JEDDAH — A Saudi chef has received over a million views on his cooking video program on YouTube, Al-Madinah newspaper reported. In the video, Ghassan Al-Haidari, also known as “Ghassan Sukkar,” spoke of the many experiences that finally led him to cooking. Al-Haidari dreams of international recognition, and to be named “The Saudi Chef.” Al-Haidari has received many awards, such as the best student to develop his skills, the best three eastern dishes, the highest sales of a dish in Canada and the contest award of British Columbia. He said he combined eastern flavors to make international dishes, which were met with great acceptance. Al-Haidari said his dish Rashat Sukkar (A Sprinkle of Sugar) has a large audience. His program offers cooking skills to housewives and those who love cooking but cannot afford to attend cooking schools. Al-Haidari used YouTube for his program as a platform to reach a wide audience. He said he greatly respects his profession, which many Saudi youth may consider inappropriate. Al-Haidari enjoyed cooking ever since he was young and always asked for cookery books as gifts. His father is in the military and his mother is a teacher. After high school he wished to go for a course in medicine in King Abdulaziz University, but was not successful. He thought of attending a college in Malaysia, but did not go there because his mother did not give him permission. Al-Haidari then met a friend studying in Vancouver, Canada who convinced him to attend the college there despite his mother's objections. Al Haidari began cooking for Saudis there and his reputation spread among Saudi society in Canada. He then started applying at cooking schools and was finally enrolled in a school in which he was the only foreigner. His blend of eastern flavors into international dishes won him the admiration of his teachers. He also learned the proper way to serve dishes, and the different types of cakes and sweet pastries. His final six-hour exam, which he cleared with passing with high colors won him the award of the best skill-developing student, required him to cook 12 different dishes. Al-Haidari dreams of attending the best sweets and baking schools, to participate in cooking Olympiads, and to create international branches of “Ghassan and Sukkar.” He said that Saudi youth should have the courage and guts to take decisions and face society. He pointed out that very few Saudis are specialized in cooking, but many practice cooking as a hobby.
