Sarmad Al-Shaibani is a well-known Iraqi chef who has gained immense popularity in the culinary world. He is known for his ability to blend traditional Iraqi cuisine with modern flavors and techniques. His creativity and expertise in the kitchen have earned him numerous accolades and recognition in the industry.
Early Life and Education
Sarmad Al-Shaibani was born in Baghdad, Iraq, in 1974. He grew up in a family that was passionate about cooking and food, and his love for cooking began at a young age. As a child, he would watch his mother and grandmother prepare traditional Iraqi dishes and was fascinated by the flavors and aromas that filled their home.
Al-Shaibani attended Al-Mustansiriya University in Baghdad, where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering. After completing his studies, he worked in the construction industry for several years. However, he soon realized that his true passion was cooking, and he decided to pursue a career in the culinary arts.
Career in the Culinary World
Al-Shaibani began his culinary career by working in various restaurants in Baghdad, where he gained valuable experience and honed his skills in the kitchen. He then moved to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he worked as a chef in a high-end hotel. During his time in Dubai, he learned about international cuisine and gained exposure to different culinary techniques and styles.
In 2003, Al-Shaibani returned to Iraq and opened his own restaurant in Baghdad called “Alwan Al-Baghdadia,” which quickly became a popular destination for food lovers in the city. The restaurant featured traditional Iraqi dishes with a modern twist, and Al-Shaibani’s innovative approach to cooking earned him a loyal following.
Despite the challenges of operating a restaurant in a war-torn country, Al-Shaibani was determined to succeed. He continued to innovate and experiment with new flavors and techniques, and his restaurant became a symbol of hope and resilience for the people of Baghdad.
In 2011, Al-Shaibani was invited to participate in the “Middle East Chef of the Year” competition in Dubai, where he competed against some of the region’s top chefs. His innovative dishes and impeccable presentation earned him the title of “Middle East Chef of the Year,” and he gained international recognition for his culinary talents.
Following his win, Al-Shaibani became a sought-after chef, and he was invited to participate in numerous culinary events and competitions around the world. He also became a regular guest on cooking shows and was featured in several publications, including Gourmet magazine and The New York Times.
In 2015, Al-Shaibani was invited to participate in the prestigious “World’s 50 Best Restaurants” event in London, where he showcased his innovative approach to traditional Iraqi cuisine. His dishes received rave reviews from some of the world’s top food critics, and he was praised for his ability to blend traditional flavors with modern techniques.
Al-Shaibani continued to push the boundaries of Iraqi cuisine, and in 2018, he opened a new restaurant in Baghdad called “Sarmad,” which featured a menu that was inspired by his travels around the world. The restaurant quickly became a popular destination for food lovers in the city, and Al-Shaibani was once again praised for his innovative approach to cooking.
Philanthropy and Community Work
Despite his success in the culinary world, Al-Shaibani has remained committed to giving back to his community. He has worked with several non-profit organizations in Iraq and has used his platform to raise awareness about the challenges facing his country.
