Ashraf Saleh

History: 

Chef Ashraf Saleh began his career as a Chef in the late 1970s at the Sheraton Hotel in Saudi Arabia. In the early ‘80s, Ashraf embarked on a journey through Paris, London and Sweden in a quest to further refine his culinary expertise. In 1988, he brought his wealth of experience to the ANA hotel on the Gold Coast, where he continued to perfect his savoury flair. 

From 1990 to 2002, Ashraf assumed the Head Chef position at some of Sydney's top and most award-winning restaurants, including Criterion, CMC and Cadmus. In 2002, Ashraf relocated to the Lower North Shore where he was appointed Head Chef at the Point Blue Restaurant at McMahon's Point. During his 4 years at Point Blue, he established a solid reputation as one of the North Shore's finest Chefs, offering innovative feasts with an international flavour. During this time, he became a favourite amongst television personalities from Channel 9, ABC and Channel 7, who often frequented his restaurant. 

After Point Blue, Ashraf started working at Ensemble Theatre in 2006. 2010 Ashraf moved to Food at SBS. His passion is to innovate with new flavours, East-meets-West. It was Ashraf's degustation experiences that were particularly praised by both customers and critics. A few more places Ashraf has worked at are St Honore Bakery, The Porch and he has taught a culinary cooking class at North Sydney.

How would you define your style? 

Using fresh, Australian produce, infused with Arabic spices, using French cooking techniques. 

Obsessive compulsive about? 

Creativity. 

What do you love about this business? 

Food brings people together.

An ingredient you can’t live without?

Chilli, garlic and lemon.

Most ‘eyebrow raising’ menu item? 

We change the menu regularly at Coya. There are few items that we prefer to keep permanently, for example the Confit Duck and the King Prawn with piquillo pepper puree and sumac.   

Signature dish:

Umm Ali - Arabic bread pudding. Pistachio anglaise. Turkish delight ice-cream.