Hello,
I’m Shiva, a self-taught cook and food photographer based in France. I was born and raised in Iran, in a family for whom cuisine and art have a distinct value. I discovered my passion for food culture at a very young age, thanks to my mother, a passionate cook. The house where I grew up is always filled with the otherworldly smell of her creations. I have vivid memories of my youth in my grandparent’s house in Isphahan, sitting around a long sofreh [In Iranian culture, sofreh is a generic term for a cloth/carpet] in the pomegranate garden and sharing authentic Persian meals. When season, there was always pomegranate juice from the garden.
In Iran, I studied architecture with the encouragement of my father. He helped me to develop a passion for beauty and detail. I had the opportunity to live in Canada and study design for a few years, and after, destiny brought me to France.
Food, whether sweet or savory, is something that I inherently turn to when my mind feels strained. It’s healing and helps me slow down, focus on the creation, and flourish. Gastronomy enchants me wherever I travel; I always look for seasonal ingredients, authentic recipes, and if possible, the story behind each.
In this blog, I share simple recipes inspired by my Persian roots, family recipes, seasonal ingredients, and my second home, France. I hope my passion and love for food come through on this blog.
[This image is from my small cake pop-up at the Pie Shoppe, Vancouver, 2021]