TAYEBEH, Ilam, Iran

Originally from Ilam, a Kurdish city in the western part of Iran, Tayebeh grew up with a fusion of influences from her Iranian grandmother and Iraqi mother. Tayabeh’s work and studies traverse architecture in Iran to child-care here in Melbourne, but her true passion is to share her traditional Kurdish cuisine with fellow food-lovers. In Iran, Tayebeh’s culture was repressed – even in Kurdish towns, her language was not spoken and it was hard to find work. Today, she is excited to be having open conversations about the colourful and proud aspects of her culture and heritage, infusing her recipes with memories of Spring picnics spread across the green rug of Ilam’s landscape, fresh figs spilling out of baskets, and Mount Ghalaghiran standing poetically in the backdrop. To be able to teach is a gift that enables her to find herself and a way to be close to her father – who was also a teacher. Tayebeh feels like she is making him proud with each lesson she gives. Her food is thus an invitation into her own heart, and the heart of her beloved Iran.