Chef Amjad Elayan
World-Class Culinary Excellence

Amjad Elayan

Executive Chef · Dubai

“Cooking is passion, sensual, and artistic. I take classic traditions and give them a modern, light feel.”

The Chef

About Me

Signature dish by Chef Amjad Elayan
Fine dining creation by Chef Amjad
Artisan plating by Chef Amjad

With over 17 years of global culinary leadership, Chef Amjad Elayan is a certified Master Chef who has transformed kitchens across luxury hotels, private clubs, and fine dining establishments.

Starting his journey at 17, he quickly flourished in five-star environments, developing a unique, modern style that honors local ingredients and global techniques. From pre-opening setups to leading 60-member brigades, his philosophy is built on flavor, authenticity, and consistency.

He has cooked for high-profile diplomats, royalty, and celebrities, including Kofi Annan, King Abdullah Bin Al-Hussein & Queen Rania Al-Abdullah, and Amr Diab.

Languages:EnglishArabicPortuguese
17+
Years Experience
60+
Brigade Members Led
3
Continents
Master
Chef Certified
Trust & Recognition

The VIP Portfolio

Media Appearances

Featured on Fata Feat Channel (Dubai) alongside renowned Chef Andrew Mitchell, showcasing culinary artistry to international audiences.

Elite Mentorship

Trained under Master Chef Johnny Goric and served as assistant to Chef Markus Item (WACS), cultivating expertise from the world's finest culinary minds.

VIP Clientele

From Presidents and Royal Families to international diplomats and A-list celebrities — a track record of exceeding the expectations of the world's most discerning palates.

Notable guests served

Kofi AnnanKing Abdullah Bin Al-HusseinQueen Rania Al-AbdullahAmr DiabInternational DiplomatsRoyal Families
Expertise

Culinary Arsenal

Cuisines Mastered

FrenchItalianGermanMediterraneanContinentalArabic & Middle EasternChineseThaiIndianBrazilian ChurrascoGhanaianNigerianHealth-ConsciousVegetarian

Core Competencies

Menu Development

Creating innovative menus that balance creativity with cost efficiency

Brigade Mentorship

Training and leading kitchen teams of up to 60+ members

High-Profile Events

Orchestrating banquets and exclusive dining for VIP clientele

Pre-Opening Operations

Setup and launch of new culinary establishments from the ground up

HACCP Compliance

Ensuring highest food safety standards across all operations

Food Cost Analysis

Strategic cost management while maintaining premium quality

Career Journey

Experience

2022 – Present

Head Chef

Sansation · Arabian Ranches, Dubai

Leading culinary operations and delivering exceptional dining experiences in a premium setting. Focus on modern culinary techniques and elevated guest satisfaction.

Current Role
Jul 2019 – Dec 2021

Executive Chef

The Quorum · Lusaka, Zambia

Managed all culinary operations for a luxury 35-room, 4-star hotel and private business club. Led menu development, staff training, SOP implementation, and strict cost analysis to drive operational excellence.

4-Star Luxury Hotel
Mar 2016 – May 2019

Executive Chef

Peduase Valley Resort · Accra, Ghana

Directed a 30-member brigade at a multi-outlet 4-star resort. Delivered a wide array of international cuisines, enforced HACCP standards, and managed food/labor costs alongside the financial controller.

30-Member Brigade
Aug 2015 – Mar 2016

Executive Chef

Hotel Bon Voyage · Lagos, Nigeria

Spearheaded culinary operations, ensuring top-tier guest satisfaction in a fast-paced luxury environment.

Luxury Environment
Apr 2014 – Sep 2014

Executive Sous Chef

Fairouz Group / Divan Hotel

Served as a core opening member for the establishment, orchestrating kitchen setup and launch operations.

Opening Team
Jul 2007 – Apr 2014

Executive Sous Chef → Executive Chef

Seasons Country Club and Resort · Egypt

Fully in charge of all operations, leading a 60-person kitchen crew over nearly seven years. A defining chapter in culinary leadership.

60-Person Crew · 7 Years
Jun 2005 – Oct 2006

Demi Chef / Chef de Partie

Howard Johnson · Amman, Jordan

Rapidly advancing through the ranks. Awarded Employee of the Year in October 2005.

Employee of the Year
May 2003 – Apr 2004

Second Cook → First Cook

Marriott · Amman, Jordan

Foundational experience at a world-renowned hospitality brand, building core techniques and discipline.

Marriott International
Mar 1999 – Aug 2001

First Cook

Crown Plaza · Amman, Jordan

Where the culinary journey began — launching a career destined for global excellence at age 17.

Career Foundation
Recognition

Accolades & Education

🏆

World Master Chefs Society

Certified Master Chef

🎓

Egyptian Culinary Academy

Graduated with 13 certificates

📚

Toledo College

Hospitality Management, F&B (1999–2001)

🔗

Chaîne des Rôtisseurs

Professional Member (Apr 2018)

Honors & Medals

Culinary Academy Competitions

🥇2× Gold🥈2× Silver🥉3× Bronze

National Salon Culinaire

Multiple Awards (2010–2011)

Decorative showpiece and plated course awards

Chefs Grand Prix Team Competition

🥈1× Silver Medal (2010)

HACE (2008)

Total Competition Medals

🥇

2

Gold

🥈

3

Silver

🥉

3

Bronze