Meet Ali - Our Newest Garden to Table Ambassador!
Food has always been more than just a career for Ali Bahmad — it’s a way to connect, to teach, to nourish, and to grow. Partnering with a kaupapa that aligns so closely with his values is a natural and meaningful step in his journey.
With over 20 years of experience in kitchens across Australia and Aotearoa, Ali has built a deep understanding of the role food plays in bringing people together. Raised in a Lebanese family where the kitchen was the heart of the home, he believes food is not only nourishment for the body, but as a source of love, culture, and connection.
Ali’s culinary journey has seen him lead award-winning kitchens such as Sydney Cove Oyster Bar — a three-time finalist for Best Seafood Restaurant- and Food Society, which won Best European Restaurant at the Restaurant & Catering Association Awards Australia. He’s also appeared on MasterChef Australia as part of a team of professional chefs for a challenge, and was a finalist in the NSW Hotels Association Rising Star of the Year. Upon arriving in Aotearoa in 2015, he served as Head Chef at the acclaimed Wither Hills Winery Restaurant in Marlborough, where he brought seasonal, modern European cuisine to life in one of the country’s premier wine regions.
In addition to his kitchen work, Ali has contributed as a food writer to a Fitness First magazine, where he combined his culinary knowledge with his passion for health and wellbeing. His recipes and articles focused on making nutritious food accessible, flavourful, and fun, reinforcing his belief that good kai supports both physical and mental strength. For the past 9 years Ali has been based in Wellington and working in tertiary education. Ali is focused on empowering others through food. “I’ve seen the joy and curiosity that comes from letting kids lead in the kitchen and the garden,” he says. “This mahi ignites a spark in me — and I’m here for it.”
When he’s not behind the pans, Ali can be found at home in his garden with his chickens or at his local BFT gym, surrounded by a close-knit community that feels like whānau.
Ali is proud to support the incredible educators, volunteers, and communities behind the Garden to Table programme — and to help shine a light on the magic that happens when tamariki grow and cook their own kai. Together, we can plant the seeds for something lasting.