Sweet win

Cake artist Nadia Aslam, the only Goan at the Asia Cake Oscars 2025 in Sri Lanka, recently took home the Cake Artist of the Year title

RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT BUZZ

When Nadia Aslam from Taleigao, enrolled in a baking class, she wasn’t looking for a career. She simply wanted to revisit something she had once enjoyed. Years earlier, as a Home Science student, she had baked pies and tarts as part of her college training. But after marriage and the birth of her children, baking took

a backseat.

That changed when her youngest child turned three. “Something in me nudged me to go back,” she recalls. “It was just a class to brush up, but I didn’t know it would change my life.” Today, Nadia is a cake artist, baking educator, and the founder of Nadia’s SweeTooth Studio. She recently brought home the Cake Artist of the Year title at the Asia Cake Oscars 2025, held in Sri Lanka.

The opportunity came through an open nomination process where cake artists from across Asia could apply in up to three categories, including wedding cakes, sugar flowers, buttercream artistry, and teaching. Nadia nominated herself in the Cake Artist, Wedding Cakes, and Teacher categories.

While she wasn’t selected in the teaching category, her work stood out in the Cake Artist segment, a category that spans a wide range of skills, from wedding and birthday cakes to buttercream and whipped cream techniques.

Finalists were evaluated by a panel of industry experts with decades of experience. Judging was based on technique, presentation, innovation, online presence, and customer feedback. “My Google profile has over 550 five-star reviews, and I’m particular about neatness. That may have made the difference.”

Though it was her first time entering such an event, Nadia hadn’t expected to win. “I’ve always been hesitant and self-critical, but I’m glad I gave it a shot.”

This third edition of the awards saw participation from countries like Iran, Maldives, and Malaysia. Nadia was the only participant from Goa, among the group representing India that included artists from Kolkata, Noida, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kanpur, and other cities. “It was an emotional moment, not just for me and my family, but for Goa. Representing the state and winning on such a big platform was a huge honour.”

She was also invited to serve as a judge at the event’s live cake competition, hosted by SLICCA—the Sri Lanka Institute of Confectionery and Culinary Arts, which also organised the Asia Cake Oscars. The invitation, she says, came as a surprise.

Nadia judged the open category alongside a fellow judge from the Maldives, assessing entries from bakers outside the host institute. “Judging was much tougher than I imagined. We focused on techniques, presentation, and colour combinations. One cake had seven techniques, another 20, and another 21. It was incredibly detailed work.”

Looking back on the experience, Nadia described it as “overwhelming” and “unforgettable”. “Being among top artists from across Asia and returning home with this title, it’s something I’ll always cherish.”

How it all began

Nadia’s baking venture began with a simple request from a friend to bake a cake for a special occasion. The design featured two joined hearts, something she had never attempted before. She handcrafted chocolate butterflies and leaves, and the cake was a hit. “The response was great. That cake gave me a confidence I didn’t know I had.”

Soon, word spread. Orders started coming in, first from friends, then from their extended circles. Encouraged by the growing interest, she launched Nadia’s SweeTooth, a name suggested by her mother, and began sharing her work online. “Starting the Facebook page was a turning point. That’s when people really began to notice my cakes.”

While her creations may look effortless, Nadia is quick to point out the work behind them. “There’s so much behind each cake, planning, baking, decorating, packaging, sometimes even delivery,” she says.

Goa’s climate brings its own challenges. “Fondant requires air-conditioning. If the power goes out, especially during monsoon, cakes can start to sweat. It can get stressful.” However, the feedback keeps her going. “When clients say their children didn’t want to cut the cake or couldn’t stop staring at it, that’s the real reward.”

As her reputation grew, so did interest in her methods. Though she never saw herself as a teacher, Nadia has now trained over 1,000 students across India, many of whom have gone on to launch their own baking ventures. “When you share a skill, it grows. I always tell my students to bake with heart.”

To women who feel uncertain about their path, she offers gentle encouragement: “Don’t ignore your hidden talents. You don’t have to choose between your family and your dreams,” she says. “If I could turn a forgotten hobby into a fulfilling career, so can you.”