Chef Iman Delghandi: A Visionary Leader in Persian Culinary Art

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Born with a keen eye for detail and a deep-rooted love for the arts, Iman Delghandi initially pursued a degree in art and architecture at Asrar University. For many, this might have been a lifelong path, but for Iman, architecture was just a prelude. The pivot in his life came in 2014, when his curiosity about the culinary world turned into an unstoppable passion. What began as an interest soon evolved into a full-fledged calling, igniting a journey that would place him at the forefront of Persian culinary innovation.

Like many chefs, Iman’s earliest lessons came not in a classroom but within the crucible of a bustling kitchen. He began humbly as a Chef de Partie in Mashhad, Iran. The kitchen environment resonated with his spirit—intensely creative, demanding precision, and above all, deeply human. Encouraged by mentors and senior chefs who recognized his dedication, he quickly rose through the ranks. In under a decade, Iman transitioned from a station chef to Cluster Executive Chef, overseeing multiple restaurant operations and crafting iconic culinary experiences in both Iran and Qatar.

Architecting Flavors: A Designer’s Approach to Cooking

Iman’s foundation in architecture uniquely influences his culinary sensibilities. The structured thinking, spatial awareness, and aesthetic understanding honed during his years in design school are now apparent in his cuisine. Every dish is more than just a plate of food—it’s a carefully constructed composition. His work reveals a meticulous layering of textures, flavors, and visuals. This architectonic philosophy elevates his menus from mere sustenance to immersive, storytelling experiences.

In his own words, “Cooking gave me purpose, joy, and a space to grow. It’s more than a profession—it’s my everyday happiness.”

A Culinary Power Couple: The Collaboration with Chef Negin Nourkhodaei

A defining element of Iman’s career is his creative and life partnership with Chef Negin Nourkhodaei, a former geologist turned culinary artist. Negin and Iman form a rare professional pairing: two individuals with rich academic backgrounds in science and design who chose to follow their hearts into the culinary arts. Married in 2018, their relationship blossomed in both the personal and professional spheres.

Together, they co-created some of the most celebrated Persian culinary concepts, including Divan and Berenjak, and co-authored a stunning cookbook that documents forgotten Persian dishes. Their collaboration is not just about sharing a kitchen but about vision alignment. Where Iman brings structured creativity and leadership, Negin brings intuition, precision, and scientific curiosity. Their combined strength has enabled them to create restaurants that reflect authentic Persian culture, translated for a global audience.

Divan: A Fine-Dining Tribute to Persian Heritage

Among Iman and Negin’s proudest achievements is Divan, a refined Persian restaurant concept based in Doha, Qatar. Divan is a place where Persian culinary heritage is presented in its most elegant and evolved form. It isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experiential journey through the rich history, regional variety, and emotional depth of Iranian cuisine.

Every dish at Divan tells a story. From flame-charred kebabs to reimagined stews, the menu weaves a narrative that resonates with guests on an emotional level. The presentation is inspired by traditional Persian art and contemporary design, creating a sensory harmony that celebrates both history and innovation.

In 2024, Divan was nominated for the Fact Dining Awards Qatar, further solidifying its position as one of the region’s premier dining destinations.

Berenjak: Street Food Reimagined for a New Generation

In contrast to Divan’s fine-dining elegance, Berenjak represents the soul of Iranian street food. This fast-casual brand, also based in Qatar, captures the earthy boldness and cultural vibrancy of Persian roadside cuisine. The challenge here wasn’t just flavor but scalability—how to replicate authenticity across multiple locations without compromising on quality.

Under Iman’s leadership, Berenjak grew into a recognized brand with a loyal following. Its success lies in balancing operational precision with cultural soul. Every shawarma, every skewer, every sauce reflects years of tradition, repackaged with modern convenience.

Berenjak demonstrates Iman’s strategic thinking, as he meticulously oversaw menu development, team training, cost control, and consistent brand messaging.

Signature Culinary Philosophy: Fire, Flavor, and Finesse

Iman’s culinary identity is founded on a unique balance of fire, flavor, and finesse. The fire represents the primal element of Persian grilling techniques; the flavor is the result of deeply marinated meats, rich stews, and spice-blended sauces; and the finesse is what distinguishes Iman from others—the plating, the balance, the emotion.

His dishes often bridge tradition and modernity. A rustic dish like “Fesenjan” might be served in a minimalist bowl, its pomegranate-walnut sauce artfully swirled, garnished with edible flowers or powdered pistachio. This duality appeals to both Iranian guests nostalgic for home and international diners seeking novelty.

