drive and experience. You feel satisfied and proud of yourself as you progress. It is also amazing how much my job requires all your senses to work together simultaneously. It’s an art”
Besides the French baguette and croissants, Paul’s flagship items are the tarts, “éclairs”, “macarons” and “millefeuilles”. Despite Paul’s mouthwatering selection of French pastries, Khalida does not have a favorite cake, but, she acknowledges that she loves a good cheesecake. However, she is attracted to certain flavors and ingredients especially those used in Saudi sweets such as cardamom. “Using these items in pastries that have a French or American backbone is a great approach. I personally think that Saudi pastries should be made traditionally. I have tasted a few Saudi pastries that had a new “twist”, but unfortunately they did not inspire me”.
Khalida has only a few original recipes like the ‘Chocolate Cake with Brown Sugar Buttercream’. But she is hoping to start working on her own recipe book. And eventually her own business.
“I have a vision , but it’s not solid. Therefore, I won’t share it until the package becomes whole, tangible, and I get to say…this is perfect”, says Khalida.
The status of women is changing. More women are getting a higher level of education, working, and more are focusing on their skills and talents. As Saudi women enter gradually the labor force in the hospitality sector, their success takes mainly patience, perseverance and most of all, good humor. They also empathize with both employees and customers and have a particular flair for dealing with the public. Although the road to success is never free of obstacles for Khalida Al Sulaiman, her final motto is: “ Do what you love!”.
Khalida Al-Sulaiman: Rising chef
Khalida Al-Sulaiman: Rising chef
