Introduction
Ahmed Al-Makki is a renowned Iraqi chef, born and raised in the city of Baghdad. He is famous for his unique culinary style, which blends traditional Iraqi cuisine with modern techniques and ingredients. Ahmed Al-Makki’s culinary journey began at a young age, inspired by his mother’s cooking, who was also an excellent cook. He pursued his passion for cooking and gained extensive experience by working in various restaurants and hotels in Iraq and other countries. Today, he is a well-known figure in the culinary industry, and his restaurants have won several awards and accolades. In this biography, we will take a closer look at Ahmed Al-Makki’s life, his journey, and his achievements.
Early Life and Education
Ahmed Al-Makki was born on June 10, 1978, in Baghdad, Iraq. He grew up in a large family of eight children, where food was an essential part of their daily life. His mother, who was an excellent cook, inspired him to pursue a career in the culinary industry. He developed an interest in cooking at a young age and started experimenting with different ingredients and flavors.
After completing his high school education, Ahmed Al-Makki decided to pursue a career in the culinary arts. He enrolled in the College of Culinary Arts in Baghdad, where he received formal training in cooking, baking, and pastry making. During his studies, he also worked part-time at a local restaurant, which gave him practical experience and helped him hone his skills.
Career
After completing his studies, Ahmed Al-Makki began his career in the culinary industry. He started working as a chef at a local restaurant in Baghdad, where he gained valuable experience in cooking traditional Iraqi dishes. He then moved to Dubai, UAE, where he worked at a luxury hotel as a sous chef.
In 2005, Ahmed Al-Makki moved to London, UK, to work at a Michelin-starred restaurant. He spent several years working in different restaurants in London, gaining exposure to various cuisines and cooking styles. During this time, he also attended several cooking courses to enhance his skills and knowledge.
In 2010, Ahmed Al-Makki returned to Iraq and opened his first restaurant in Baghdad, called “Al-Makki’s Kitchen.” The restaurant offered a unique blend of traditional Iraqi cuisine with a modern twist, which quickly gained popularity among the locals and tourists alike. The success of his restaurant led Ahmed Al-Makki to open several more restaurants in Iraq and other countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Ahmed Al-Makki’s culinary style is inspired by his Iraqi roots and the different cuisines he has encountered during his travels. He is known for his use of fresh, high-quality ingredients and his attention to detail in every dish he creates. His dishes are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavors and aromas that leave a lasting impression on diners.
Achievements
Ahmed Al-Makki’s culinary achievements have been recognized both nationally and internationally. In 2012, his restaurant “Al-Makki’s Kitchen” won the Best New Restaurant Award at the Iraqi Culinary Awards. The following year, he was awarded the Iraqi Chef of the Year Award by the Iraqi Culinary Association.
In 2015, Ahmed Al-Makki’s restaurant in Dubai, “Al-Makki’s Kitchen,” was awarded the Best Middle Eastern Restaurant Award by the Dubai Food Festival. The same year, he was also invited to participate in the International Culinary Exhibition in Paris, where he showcased his culinary skills and presented his signature dishes.
