Danish The Younger Chef

From a young age, Danish learned how to cook by watching YouTube videos. He shared that his mother helped to develop his interest in cooking. “My mum decided to include me in the kitchen when she was preparing meals. She gave me kiddie utensils and let me cut vegetables using a plastic butter knife,” he said. Eventually, Danish was allowed to start cooking on his own while his mum helped to get ingredients and observed him in the kitchen.

“I remember the first recipe that I successfully prepared on my own when I was six. It was spaghetti bolognese, and my first dessert was caramel pudding.”  Soon, Danish wanted to learn how to create his own recipes and started tweaking and experimenting with various ingredients. He then asked if his parents would allow him to share his successful recipes and cooking videos on social media. “I try to make sure that the recipes are not complicated and fail-proof so it will be easier for everyone to follow.”  One of his earliest cooking videos was uploaded by his parents on Instagram in 2013, where a six-year-old Danish showed viewers how to prepare French toast using chocolate hazelnut paste and strawberries. “I never share incomplete or complicated recipes as I don't want my followers to spend a lot of time, money and effort just to fail. I want them to be able to learn how to do something new and enjoy their efforts, just as much as I did when I created the recipe.”

Danish has received some positive feedback about his recipes, including from budding entrepreneurs who shared that his recipes have inspired them to start their own food business. “They will contact me to ask for permission to use recipes like cookies or cakes to sell to others. I share my recipes for the greater good of the community. It feels great knowing that my recipes can help to generate income and improve people's livelihood, which is one of the reasons why I keep doing what I do right now.”

As Danish's work is on the Internet, he said that he is not immune to criticism. "I try not to share anything that could lead to negativity. Unfortunately, the Internet is a vast and open space, so people can say anything they want. I was not spared from getting negative comments but I always try to stay positive, brush it off and focus on doing better." Danish has also collaborated with various brands on recipe videos using specific ingredients. The income he receives from his collaborative work is channeled to his charity group. “I have extra funds and I intend to help in any way that I can. My focus is to help underprivileged students in rural areas and children with cancer.”  Danish has previously helped to provide new school uniforms for 20 students at SK Kuala Geris in Kelantan. Danish recalled that it was one of his favourite initiatives.

On a normal day, Danish is just another regular teenager who has homework and revisions to complete before he is allowed to experiment in the kitchen for more recipes. “Balance is the key to what I am doing right now. I'm thankful to my parents who have helped me come up with a schedule, which I've gotten used to” In future, Danish hopes to be able to organise more initiatives such as helping students living in rural areas. “My goal is to help as many people as possible with my little talent and using my social media platform. I hope I can inspire more people out there to share content on social media that can bring positive outcomes to those who need help.”