Yale Sophomore Tarek Al Husseini Competes on Food Network’s Baking Show

Tarek Al Husseini, a sophomore at Yale University, is making waves as the youngest contestant on Season 12 of the Food Network’s “Holiday Baking Championship.” The show, which premiered on March 11, 2024, features twelve bakers competing for a grand prize of $25,000. Al Husseini stands out not only for his age but also as the only non-professional baker in the competition.

Al Husseini, who is also the head baker for Yale’s Pop-Up cooking club, first applied to the competition during his winter break after his freshman year. His previous experience includes being a runner-up on Season 7 of the “Kids Baking Championship” when he was just 13 years old. “I know how to play the game,” Al Husseini remarked about his competitive spirit and experience.

Filming for the show took place in Los Angeles over the summer. “Holiday Baking Championship” consists of eight weekly episodes airing every Monday night at 20:00, culminating in one baker being crowned the Holiday Baking Champion. Al Husseini’s journey back to the baking stage was prompted by a producer who had seen him on the earlier show. “I remember one of them asked me, ‘How old are you?’” he recalled, highlighting the encouragement he received to pursue opportunities in adult competitions.

To prepare, Al Husseini committed to memorizing his base recipes and practicing daily before the competition. He acknowledged that some of the older bakers initially questioned his abilities but expressed understanding of their skepticism. “At the end of the day, I can’t blame them for that,” he stated. As the competition progressed, he formed strong bonds with his fellow bakers, maintaining an active group chat even after filming.

At Yale, Al Husseini is majoring in Economics and Global Affairs, balancing academics with his passion for baking. His role in Pop-Up, a biweekly fine-dining experience, has allowed him to express his creativity. Anika Shethia, a fellow team member, noted his impressive skills and commitment, stating, “We ended up taking him on the baking team, and he turned out to be more skilled than I even thought.”

The audition process for Pop-Up mirrors that of “Chopped,” another prominent cooking show. Roxy Jones, a new member of the baking team, praised Al Husseini not just for his baking prowess but also for his mentorship, saying, “He’s just so original.” She highlighted his ability to guide others in transforming basic ideas into exceptional dishes.

Al Husseini’s leadership extends beyond baking. He advocates for increased funding for the Pop-Up baking team, showcasing his commitment to fostering growth within the group. Reflecting on his experiences, he shared, “I remember at one of the openings, someone came up to me and was like, ‘I’ve been to a lot of Michelin-starred restaurants… but this one is much better than a lot of the ones I’ve had.’”

Looking ahead, Al Husseini expressed a desire to blend his love for baking with other career interests. “Baking is not something I want to have as a career,” he explained, citing past burnout from selling baked goods during high school. He emphasized his interest in fields related to food, such as restaurant consulting or working with food companies in investment banking.

Al Husseini also noted the valuable professional connections he has made through the “Holiday Baking Championship.” “Every single one of them has offered, if I ever want to jump into the industry, I am welcome to text them and I could have a job in their kitchen,” he shared, highlighting the supportive community among competitors.

The first episode of the series featured a challenge where Team Nice created hot desserts while Team Naughty prepared cold ones, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. As Al Husseini continues his journey on “Holiday Baking Championship,” his dedication and enthusiasm for baking shine brightly, making him a contestant to watch this season.