Sagiv is a graduate of the Italian Culinary Instituti Vocational School. The 50-year-old is a father of two children. He likes to be funny, teach what he knows and help others. On the other hand, he loves his space and sometimes quietly so.
When and how did you become a chef?
I have been in the baking business for over 20 years. I had two restaurants that closed three years ago but for as long as I can remember, I have loved cooking and baking
What inspired you to become a chef?
Let’s start with the fact that I have always loved food. I was interested in the whole baking thing, every time I worked on something else that was not related to food I would go back to the kitchen. I love feeding people and watching them enjoy
What makes you unique and tick as a chef?
Every chef has his or her own finger food claim. I like simple and uncomplicated food, in my opinion, the most delicious thing in the world is good bread and butter 🙂
What are your signature dishes?
My signature is very simple, food and home baking simple but delicious
How have you fused your profession with travel and tourism?
I like to study. I travel to another country in order to get inspired. I learn a lot.
I like to know what people are eating everywhere. Each country and region has unique food and it is very intriguing to me. I love eating local food and at local food street stalls.
Where has your profession taken you around the world?
Especially for Europe. I really like Italian food. Italian food is very simple and delicious. I lived for two years in Greece and also there I really liked the simplicity of the food.
Until now, I have been to Greece, Italy, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Turkey, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Germany and I must have forgotten a few more countries 🙂
What makes you proud of being an Israelite?
Israel is a very complex country. There are a lot of political problems in Israel but I think it is a unique country and it is the only place I feel at home.
Have you used your professional skills to enhance travel?
Yes, sure, let’s start with the fact that this is a good excuse to travel the world 🙂 Everywhere in the world food is an international language.
Have you tasted some of Africa’s cooking?
Here, in Israel, there is a community of Ethiopians and there are Ethiopian restaurants in Israel. I am sure that in Africa too, every country has its own foods and that is very intriguing to me.
What have you loved or heard about Africa?
Unfortunately, I have not yet had the chance to visit Africa and I will be very happy to come and visit. I think it is one of the most beautiful places in the world, with beautiful nature and good people.
How about Uganda, what have you heard about it?
Of course, I heard about Uganda. Israel and Uganda have a very special connection.
What makes or breaks your experience while on a travel excursion?
Let’s start with what’s good. I like meeting people to learn from them to get to know other cultures and learn things I don’t know about other cultures.
Less good is the antisemitism that I, fortunately, did not feel it but I know it exists in the world.
What destinations are your bucket list, and why?
The list is long and I want to be anywhere that is willing to host me as an Israeli. Africa is very intriguing to me and I am sure that one day I will come to visit your beautiful country as well.
