About

I grew up in Rasht, a city by the Caspian Sea where food isn’t just sustenance — it’s a way of life. Recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy, Rasht shaped me through its rich culinary heritage and the daily ritual of 1:30 pm family lunches. With two gifted home cooks for parents, my young palate traveled countless flavor journeys, grounding me in a love for tradition and taste.

 

After studying Art and Architecture, I moved to Toronto in 2016 in search of a new path. My first job in a healthy-food kitchen revealed how meditative chopping vegetables and simmering sauces could be. The moment I stepped into a professional kitchen, I knew I wanted to be a culinarian.

 

Since then, I’ve cooked under chef Susur Lee, led the kitchen of an intimate French bistro in Leslieville, and served as chef de cuisine at a retreat center in the Algonquin Highlands, where I saw firsthand how food, mindfulness, and mental wellbeing intertwine.

 

 

Today, my work is guided by a simple philosophy: create food that nourishes the gut, the mind, the mood, the eyes and the planet. I cook with respect for every ingredient, strive for a low-waste kitchen, and champion the seasonal bounty of local artisan farmers. Curiosity drives me, sustainability grounds me, and I approach every dish with an open heart.

 

At my core, I believe food can heal, comfort, and inspire, and I’m here to share that joy with others.