Who is chef Ibz Umar on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?
MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 continues on BBC One this week, and chef de partie and supper club co-founder Ibraheem "Ibz" Umar is one of the six chefs fighting for a place in the next round in the second heat.
The 28-year-old, who now lives in County Clare, Ireland, with his partner, faces Ben Black, Clara Lim, Filomena "Philly" D'Uva, Gregory Schaad-Jackson and Morteza Nouri in the second group of this year's MasterChef: The Professionals 2026 series, which features 24 chefs competing in groups of six.
Age at start of filming
28
Job role
Chef de partie and co-founder of Guatú, a Caribbean supper club
Chef background
Ibz came to cooking via a science degree.
Asked where he studied cooking, he said: "My degree is actually in Biomedical Sciences from King's College London, where I graduated in 2021, but I've developed my cooking skills on the job in professional kitchens."
On his first job, he said: "My first kitchen job was as a kitchen porter at the Sun of Camberwell in London."
He now works at the Armada Hotel in Spanish Point, County Clare, and is also the co-founder of Guatu', a Caribbean supper club and pop-up celebrating food, music and art.
On his career highlights so far, he said: "Working at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, Raymond Blanc's two-Michelin-star restaurant, was a huge career milestone. Co-founding Guatú has also been a real highlight: it gives me a way to bring my Caribbean roots to the table and create evenings where food, music and art all come together."
Who or what inspired you to become a chef?
"My family is at the heart of it, especially my mum and dad. They've both had a huge influence on who I am and the food I want to cook. My Guyanese and Jamaican roots give me so much to draw from, and cooking is a way of celebrating that part of me.
"I'm the eldest of nine siblings, so family is a big part of my life! I want my food to have that sense of generosity and togetherness, with plenty of flavour and a bit of personality. Making my parents proud means a lot to me."
How would you describe your style of cooking and influences on it?
"Caribbean at heart, with a bit of Brixton and the techniques I've picked up in fine dining. I love taking flavours connected to my family and giving them my own twist. A dish like Guyanese pepperpot is a good example of the food that excites me: deep flavour, spice and a real connection to my roots.
"My mum and dad are a big part of that influence. Living in County Clare has also got me excited about bringing those flavours together with Irish produce. I take cooking seriously, but I want eating it to feel relaxed and fun."
Three ingredients you can't live without?
"Lemon, chillies and olive oil."
What do you eat when you get back from service?
"Normally a South Asian curry! I work alongside a diverse team at the Armada, including lots of Sri Lankan chefs who cook traditional dishes for the brigade.
"We all sit down and eat together after service, then take the leftovers home to share with our families. It's such a lovely way to finish the day, and I get to enjoy food that means something to the people I work with."
Why did you want to take part in MasterChef: The Professionals?
"I wanted to see how far I'd come. I'd previously competed on MasterChef as an amateur and reached the quarter-finals, so returning as a professional felt like a chance to put all that kitchen experience to the test.
"I wanted to challenge myself, cook food that represents me and make my family proud. There's something exciting about going back into that kitchen with more experience, a clearer idea of your food and just as many butterflies!"
Outside of cooking, what are your passions?
"American football has been a big part of my life. I played for the London Warriors and won three national championships with them. I'm also into martial arts, including karate, judo and jiu-jitsu.
"Music and art are a big part of what I'm building with Guatú, and I love travelling, discovering food and spending time with my family and my partner. A good meal and good company will always win me over."
>>> Read more: MasterChef: The Professionals series 19: start date, judges and the full chef lineup
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Who is chef Ibz Umar on MasterChef: The Professionals 2026?
