Zahra Nazary

Zahra is a mother of two and passionate cook. She is Hazaras, from Afghanistan and arrived as a refugee in Ōtautahi Christchurch in 2021.

Zahra was born and grew up in Tehran, Iran, and learnt to cook both Afghan and Persian dishes from her mum. She loves making people happy through her food and the sense of achievement she feels when diners enjoy her dishes.

Ghorma Sabzi is Zahra’s favorite dish. It is type of meat stew with a balance of sweet and sour flavours with chunks lamb or beef, spinach, kidney beans, lots of herbs and a yoghurt sauce. Zahra thinks her mum makes the best version and has lots of good memories of learning to cook at her mother’s side.

“Being part of Share Kai makes me feel proud of my culture and who I am. I like meeting new people, connecting with them and sharing about my culture through my food.”