Born in 1986 in a poor family in Kurdistan, northern Iraq, Chef Bashdar Rzgar Aziz’s early years were marked by food scarcity. Despite the lack of resources, his curiosity about cooking blossomed. He spent much of his childhood experimenting with flavors and spices, determined to create meals that were not just nutritious but delicious. His interest in food only deepened as he grew older, and he decided to pursue his culinary passion more seriously.
Bashdar’s journey led him to Sweden, where he broadened his knowledge of food. He earned two respected culinary certifications, one from Germany and another from Sweden, officially making him a master chef. Bashdar’s dream of sharing Kurdish cuisine with a broader audience became a reality when he opened his restaurant in Sweden. His establishment served both traditional Kurdish dishes and a fusion of international flavors, earning recognition for its unique menu.
However, the success of his restaurant came to a sudden halt with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Forced to close his restaurant, Bashdar found himself at a low point, with his dream seemingly shattered. Yet, instead of giving in to despair, he turned to his kitchen once again. Determined to rebuild, he began creating cooking tutorials from home and sharing them online. His videos, filled with unique Kurdish and international recipes, quickly gained traction, attracting viewers from all over the world.
Through his resilience, Chef Bashdar not only regained his footing but became a prominent figure in the culinary world. His ability to rise from the challenges of the pandemic and share his passion for Kurdish cuisine with a global audience is a testament to his dedication and creativity. Today, his original recipes are featured in various restaurants across Sweden and northern Iraq, and his online presence continues to grow, bringing the flavors of his homeland to kitchens everywhere.