Chef Ashantha Rubera
Private Chef In Burbank
Get to know me better
I love fusion dishes - bringing together spices and flavors from East and West and I believe food should not only be savored, but also tell a story.
I was born in Sri Lanka and grew up in a culinary family. Although I always heard the kitchen beckoning me, seeing the long hours my Chef father had to endure, steered me to explore other paths in hospitality. I relocated to Qatar to work as a flight attendant, but my love for the kitchen was never far, as I found myself cooking for friends there and embracing my foodie roots. I moved to the United States in 2013 after marrying the love of my life and finally embraced cooking as a career, working in food trucks, gourmet restaurants and in catering. In 2020, I launched my own food and travel brand called Smiling Islander to introduce my own take on island-style comfort food, highlighting fusion dishes, spice-filled creations and sweet treats. I believe food is life, food is art and food brings communities together!
More about me
For me, cooking is...
Cooking is an art and an expression of experience, story, & tradition. For me cooking isn't only about the dish I create, but also the story it tells.
I learned to cook at...
I first learned to cook from watching my grandmother and then later learned through my decade-long experience in catering and restaurant work.
A cooking secret...
My secret in the kitchen is my spice mix, stemming from my island-roots. The perfect spice blend is key to bring out just the right flavors.
Book your experience with Chef Ashantha
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