Get to Know Jean Salamoun, young chef and entrepreneur

When did you discover your passion for cooking?
My journey began at the age of 8 in my mother’s kitchen. At a young age, I would spend my time in the kitchen observing and trying to understand the art of cooking. I would help out wherever I could even if it meant sprinkling coriander over a dish. After observing how food was being prepared. I decided to give it a try. I began making scrambled eggs and quickly moved on to the more refined aspects of cooking. One of my first dishes was a seared scallop with a side of cauliflower purée topped with a quail egg.

What is your favorite cuisine?
I don’t have a favorite cuisine as I feel that all cuisines are unique in their own ways. Hence, I love experimenting and combining flavors from different cuisines to create a dish.

How has your Lebanese heritage influenced your culinary style?
Situated at the intersection of eastern and western cultures, Lebanese cuisine inherited a mixture of tastes and flavors. Not only does it reflect the heritage and history of the country, but also the tradition of the people. Growing up in a traditional Lebanese family, I got the chance to appreciate every aspect of my culture. My family’s passion for food never stopped growing: it all started with my aunts and uncle who gathered friends and family around one table. Seeing the expression on people’s faces when they taste good food, made me realize the impact of cooking.

What is your dream in life?
In the future, my dream is to build a culinary empire, one that spans continents and influences the world whether it’s in a restaurant or on a supermarket shelf. My cooking journey started in my mother’s kitchen and has taken me through international cuisines. While I don’t know where it will end, I will savor every moment of it, as I did when I created my first dish.

What is your motto?
With every dish there comes a story.