Israeli Chef Lior Berman Cooks for British Royal Family
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Israeli chef Lior Berman cooked a private dinner for six members of the British royal family and aristocracy in London on October 6. The meal adhered to strict dietary restrictions including no gluten, dairy, tomatoes, or garlic. Berman's culinary style blends French techniques with Israeli and Mediterranean influences, and her royal engagement reportedly stemmed from her work in food innovation and a personal recommendation. She proudly maintains her Israeli identity while working in the UK.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli chef Lior Berman cooked for the British royal family on October 6.
- The exclusive dinner was for six members of the royal family and aristocracy.
- Berman's menu adhered to strict restrictions: no gluten, dairy, tomatoes, or garlic.
- Her cooking style combines French techniques with Israeli and Mediterranean flavors.
- The royal engagement reportedly originated from her food innovation work and a recommendation.
- Berman proudly maintains her Israeli identity while working in London.
Israeli chef Lior Berman recently prepared a private dinner for six members of the British royal family and aristocracy at a London estate. The exclusive event, held on Tuesday, October 6, saw Berman serve a meticulously crafted meal to a princess, princes, and lords. Berman described the experience as "extraordinary and very English," noting the formality and the presence of a royal Rolls-Royce outside, but emphasized her focus remained on delivering exceptional and authentic food.
Berman, who has lived in London for 14 years, graduated from the Institut Lyfe culinary institute in France. She began her career in local delis before transitioning to private chef work after impressing clients. Her culinary style blends seasonal, high-quality ingredients with a zero-waste approach, incorporating French techniques with the richness of Israeli and Mediterranean cuisine. She maintains a strong connection to her hometown, Haifa.
The royal engagement stemmed from Berman's involvement in food technology and culinary innovation. She collaborates with Technion's food labs in Haifa and advises food tech companies. A meeting with a Technion researcher led to an enthusiastic reception of her cooking, prompting the researcher to share her contact with the royal family's office manager. The family sought a private chef for a discreet, high-level event, and Berman's personal recommendation secured the opportunity.
The main challenge for Berman was adhering to a strict list of dietary restrictions, including no gluten, dairy, tomatoes, garlic, peppers, or dominant spices. She created a menu featuring fresh fish, roasted vegetables, citrus notes, and a dark chocolate dessert, focusing on light, precise, and aesthetic dishes without compromising taste. The meal included yellowfin tuna ceviche, monkfish and chicken skewers, roasted acorn squash, saffron rice, and flourless dark chocolate brownies. The guests were so pleased they requested to take leftovers home.
Berman proudly asserts her Israeli identity, even during complex times for Israel. She continues to foster connections with Israel and explore food tech collaborations with the Technion. She stated, "I explain myself calmly and pleasantly, but I always tell clients that I am here for the food, and that I will never hide who I am." Her philosophy remains centered on using excellent ingredients, cooking wholeheartedly, and staying true to herself, regardless of her clientele.