Q&A with Club Chef of the Year, Hossein Moshtaghi
After taking out the Club Chef of the Year title for the second year running, we jumped behind the kitchen doors for a quick Q&A with our Executive Chef, Hossein Moshtaghi. From his humble beginnings in southern Iran to leading the award-winning team at Norths, Hossein’s passion for food and dedication to his craft shine through in everything he does. We sat down to learn a little more about the man behind the apron.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Abadan, in the south of Iran, not far from the Persian Gulf. It was a great place to grow up, although the summers were incredibly hot—temperatures would often reach 50 degrees!
Where did your love of cooking originate?
From my mum. She was an incredible cook and passed on that love of cooking to me from a very young age.
How many years have you been a chef?
I started my chef career in 1997 after immigrating to New Zealand. I had always enjoyed cooking, but never considered it as a career—originally, I wanted to be a mechanic! It wasn’t until I landed a job at one of Auckland’s top seafood restaurants that my passion for the culinary world really took off.
You have young kids at home—what’s your go-to recipe?
I don’t have a specific go-to recipe, but I tend to lean into flavours I love—especially Persian spices, herbs, and traditional-style dishes. Right now, the kids are really into a prawn and rice dish, but it’s always changing!
What are your top three tips to help people improve their cooking at home?
- Keep your knives sharp! It’s actually safer to use a sharp knife than a blunt one, and it makes the prep so much easier.
- Taste as you go. Don’t wait until the end to try your dish. Adjust seasoning throughout the process—it’s much easier to balance flavours as you cook than fix them at the end.
- Cook what you love to eat. It sounds simple, but it makes a big difference. If you enjoy the food you’re making, you’ll enjoy the process more too.
What’s the best thing about working at Norths?
I get to lead a team of incredibly passionate people who genuinely care about what they do. They’re focused on delivering amazing experiences for our members and guests—and it’s a pleasure to work alongside them every day.
