Syrian-born chef Ameer Alzalek’s journey into the culinary world was not always on the cards, but a ripple effect from war that pushed Ameer to leave Syria around 11 years ago. The former accountant from Damascus then found his way to Malaysia, where he says the life in the kitchen chose him as jobs were few and far between.

Ameer explored the culinary scene in Penang and Langkawi, reportedly getting his break at a boutique hotel at Langkawi, before venturing on his own with Leen’s Middle East Kitchen following his experience with Ember Modern Bistro where he refined his view on food. Starting as a pop-up selling charred hummus, today Ameer runs 2 restaurants in TTDI - Leen’s Middle East Kitchen and recently opened up S.A.J Bistronomy by Leen’s.

Today on Open For Business, you will learn more about Ameer’s journey, how he built his culinary career and subsequent restaurants, lessons learnt along the way, and his plans ahead.