Photo Credit: Nataly Lee
Hi! I’m Maryam. I’m an international educator and food writer based in Manila, Philippines.
I started the website, Pakistan Eats, as a tribute to a cuisine that has been a bridge between my heritage, family and adopted homes. In 2017, Pakistan Eats was a finalist for Saveur Blog Awards Best New Voice and in 2018, won the Saveur Editors’ Choice for Best Food Culture. In 2021, it was selected by the Library of Congress to be parts of its Food and Foodways Web Archive.
Since starting Pakistan Eats, I have served as Penguin Random House TASTE magazine’s first Cook In Residence. I have reported on Juarez, Mexico’s changing culinary landscape, the impact of Afghan refugees on Islamabad’s dining scene, and Cambodia’s dying sea salt farms. I have been cited by Bon Appetit, Eater and The New York Times. I am currently working on a cookbook focused on Pakistani food with Hardie Grant.
I completed my Bachelor’s in Social Science from Lahore University of Management Sciences and MPA from Cornell University. I have lived and worked in Cambodia, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, and the United States. I was born and raised in Islamabad, Pakistan.
If you are interested in working together, please e-mail me at maryam.jillani@gmail.com.