From introducing the cult-favorite Dezzato to now leading multiple food ventures like Dumbo Donuts, Murrads.pk and Fried.pk, Syed Muhammad Murrad Gillani is more than just a self-taught chef—he’s a storyteller, a style icon, and a creative powerhouse.

Known for his raw honesty, dramatic flair, and jaw-dropping personal transformation, Murrad brings a unique blend of culinary passion and visual narrative to everything he touches. Our editor sits down with the multi-hyphenate to talk about food, fitness, fashion, and the flavours of life that matter most.

You’re known as “The Self-Taught Chef”—what sparked your passion for food?

I think it all began with the way I was raised—in a family where eating out was frowned upon, and there was a deep-rooted belief that only home-cooked food was truly safe. That mindset pushed me to recreate at home all the things I wasn’t allowed to try at restaurants. Somewhere in that quiet rebellion, a passion was born—and the rest is history.

From Dezzato to *Dumbo Donuts*, *Fried.pk*, and now *Murrads.pk*—how do you decide what culinary concept to pursue next?

My process starts with identifying market gaps—spotting what’s missing or underserved. From there, I assess the resources I have and determine whether I can realistically bring the concept to life. It’s all about aligning opportunity with capability.

Your Instagram is as much about food as it is about fashion. What’s your personal style philosophy?

As I’ve grown older, my style has become more refined and minimal. I’ve moved away from flairy clothing and leaned into more conservative, timeless pieces. For me, the ultimate style statement is a well-built body—when your physique is on point, even the simplest outfit falls perfectly into place. I usually stick to solid blacks, whites, and deep blues, but I like adding a personal touch through accessories like bracelets.

What does a typical day of meals look like for you now?

My typical day revolves around hitting 150 grams of protein in the leanest form possible. I’m pretty consistent with it… until I spiral into a full-on cake bender. It’s kind of my thing, haha.

Your fitness journey is incredibly inspiring. What motivated your transformation?

My fitness journey is deeply tied to my love for fashion. It all started because I could never find clothes that actually fit me.

Where do you usually shop for clothes and accessories?

I usually rely on my siblings and cousins to bring me clothes from abroad. I’ve got all my sizes memorized across different brands—haha, it’s a whole system at this point!

What has been your biggest challenge in running food businesses in Pakistan?

There’s a serious lack of originality in the food industry here. People are far too quick to copy rather than create.

One outfit that truly felt “so you”?

Every time I put on a suit, I feel like a solid 100—no exceptions.

What’s the legacy you hope to leave behind?

I want my food to be a source of healing. The legacy I hope to leave behind is one where the industry embraces honesty, where food is treated with respect, and where we shift the way people see, feel, and connect with what they eat. I want my legacy to be rooted in compassion and serve as a reminder to lead with kindness. And if there’s one thing I hope to inspire, it’s for the world to be a little braver, a little bolder in chasing what truly matters.

Can we expect a cookbook, clothing line, or maybe a lifestyle brand from you in the future?

Yes, I definitely plan to step into clothing and lifestyle once I’ve built my foundation in food. I have a real passion for creating jackets and suits, and I already have a name in mind for the brand—**M-Tag**. Eventually, I’d also love to explore the world of interior design.