Shak Ahmad is a chef at Commonwealth Kitchen & Bar, as well as a creator, father, husband, and natural-born storyteller with a passion for turning simple ideas into unforgettable experiences. Known for his bold flavours, sharp eye for presentation, and high-energy leadership in the kitchen, Shak brings creativity, culture, and hustle into everything he does. From running the line and leading teams to building menus, brands, and viral food content, he blends chef life with a strong creative mind.
A former musician with an urban edge and a deep love for family, Shak’s journey is built on passion, pressure, and purpose. Whether he is creating dishes, designing concepts, supporting his wife’s aesthetics business, or making memories with his son, he moves with heart and ambition. Shak represents more than food — he represents resilience, originality, and the drive to keep building something bigger, one plate, one idea, and one moment at a time.
What first inspired you to become a chef, and how has your journey led you to Winnipeg?
Growing up with a huge family and watching the cookouts, taking pride in trying to learn all the different styles and cuisines, from a good old English breakfast to a juicy burger to a Pakistani Nihari and everything in between, I’d say the journey of life brought me to Winnipeg, but the people and the culture kept me here.
Who were some of your biggest influences, either chefs or family, in shaping your approach to cooking?
I’m originally British, so I have to say chef gordon Ramsey, but more closer to home, it’s always been amazing to watch how my mother has put together multiple dishes for any given number of people at a time.
What’s the story behind your restaurant — how did it come to life?
Commonwealth is home for me, the business culture and team morale that the bosses have created is just something I love being part of. With our globally inspired menu, I believe the gastro pub style has something to offer everyone.
How does the food culture of Winnipeg influence your cooking style or menu choices?
Winnipeg is such a mixing pot of amazing foods and foodies from all around the world, a lot of very interesting fusion cuisine.
What’s one local ingredient you can’t live without in your kitchen?
Has to be our Prince Edward Island oysters or our Manitoba-raised fresh beef.
If someone was visiting Winnipeg for the first time, what food experience would you insist they try?
So many interesting places to mention, there’s a huge scene for Middle Eastern food!
What restaurants, cafés, or hidden gems in Winnipeg do you personally love to eat at when you’re off-duty?
During the working week, simple, quick and easy spots like Mr Calzone or Blazing Chicken Shack or Wingz on Corydon or a quick shawarma wrap from Habibiz, but if I’m taking the wife out for a family meal, spots like Parcel Pizza or Cilantros for some butter chicken. Lots of great places in the city.
How do you think the dining scene in Winnipeg is different from other Canadian cities?
I feel there is so much cultural influence and heritage from all over the world. Winnipeg likes new and fusion foods; with so many foodie bloggers in the city, there is always somewhere new to try.
Where do you like to shop for ingredients locally — farmers’ markets, specialty shops, or a particular supplier?
We have amazing relationships with companies like Fresh Forage, where we get our fresh Begonias and chrysanthemum edible flowers, and Foodfare Premium Meats, who supply us with high-quality beef and the best wagyu beef available in North America.
Beyond food, what makes Winnipeg special to you as a place to live and work?
Definitely not the winters, but on a serious note, it has to be the people… it’s called friendly Manitoba for a reason, I love it here.
What’s next for you and your restaurant here?
As a chef, the goal is to keep my team at the forefront of my achievements as all my ideas come to life through them, from my sous chef to my prep manager and all my cooks on the line, we all strive to better our skills and keep providing innovative, interesting and tasty dishes for our customers to love and enjoy.
