Chef François Aaraj

Restaurant Secrets Made Simple for Your Home Kitchen

By Chef François El Aaraj — Corporate Chef with 30+ years of experience.

Explore Recipes
Chef François holding colorful hummus piping bags beside a platter of pink, green, white, and yellow hummus decorated with beetroot, mint, and olive oil.

Learn Professional Recipes from Chef François.

  • Step-by-step professional recipes.
  • Chef techniques explained simply
  • Home-friendly, restaurant-level results
Browse Recipes
Watch Videos
Cooking Tips
chef smiling with two bala baiana in his hand

The Chef Behind the Recipes

My name is Chef François El Aaraj, and cooking has been my passion and profession for more than 30 years. Throughout my journey in professional kitchens and restaurant openings inside and outside Lebanon, I learned that great food is built on simple techniques, quality ingredients, and cooking with heart. Through my website, I share authentic Lebanese recipes, professional cooking tips, and the kitchen knowledge I gathered throughout my career to help you cook with confidence and bring warm, flavorful meals to your table.

The Chef’s Favorite Recipes

French onion soup served in a crusty bread bowl, topped with melted cheese and toasted bread slices

French onion soup is my favorite because it transforms humble ingredients into deep, comforting flavors. Its rich aroma and slow cooking always remind me of unforgettable moments in professional kitchens.

Learn How to Prepare it
Close-up of a layered quinoa salad topped with almonds, cashews, raisins, pomegranate seeds, and finely chopped fresh vegetables

The layered quinoa salad is one of my favorite creations because it combines vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, balanced textures, and healthy flavors into a beautiful dish that feels elegant and satisfying.

Learn How to Prepare it
Close-up of a homemade doner kebab wrap showing juicy beef, sauce, and fresh vegetables inside soft bread

Doner kebab is one of my favorite dishes because its perfectly seasoned meat, slow-cooked texture, and rich smoky flavor always remind me of authentic street food and unforgettable kitchen experiences.

Learn How to Prepare it

Important Cooking Tips

Rinsing white rice under water to remove excess starch before cooking

Why Your Rice Becomes Sticky

Discover why your rice becomes sticky and learn Chef François Aaraj’s professional kitchen secrets for cooking fluffy, separated, restaurant-style rice perfectly every single time at home with confidence and ease.

Learn More
Hand adding coarse salt into a large pot of boiling pasta water in a kitchen.

The Real Reason Chefs Salt Pasta Water

Discover the real reason professional chefs salt pasta water and learn how this simple step transforms bland pasta into flavorful, restaurant-quality dishes with perfectly balanced taste and authentic Italian texture.

Learn More

Why Your Meat Releases Water Instead of Searing

Learn why meat releases water instead of developing a perfect sear and discover Chef François’ professional techniques for achieving better texture, deeper flavor, and restaurant-style cooking results at home.

Learn More

Latest Posts