Lifestyle

Inspiring Chef Ara Sarkisian’s Rise: From Dishwasher to Culinary Star

Ara Sarkisian’s journey in the culinary world is a truly inspiring story of passion, perseverance, and the power of food to bring people together. From his humble beginnings as a dishwasher at Burger King to becoming a celebrated sous chef and creative force in the kitchen, Ara’s rise shows how dedication and love for culture can shape an extraordinary career.

A Childhood Filled with Flavor and Family

Growing up, Ara was surrounded by the rich and vibrant flavors of Armenian and Middle Eastern cuisine. He often watched his mother prepare meals for family gatherings, seeing how food became the heart of their celebrations and connections. For Ara, these moments were not just about eating they were about warmth, tradition, and storytelling.

This early exposure to cooking sparked something deep inside him. He realized that food had the magical ability to bring people closer and share stories without words. Inspired by this, Ara decided that cooking would be more than just a job it would be his lifelong journey.

From Dishwasher to Culinary Artist

Ara’s professional journey began at the very bottom of the restaurant world. Working as a dishwasher at Burger King was far from glamorous, but it was here that he learned the value of hard work, humility, and patience. Those long, challenging hours taught him discipline and resilience, laying the foundation for his future success.

Rather than seeing his job as just a means to an end, Ara used this time to absorb everything he could about the culinary world. He watched the chefs, learned about kitchen operations, and quietly built his determination to climb the ladder.

Today, Ara is a sous chef at Majora, a well-known restaurant where he continues to hone his skills. But his ambitions don’t stop there. Alongside his day-to-day work, he is passionately involved in creative projects such as pop-up dinners and collaborations that allow him to experiment with flavors and presentations. He is also working on a book titled Behind That Pass, which promises to share deeper insights into his culinary philosophy and personal journey.

Celebrated for Creativity and Culture

Ara’s unique approach to cooking has caught the attention of many. He has been featured in prestigious publications like Haretna magazine, Canadian Global, and a UAE culinary magazine. These features are more than just recognition they validate his vision of blending culture, creativity, and storytelling through food on an international stage.

For Ara, cooking is a way to preserve his Armenian and Middle Eastern roots while also embracing innovation and sustainability. He sees food as a bridge between tradition and modern culinary arts. His dishes don’t just nourish the body they tell stories, evoke emotions, and connect people across cultures.

A Philosophy Rooted in Humility and Service

One of the most important lessons Ara has learned is that patience and humility are key to growth. “Service is service,” he says. Whether washing dishes or plating gourmet meals, every role in the kitchen is important and deserves respect. This mindset not only helps him be a better leader but also ensures that his team works smoothly together with a shared purpose.

Ara pays close attention to every detail, understanding that the small things often make the biggest impact. His leadership style is grounded in respect and collaboration, which inspires his team to give their best and innovate fearlessly.

A Vision for the Future: Tradition, Innovation, and Sustainability

Looking ahead, Ara’s ultimate goal is to launch his own culinary brand that reflects his values and vision. He wants to create a brand that balances tradition with innovation, combining authentic flavors with new techniques and sustainable practices. His dream is to inspire chefs everywhere to honor their cultural roots while embracing the future of cooking.

Sustainability is a huge part of Ara’s mission. He believes that chefs have a responsibility not only to their customers but also to the environment. Through thoughtful ingredient sourcing, reducing waste, and mindful cooking, he hopes to lead by example and encourage others to do the same.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Ara hopes his story will inspire young chefs and food lovers around the world. He encourages everyone to embrace their background and culture while being open to new ideas and experiences. “Don’t be afraid to push boundaries, but never forget where you come from,” he advises.

He also stresses the importance of perseverance. His own journey was filled with challenges, but every setback was a lesson that brought him closer to his dreams. To his younger self, he would say, “Be patient and trust the process. Stay humble, keep learning, and never lose the passion that fuels your creativity.”

A Story of Connection Through Food

At its core, Ara Sarkisian’s story is about connection connecting cultures, people, and stories through the universal language of food. Whether it’s a family dinner inspired by his mother’s recipes or an innovative pop-up event, Ara aims to create experiences that touch the heart and bring people together.

He wants to be remembered as a passionate storyteller who used his skills not only to create amazing dishes but also to preserve heritage and promote sustainability. For Ara, food is never just food it’s culture, history, and love served on a plate.

Ara Sarkisian’s inspiring rise from dishwasher to culinary star is a shining example of how hard work, cultural pride, and creative passion can come together to build a meaningful and successful career. His story encourages us all to embrace our roots, pursue our dreams with patience, and use our talents to connect and inspire others.

Do follow him on Instagram

Anjali