Mentorship, Leadership, and Hospitality Philosophy

Chef Iman isn’t just focused on cuisine; he’s a people-first leader. His leadership is about inspiring excellence, not enforcing it. He believes that culinary teams thrive on clarity, shared purpose, and emotional investment. From mentoring junior chefs to leading cross-functional hospitality teams, Iman has cultivated cultures that value:

• Mutual respect
• Continuous learning
• Accountability
• Emotional intelligence

He has led large teams through high-pressure services, VIP gala dinners, restaurant openings, and more—each time demonstrating his calm demeanor and decisive leadership. His ethos is simple: “Hospitality is not just service; it’s emotional engagement.”

Educational Pursuits: Global Perspective from Les Roches

Currently, Iman is enrolled in an Executive MBA in Global Hospitality Management from Les Roches, Switzerland—one of the most prestigious institutions in the world for hospitality education. This move represents a conscious evolution from chef to hospitality executive. The curriculum, which includes modules in finance, strategic branding, sustainability, and global leadership, is equipping Iman with the tools needed to lead large-scale hotel and restaurant groups in the future.

He is among a new breed of chefs who blend creative excellence with business intelligence, preparing to define the future of global hospitality.

Public Persona: A Digital Ambassador for Persian Cuisine

On social media, especially Instagram (@chefiman.ir), Iman offers more than food photography. He shares behind-the-scenes narratives, culinary education, personal reflections, and cultural stories. His online presence is educational, aesthetic, and emotionally resonant, making him a relatable figure for aspiring chefs and food lovers.

This digital engagement complements his professional work, allowing him to reach a broader audience and promote Persian gastronomy to the global culinary community.

Cultural Preservation Through Writing: The Cookbook Project

Alongside Negin, Iman co-authored a cookbook dedicated to reviving forgotten Persian recipes. The book dives deep into Iran’s regional cuisines, highlighting dishes that are slowly vanishing in the face of globalization and fast food culture. Their goal was simple: preserve tradition through documentation and storytelling.

Recipes in the book span from northern coastal delicacies to central Iranian stews and southern spice-laden plates. Each dish is accompanied by anecdotes, historical context, and serving suggestions.

An excerpt from the book focuses on the journey of lime—known as “limu,” “loomi,” or “lime” in different cultures. The piece becomes a metaphor for food migration, cultural blending, and global culinary evolution. It exemplifies Iman and Negin’s belief that food is humanity’s shared language.

Certifications, Education & Recognition

• Executive MBA (in progress) – Les Roches Global Hospitality Management
• Worldchefs Certified Executive Chef
• Bachelor of Arts – Asrar University, Iran

These credentials reflect both technical mastery and strategic foresight, positioning Iman as a uniquely qualified leader in both the kitchen and the boardroom.

Core Competencies

• Culinary Concept Development
• Menu Engineering & Costing
• Brand Strategy & Identity Creation
• High-Volume Event Management
• Cross-Cultural Leadership
• Guest Experience Architecture

Looking Forward: The Road Ahead

Iman’s aspirations go far beyond opening new restaurants. His ultimate goal is to become a global hospitality executive, leading hotel and restaurant groups that are culturally relevant, emotionally resonant, and operationally excellent.

He envisions creating a hospitality brand that celebrates Persian values while adapting to global tastes and business models. Sustainability, education, and cultural diplomacy through food remain central to his mission.

Iman Delghandi: Crafting a Legacy Beyond the Plate

Iman Delghandi is not just cooking meals—he’s designing a movement. With the precision of an architect, the heart of a chef, and the vision of a strategist, he embodies a new era of culinary leadership. His work redefines the role of the modern chef—not as someone limited to the kitchen, but as a cultural storyteller, brand builder, educator, and global hospitality visionary.

From his early days in Mashhad to leading award-nominated concepts in Doha, Iman has consistently brought authenticity to the forefront. But what sets him apart isn’t just his mastery of Persian cuisine—it’s the emotional resonance of his food, the integrity of his leadership, and the depth of his storytelling. Every restaurant he builds, every dish he crafts, and every word he shares is infused with purpose.

Alongside his creative partner and wife, Chef Negin, Iman is preserving Iran’s rich culinary heritage while modernizing it for the world stage. Their cookbook, restaurant concepts, and community presence are already making a lasting impact—not just as culinary projects, but as cultural contributions.

As he pursues his Executive MBA at Les Roches, Iman is preparing for the next evolution of his career: to shape the global hospitality industry from the inside out. His mission is not just to serve food, but to serve meaning—to build emotionally rich experiences that connect people across cultures.

Iman Delghandi’s legacy is in motion. It’s a living narrative of innovation, emotion, and excellence—one that continues to inspire a new generation of chefs, leaders, and storytellers. And in many ways, his most powerful chapters are still ahead.