Behind the Burner

Wassim Bakkar

Wassim Bakkar

Wassim Bakkar

Behind the Burner

Personal Information

Name : Wassim Bakkar
Date of Birth: November 6, 1983
Gender : Male
Current Location: Tartus, Syria

Professional Summary

An accomplished Executive Chef with over 25 years of extensive experience (starting from 1998) in luxury hospitality, fine dining, and 4- and 5-star international hotels and resorts. Specializing in advanced culinary arts, specialized butchery, marination, grilling, Western cuisine, and the creation of unique, world-first recipes. Proven expertise in managing large-scale kitchen operations, opening prestigious dining establishments, and leading elite culinary teams across Damascus, Homs, and Tartus.

💼 Professional Experience

  • Executive Chef | LEVANT Restaurant, Yortu Tourism Resort (5-Star) – Tartus
    • Directing overall kitchen operations, delivering exquisite local and international dishes, and innovating unique culinary items not found anywhere else globally.
  • Andrie Hotel (4-Star) – Tartus
    • Spearheaded and oversaw culinary operations at this stunning coastal hotel nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.
  • 5th of August Restaurant – Al-Gouta Street, Homs
    • Spent two years of creative culinary leadership in one of Homs’ most prestigious districts, crafting and perfecting delicious Western dishes.
  • Arman Hotel (5-Star) – Homs
    • Served for 3 years as a core member of the opening and management team for one of the largest luxury hotels in Homs.
  • Tariq Al-Nahl Restaurant & Resort – Homs
    • Managed kitchen operations for two years in a comprehensive multi-facility complex featuring indoor dining, a swimming pool, a wedding hall, and conference facilities.
  • Hi-Chicken Snack & Restaurant – Homs
    • Successfully founded and managed an independent, high-performing culinary venture for a year and a half.
  • Al-Muhandessin Roundabout Complex (Al-Waer) & Al-Tannour Tourism Resort – Homs (2007)
    • Established a strong operational foundation in the central region of Homs across prominent resort and dining projects.
  • Four Seasons Hotel (5-Star) – Damascus
    • Successfully passed rigorous professional testing to join the elite culinary staff, delivering exceptional service and execution for two years.
  • Sheraton Hotel – Damascus
    • Gained invaluable experience in high-end international hotel operations and kitchen management for a year and a half.
  • Shaheen Hotel (5-Star) – Syria
    • Dedicated 3 years specializing in professional butchery, marination, gourmet grilling, and meat master-craftsmanship.
  • Al-Yamaq Seafront Restaurant (3-Star) – Tartus (1998 – Career Beginning)
    • Began professional journey mastering all varieties of fresh seafood preparation and specialized marine cuisine.

🌟 Core Skills & Expertise

  • Culinary Mastery: Western cuisine, traditional Middle Eastern dishes, and specialized seafood preparation.
  • Butchery & Grilling (Meat Master): Advanced expertise in gourmet marination, meat cutting, and precision grilling techniques.
  • Menu Innovation & Development: Proven ability to conceptualize and invent unique, signature recipes that redefine modern dining.
  • Kitchen Management: Leadership of large multi-outlet hotel and resort culinary teams, ensuring supreme quality control and operational efficiency.