Chef Sleiman Khawad’s journey began at the renowned Hotel Technical School in Dekwaneh, where he honed his skills and passion for the culinary arts. Today, his mission has evolved beyond his personal success. As the founder of the Hospitality Professionals Academy, a specialized training center, Chef Khawad is dedicated to passing on his vast knowledge and experience to aspiring chefs. The academy, a smaller-scale version of a major culinary institution, is where Chef Khawad and his team of seasoned professionals nurture Lebanon’s future culinary talent, one dish at a time.
What makes Hospitality Professionals Academy stand out?
The Hospitality Professionals Academy committee is composed of cooks, technical teachers, and chefs from some of the best hotels and restaurants in Lebanon. We bring a wealth of experience that we’re excited to pass on to you when you visit.
Tell us more about the courses you’re offering at Hospitality Professionals Academy.
Our program is quite diverse. We offer short sessions of three hours, each covering three recipes from French, Italian, fusion, or tapas cuisines. For those looking to dive deeper, we have more intensive courses: 120 hours for beginners aiming to start their culinary careers, 240 hours for advanced students, and 560 hours for those who want to reach the highest level. Upon completing all three stages, a young chef will be well-equipped to launch their career, both in Lebanon and abroad.
What is your motto?
For me, you should love what you do. When you love what you do, you will be able to tap into the beautiful talent within you, which will help you succeed in life.
What ingredients do you particularly enjoy working in your cuisine and why?
I particularly enjoy working with seafood, especially shrimp. I like to season it with a bit of salt and pepper, cook it with a squeeze of lemon juice, then serve it on toast. Simple and delicious.
What is your signature dish?
My culinary journey started with Oriental cuisine, especially Lebanese cuisine. So, I like to keep it simple. Just a little tahini mixed with chickpeas and a squeeze of lemon juice creates the best hummus. You can add whatever ingredients you like, but it will always remain authentic Lebanese hummus.