How a Nepali expat went from cleaning toilets to becoming a Dubai chef

Dubai: The first thing Shyam Ghimire learned about building a future in Dubai was that sometimes, you have to start with the jobs nobody dreams of doing.

Ghimire has come to the UAE from Nepal with a simple purpose, to find better opportunities, build a future, and support his family. At the same time, he has carried a childhood dream of becoming a chef.

Four years after arriving in Dubai, that dream has become his profession. But when he looks back at the journey, he does not separate the chef he is today from the worker he once was.

“I never allowed where I started to define where I could go,” Ghimire told Gulf News.

Childhood dream

Ghimire’s love for the culinary world has started back home. Growing up in Palpa, Nepal, he has watched his father work as a chef. The sight of him working in the kitchen has stayed with Ghimire and inspired his own ambition.

“I’ve always dreamed of one day building my own career in the culinary world,” exclaimed Ghimire. 

However, dreams do not always begin where they are expected to end. Ghimire’s first jobs in Nepal have been cleaning toilets, washing dishes, and carrying out difficult back-of-house duties.

When he came to Dubai in 2022, he has continued doing similar work. For someone who wanted to become a chef, it has felt like a long way from the goal.

Starting from scratch

Like many newcomers, Ghimire had to find his place in an unfamiliar job market. Without strong connections or much local experience, he has taken on physically demanding work.

“There were days when I was washing dishes and cleaning toilets, I reminded myself that I had come to the UAE for an opportunity and to support my family. I tried not to feel ashamed of any honest work,” recalled Ghimire.

Instead of wondering how he could leave the job, he has begun asking what he could learn from it. He has watched the chefs, observed, learned, and waited for his chance.

One step at a time

Ghimire did not become a chef overnight. His progress has come through experience, training, and a willingness to keep learning. Whenever there was an opportunity to develop his skills, he grabbed it.

“I kept telling myself that my current job was not necessarily my final destination,” shared Ghimire.

The UAE’s diverse hospitality industry has given him the opportunity to learn from people from different backgrounds and gain hands-on experience in professional kitchens.

Slowly, the dream that has started in Palpa began to look less like a distant ambition and more like a possible future.

‘The UAE gave me an opportunity’

For Ghimire, Dubai has become the place where he was able to turn an ambition into a career. Professionally, he has noted that the UAE gave him the opportunity to work in a competitive environment, improve his skills, and gain practical experience.

Personally, life away from home has made him more independent and taught him responsibility and patience.

“The UAE has given me opportunities to grow that I am very grateful for. It taught me that if you are willing to work hard, remain patient, and keep learning, there are chances to progress,” explained Ghimire.

Today, he is proud to be one of the leading chefs at Naughty Pizza in Dubai. And because he remembers where he started, he has appreciated the role even more.

“I did not have a shortcut. I learned the hospitality industry from the ground up.”

Giving back

Reaching his goal has not been the end of Ghimire’s journey. It has paved the way for him to look back.

He has remembered the difficulties he faced and the people who helped him along the way. That is why he now tries to help others whenever he can.

“The UAE has given me an opportunity to build my career, support my family, and grow as a person, so I believe it is important to share whatever blessings come my way with others,” stated Ghimire.

He has contributed towards medical and treatment expenses for families struggling financially and supported students whose families cannot afford tuition fees.

Ghimire has understood how difficult it can be when illness affects a family and money becomes another source of worry.

“If I am in a position to help ease even a small part of that burden, I feel that I should.”

He does much of this quietly. There has been no expectation of recognition. For him, it has been about gratitude.

“It is simply my way of giving back and showing gratitude for the people who helped me when I was still struggling and trying to build my own life. I know that I did not reach where I am today alone.”

Ghimire’s definition of success has therefore grown. Once, his dream has been to become a chef. Now, he has wanted his success to mean something beyond his own career.

“In my own small way, I want to contribute to that spirit of compassion, community, and helping one another.” 

‘Pay that kindness forward’

There is a particular message Ghimire wants newcomers to the UAE to hear. Do not be embarrassed by your first job. Do not assume that a difficult beginning means a difficult future. And do not give up on the dream just because the first step looks nothing like the destination.

“Do not be discouraged by where you start. The UAE is a place of opportunity but you also have to be ready to work for that,” said Ghimire.

In addition, he has highlighted that you may not be able to choose where you start but you can choose whether you keep moving.

“Keep going, keep learning, and never forget the people who helped you along the way. And when you are finally in a position to help someone else, pay that kindness forward.”