Charbel Chaaya’s culinary career began early on, inspired by his Lebanese parents and their love and respect for quality and tradition. He started in the kitchen from the age of 14, working in local cafes and restaurants throughout Lebanon. Charbel’s culinary repertoire flourished during his early twenties working across Lebanon’s most renowned restaurants including Al Saniour, where he developed his craft exploring Lebanese, Japanese and Italian cuisines.
He moved to Sydney in 2009 and opened his first restaurant in Riverwood within a month of his arrival. Together with his wife Violet, Charbel established one of Sydney’s most authentic Lebanese restaurants. The popularity and demand for authentic Lebanese cuisine soon lead to the launch of Char Cha catering, providing exquisite dishes for high-end corporate functions to family milestone events. By April 2022, Charbel proudly opened the doors to his second restaurant in Padstow, rebranding his business to Char Cha by Charbel Chaaya.
Charbel’s passion and the importance he places on quality produce are evident in the dishes and catering projects he undertakes. His passion for Australian produce, authentic cuisine and exceptional hospitality have paved the way to his success and driven him to where he is today.
