#CookForIran launches with support of over 20 chefs

Over 20 chefs, including Yotam Ottolenghi of Ottolenghi and Iranian chefs Kian Samyani of Berenjak and Leyli Homayoonfar of Babhaus, have joined #CookForIran, an initiative raising awareness about the need for greater freedom in the country.

As part of the campaign, which launched this November, restaurateurs, chefs and food writers from around the world have been encouraged to share Iranian dishes on social media with the tag #CookForIran or host special one-off events.

The movement hopes to draw attention to the human rights issues in Iran through culture, food and community.

The @CookForIran Instagram page will also feature free recipes and videos on hosting a supper club so that the public can also get involved.

Key ingredients in Iranian cuisine include pomegranate, saffron, pistachios, rose water and walnuts.

The campaign has the support of numerous individuals across the hospitality industry, including Persian chef Noda Marvani of Koocha, Carousel London restaurant group, Cyrus Todiwala of Cafe Spice Namaste, Nilou Motamed of Netflix’s Iron Chef and Imad Alarnab of Imad’s Syrian Kitchen.

The #CookForIran team is a collaboration between Layla Yarjani of Next Gen London; social media influencer Clerkenwell Boy; Piers Zangana of Susa Comms; Gemma Bell of PR firm Gemma Bell and Company; and digital creator Omid Scheybani.

The #CookForIran team said: “We hope that through the #CookForIran campaign we will raise further awareness and support for the current movement around the world, demanding human rights and women’s rights for the Iranian people.

“Our goal is to keep the movement alive while the Iranian people and the community find a solution.

“Through cooking, sharing recipes and the power of social media, we invite everyone to help keep attention on Iran as the country goes through this period of change toward a free future.”

Those wanting to get involved in #CookForIran from the hospitality industry can put an Iranian twist on a signature dish for the month of November; add an Iranian dish to the menu; use traditional Iranian ingredients with the hashtag; or tag @CookForIran in relevant food content.