About Food with Fateha

Bringing authentic Bengali flavours to the heart of British cuisine.

Hello, I’m Fateha — a proud British-born Bangladeshi, mother of two young daughters, and a former teacher from Birmingham with over 20 years of experience in education. Today, I’m following a lifelong dream and pursuing my passion for food and cooking.

A Culinary Journey Inspired by Heritage

My love for food is deeply rooted in my Bengali heritage. My parents migrated from the Sylhet region of Bangladesh in the late 1960s, bringing with them the rich culinary traditions of our homeland. My father ran his own Indian restaurant, and my mother filled our home with the bold, vibrant flavours of traditional Bengali dishes — full of spices, fruits, and vegetables unique to Bangladesh.

Growing up, I was always curious and creative in the kitchen, blending the flavours of my culture with other cuisines. That curiosity eventually led me to apply for a show I’d admired for over a decade...

From the Classroom to the MasterChef Kitchen

In 2024, I had the incredible honour of being selected for MasterChef UK Series 20, where I proudly reached the quarter-finals. This once-in-a-lifetime experience gave me the confidence to take a leap of faith and transform my passion into a new career.

Applying for MasterChef was a personal tribute to my late father, who passed away in 2011. For years, I wondered why he never served our family’s Bengali recipes in his restaurant, opting instead for more recognisable Indian dishes. I joined the show to challenge that norm — to share the beauty and complexity of Bengali cuisine, and to show that South Asian food is more than just Indian food.

MasterChef allowed me to cook the dishes my father loved at home — recipes rich in emotion, heritage, and memory. I felt his presence with me every step of the way.

My Mission: Celebrating Bengali Cuisine in the UK

Now, through Food with Fateha, I’m on a mission to bring authentic Bangladeshi and Bengali flavours to the forefront of the UK food scene. I offer:

  • Private dining experiences
  • Supper clubs
  • Authentic Bengali cooking classes

Whether you're a food lover eager to try something new or someone who wants to reconnect with your roots through food, I’d love to cook for you or teach you.

Looking Ahead: A Dream in the Making

My long-term vision is to open a bespoke Bengali cooking school and publish my very own British Bengali cookbook — a tribute to the dishes of my childhood, my family, and my cultural identity.

Let’s Celebrate Food, Culture & Community

Follow me on Instagram @fateha_khanom_ali to join my journey, discover upcoming events, and explore the rich, diverse world of Bengali cuisine.

Thank you for being here. Let’s cook, connect, and celebrate flavour together.