Introduction
Chef Omar Al-Mashta is a renowned culinary expert, restaurateur, author, and television personality from Iraq. Born on September 28, 1978, in Baghdad, Iraq, he has become a household name in the Arab world, thanks to his remarkable achievements in the culinary industry. Chef Omar has a unique approach to food, combining traditional Iraqi dishes with modern cooking techniques and international flavors. This approach has earned him worldwide recognition and numerous accolades, including the Arab Food Award for Best Iraqi Chef in 2017.
Early Life
Chef Omar Al-Mashta was born into a family of food lovers. His mother was an excellent cook, and from a young age, he developed a passion for cooking. As a child, he would often help his mother in the kitchen, learning about traditional Iraqi cooking techniques and ingredients. His father, on the other hand, was an artist who taught him about the importance of creativity and innovation.
At the age of ten, Chef Omar’s family relocated to Germany, where he was introduced to a new culture and cuisine. He quickly adapted to his new environment, and by the age of thirteen, he was already cooking for his family. He would often experiment with new recipes and ingredients, combining German and Iraqi flavors to create unique dishes.
Education and Career
After completing his high school education, Chef Omar enrolled in a culinary school in Germany. He spent three years studying culinary arts, learning about different cuisines, and honing his cooking skills. After completing his studies, he returned to Iraq, where he worked in several top restaurants in Baghdad, including the famous Al-Mansour Hotel.
In 2003, the United States invaded Iraq, and Chef Omar decided to leave the country and move to Dubai. He saw this as an opportunity to further his culinary career and explore new opportunities. In Dubai, he worked as a chef in several top restaurants, including the Burj Al Arab, one of the most luxurious hotels in the world.
In 2011, Chef Omar opened his first restaurant, Al-Mashta Kitchen, in Dubai. The restaurant quickly became popular, thanks to his innovative approach to traditional Iraqi cuisine. His dishes were a fusion of traditional Iraqi flavors and modern cooking techniques, which appealed to the diverse Dubai audience. Al-Mashta Kitchen was a success, and Chef Omar continued to expand his business, opening several more restaurants in Dubai and other parts of the world.
Television Career
In 2014, Chef Omar was approached by the producers of the popular television show, MasterChef Middle East, to be a judge on the show. He accepted the offer and became one of the judges on the show, alongside other renowned chefs from the Middle East. Chef Omar’s presence on the show was well received, and he quickly became a fan favorite. His expertise in traditional Iraqi cuisine and his creative approach to cooking made him a valuable asset to the show.
In 2015, Chef Omar was offered his own television show, Omar’s Kitchen, which aired on the Dubai-based channel, MBC. The show focused on traditional Iraqi cuisine and showcased Chef Omar’s unique approach to cooking. Each episode featured a different Iraqi dish, and Chef Omar would take viewers on a culinary journey, explaining the history and cultural significance of each dish. The show was a huge success, and it helped to bring Iraqi cuisine to a wider audience.
In 2017, Chef Omar was invited to be a judge on the Arab version of the hit cooking show, Top Chef. He joined the show as a judge alongside other renowned chefs from the Arab world, including Lebanese chef Joe Barza and Syrian chef Mohamad Orfali. Chef Omar’s expertise in Iraqi cuisine and his innovative approach to cooking made him a valuable addition to the show.
