Chef Bashdar Rzgar Aziz, born in 1986 in northern Iraq’s Kurdistan, came from a family where food was often in short supply. Growing up with very little on the table, Bashdar developed a strong desire to not only fill empty plates but to do so with meals that were flavorful and nutritious. From a young age, he became captivated by the smells of spices and the art of combining ingredients, which led him to start experimenting in the kitchen. It was this curiosity that would later shape his career as a professional chef.
As he matured, Bashdar left Kurdistan behind and moved to Sweden in search of greater opportunities. There, he pursued his culinary passion with greater focus. His dedication paid off when he earned two prestigious culinary certifications, one from Germany and another from Sweden. This formal training provided him with a deep understanding of both Kurdish and international cuisines, blending traditional methods with a modern approach. With his newly acquired skills, he opened his own restaurant in Sweden, which became known for its healthy takes on Kurdish food, balancing flavors with a focus on nutrition.
Unfortunately, Bashdar’s growing success was abruptly interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which had devastating effects on the restaurant industry. His once-thriving business was forced to close its doors as the pandemic swept across the world. This unexpected loss was a major blow for Bashdar, but he refused to let it define the end of his journey. Instead, he turned to social media, where he began sharing cooking tutorials, focusing on healthy and accessible Kurdish dishes that people could recreate at home.
As his online tutorials gained popularity, Chef Bashdar became known not only for his skills but also for his emphasis on nutritious cooking. His healthy adaptations of traditional Kurdish recipes resonated with a wide audience, particularly those looking for wholesome meals that didn’t compromise on flavor. The balance he struck between health and taste made his content stand out, attracting a growing fanbase eager to learn how to cook in ways that prioritized well-being without sacrificing the rich culinary heritage of Kurdistan.
In addition to his online success, Bashdar’s unique recipes began to spread beyond his videos. Many of his original dishes, which focus on fresh ingredients and balanced nutrition, have been adopted by restaurants in both Sweden and northern Iraq. These establishments continue to serve his creative interpretations of Kurdish cuisine, which blend tradition with modern health-conscious approaches. His influence on the culinary scene has grown far beyond the walls of his former restaurant.
Today, Chef Bashdar continues to inspire others through his tutorials, where he showcases not just how to cook, but how to cook in a way that nourishes both the body and the soul. By combining his rich cultural background with an innovative approach to health, he has made a lasting impact on how Kurdish food is perceived and enjoyed around the world. His journey from scarcity to success is a testament to his resilience, creativity, and commitment to his craft.
and then